Forum Navigation
Please or Register to create posts and topics.

Shane Barnes L45-007 Project Updates!

PreviousPage 2 of 3Next

UPDATE:

I received the APU panel and weights placard along with the modified switch caps for the switch guards from Eric T. today. I was able to assemble the switch guard / switch and cap for the APU panel to see how it was going to look and was really pleased with the results.

 

Here are a couple of photos:

 

 

Here I have added the START/RUN switch, the screws to hold the panel to the backer panel and the DZUS fasteners . . all that is left is to place the connectors on the wiring and it is ready to interface:

 

I also received the weights panel from Eric. The metal weights placard looks really good and adds those small details that really add to the build. The weights placard is silver . . the lighting in the room was really messing with my photos:

 

 

I also installed the document holder to the rear wall tonight and install the stickers located below the document holder. A few small details that add to the realism:

 

UPDATE:

Over the holiday I was able to work on an area that I had been putting off . . the flightdeck curtain. I ordered the parts needed that total around $28.00 and finished up the project.

 

I also finished out a filler panel over the doorway that filled a void area between the interior panels and the top of the shell door and placed aluminum angle along the sides of the door opening to give this area a finished look and protect the edge of the MDF from scuffs etc.

 

Thanks to my wonderful wife . . . she did the sewing on the curtain! Now I owe her!

 

Here are a few photos of the updates:

 

The curtain uses a track system very similar to the real Lear:

 

The curtain is made out of duckcloth:

 

forgot to iron the wrinkles out:

 

(Posted by Mark Speechley on 12-02-11)

Shane, I have just spent last night, 2 hours reading through this incredible build thread, getting to bed at 12:52 am. Today whilst treating patients I had difficulty concentrating just thinking of your epic cockpit build with all the added features that you have installed and the ground breaking lateral thinking you have used to create this worthy creation. I am in awe, on reflection! To all the rest of you, Ron, Eric, Mark, Vince and everyone else who have combined to make this Lear Jet cockpit come alive, I salute you!

 

I am amassing what assets I can command to put this jigsaw puzzle together but the woodworking, metal working, electronic, electrical, computer and nous skills required, is really making this task more daunting than ever. I will promise to you all that I will give it a go knowing that you all are looking over my shoulder to give me a hand. I think I'll take the tortoise approach and the slow and steady will win the race. Lastly. Shane. YOU ROCK!

 

(Posted by Shane Barnes on 12-02-11)

Thanks to everyone for your comments! . . it does seem to be getting near the finish line but I still have a few parts needed like computers, a SYS card, and get the interfacing done for testing . . then the visuals (that will be awhile) but I am getting there.

 

Hey Mark S., I looked back and saw that I started building on the sim May 01, 2009 . . 2 years and 8 months. As Ron stated a slow approach is the best approach. I can tell you of several occasions where I got ahead of myself and in the long run it cost me time and money.

 

Here are a couple of pointers I think will help you over the long build process.

 

1. Plan your build . . decide which way you are going to start. Will you start with the shell first or start working on the interior. Neither is wrong choose which best suits you. Either way you will first need to build a rolling base for the shell or interior to sit on. If you want to be flying soon build from the interior out. If you have patience start with the shell first.

 

2. Take time and read thru all of the posts here including each members build. . the more you know about the Lear and all of the different ideas here at the Hanger will help you make good choices about how you want to accomplish your build. Read all the way thru the thread because sometimes an idea at the start of the thread may get modified before the end of the thread

 

3. Don't work on your build if you are not in the mood . . if you are like me you will only break parts or mess something up and need to come back and rework it. If you are not having fun while working on your build take a break from it. I have walked away from my build for weeks at a time.

 

4. Don't get ahead of yourself . . don't worry about buying all the parts needed to finish your build all at once . . you will end up with a pile of parts sitting for months/years before they are needed. If you have payed for these parts with a credit card you are now paying interest on parts that are sitting and not needed yet. Some parts (like real parts such as yokes, throttles) don't come around that often. If you can find them and they are reasonably priced I would get them and hang on to them. Some parts sources come and go quickly! Prioritize your purchases.

 

5. Start out with the mindset that the project is going to take several years to complete. Try to implement all of the small details in your build . . you will be amazed at how little details really add to your build. Good examples . . Ron's gear freefall handle . . very rarely used but it is there and works . . just adds to the realism, another example is the weights plate Eric supplies for the weights panel on the MIP . . most of us don't give that panel a second thought but it is a small detail that makes the build that much more realistic.

 

6. Understand that the Hangar 45 idea of the Lear build is a full scale cockpit build utilizing a shell and including all of the interior components. If you stray from this path you are charting new territory and we may not be able to answer questions because we have not built a three quarter simulator. We do have builders here that for various reasons did not build a full shell and are in the process of building a 3/4 build.

 

As I stated they are charting new territory and learning as they go. They are adding another dimension to the Hangar site for builders who may not have the space for a full size sim or other reasons. There is nothing wrong with going this route just understand that all of the files, drawings, diagrams and templates that we have are based on a full scale build. I think that the guys pioneering the 3/4 build cockpits will be able to help any future 3/4 builders that we may have . . so don't think you are not welcome here if you decide on a 3/4 build . . if your building the Lear 45 you have found a home!

 

These are only a few pointers but they all come from the experience I have had building 007 . . oh and take lots of photos along the way. It is really nice looking back thru them and see where you started and what you have accomplished.

 

(Posted by Mark Speechley on 12-02-11)

Shane, Ron Eric & co.,

 

Just the response I was expecting. Very sage advice....which is why I am here. No 3/4 build for me. I have Ron's Shell L45-012 so wouldn't even know how to convert to a 3/4 build !! I have been a bit enthusiastic with the purchasing of bits because it gives me the feeling that I am getting somewhere and also more important as Jeff and Will would know that the exchange rate for the aussie dollar is the best in years. It wasn't that long ago that it was 2 $A to 1 US$. That would make a little old AML jump from US$8 to $16. That would blow your budgets to bits. Shane I had given my build 12months to 'functional' stage but I suppose with your insight I need to be a little more flexible. Worthy of trying though. I see how fast Eric and Alan have progressed this year with the internals so at the least that can be done.

 

(Posted by Shane Barnes on 12-02-11)

When I started I thought I would be finished a lot sooner but as the build progressed it was not near as fast as I hoped (and I am glad . . I've had a lot of fun along the way). Your build will most likely be faster than mine as many parts were "yet to be developed" at the early stages of my build. A lot of parts are now readily available due to the hard work of guys like Eric T., Ron, Mark, and Vince That is the reason that you have seen such progress with Eric and Alan's build. Also members now have a lot of tutorials to reference on the Hangar that saves members a lot of "trial and error" that early members worked thru.

 

I forgot about the exchange rate . . I bet it is a good time to buy parts! I would do the same . . all about saving money so you can make your parts budget go further! As for the shell kit that you got from Ron . . I highly recommend the kit. It really adds to the project. I think it took me about 2 to 3 months maybe a little more to complete the shell kit to its final state of fiberglass and paint and I spent a lot of time at the garage completing it.

 

A couple of tips concerning Ron's shell. Before you assemble the shell take a look at Ron's tutorial concerning the glareshield. You will see that by laying a couple parts out you can make a nice template for the filler panel for use later when you start working on the glareshield area.

 

Also lay the two backwall sections down side by side and get you a template of the door opening. This way if you need to make a filler panel later for this area depending on how you finish the interior out you will have a template . . if you don't end up using it no big deal . . but if you need it, a lot simpler to get it before assembly. Just some of those things you learn as you progress with the build.

 

Looking forward to watching another shell come together . . don't forget to start an L45-012 build thread under the project updates so we can see your progress!

 

UPDATE:

It has been over a month since I posted an update . . . and I have not done any work to the sim. I have been busy remodeling the sim room. The room needed a face lift and I have been working hard to get it finished so I can get back to work on the build.

 

Tonight I finally finished the majority of the work and was able to hang a couple of Lear 45 posters on the wall, move my small Lear library and associated manuals into the room, and move the parts not installed in the build to their new location within the room. Here are a few photos of L45-007's new home.

 

The plan is to use the projector screen that Ron designed . . it just fits the room and the shell is sitting in very close proximity to where it will be positioned with the curved screen in place:

 

 

 

 

UPDATE:

I finished adding the connectors to Vince's trim panel. It is a really nice addition to my build . . thanks again Vince!

 

Here are a few photos . . .All knobs and switches in place:

 

FDS style connector installed ready to connect to FDS board and 12v power connector in place:

 

UPDATE:

Time to update the Pitch Trim Panel with the correct RUDDER TRIM rotary selector switch that returns to center after activation. Here is a link to the part number if you decide to upgrade. You may be able to find a cheaper version . . this is just one of the first that I found and its around $50 . . .

Link to Switch

 

Overall view of the back of the panel after rotary selector install:

 

closeup photo of the rotary selector showing the spring return:

 

Just one of those small details that add a little more realism for me . . probably will never use this switch in the sim but I can show that it functions as in the real aircraft with the spring return to center.

 

(Posted by Shane Barnes on 06-29-12)

I have completed the prototype of a newer design of the elevator disconnect box located on the pilot side of the TQ pedestal. It now features a switch that can be interfaced and the handle can be pulled up and rotated 90 degrees to lock the handle in position as in the real world Lear 45:

 

 

 

I also found a Universal FMC on eBay and added it to my collection of real parts . . I plan on using this one for a dummy and most likely add a small LCD for ATC or other programs:

 

Been awhile since I updated my build thread . . earlier this year work kept me away from home and once back home I re-designed and completed five pitch disconnect assemblies and one parking brake assembly for Hangar 45 members.

 

UPDATE:

Now back to work on my project . . the last few days I have been working on stick shakers for my project. Awhile back I was able to pick up two stick shakers from eBay and confirmed that they worked once I received them. These are not exactly like the shakers in the Lear 45 but are close enough and will provide the function needed. I am using a 24V power supply to power the shakers.

 

Here are some specs on the shakers:

Part number: 2380051-2

Manufacturer: Lear Jet Corporation / Kansas

Voltage: 27VDC 5A

 

Here are a few photos of the stick shakers:

 

I was able to clean these up with some dawn dish washing liquid and water. After cleaning, a few of the parts like the cap, and attachment bracket assembly were removed, sandblasted and repainted. I was able to tape off the foil label prior to painting. I then painted the parts a satin black then applied a flat clear to dull the paint down a little.

 

The stickshakers can be interfaced with the relay board from FlightDeckSolutions. . I am using 24V dc. to get them to work. Also, if the seller can't / won't test them for you . . well you are flying blind and taking a chance at luck that they will work . . I was lucky both worked.

 

UPDATE:

I finished my switch guards for the engine start panel. Awhile back I ordered the Engine Start Panel from Eric T. and the panel has been sitting patiently waiting for me to finish the guards and get them installed. Here is a few photos of the panel with guards installed:

 

 

And here it is sitting in the center console with a few other panels:

 

I really like the looks of the Engine Start Panel sitting there . . one step closer to having a flying sim

 

UPDATE:

It has been quite a while since I worked on any parts for my build but thanks to Alan I was motivated to refurbish the Universal UNS-1 CDU that I purchased last year. After seeing Alan's CDU I decided to get to work on mine. I completely disassembled the CDU including the glass falling out . . didn't plan on that but worked out okay. After several hours of checking each switch to ensure they were working, checking the lighting to ensure it was working, cleaning each button with Dawn dish washing liquid, sanding and painting the metal housing and a small amount of masking to save the Universal white lettering at the top, cleaning and reinstalling the glass with hot glue, I had a near new looking UNS-1 CDU . . Thanks Alan for the motivation . . I was needing that!

 

Here is a photo of the CDU after all the work:

 

I thought of masking the lettering right before applying paint. I used clear packing tape . . this allowed me to use a hobby knife and trim the tape very close to the white lettering . . after applying several coats of paint and allowing to dry, I then removed the tape and sprayed several coats of matte clear finish over the whole part to add some durability to the paint finish.

 

UPDATE:

A week or so ago I ordered a Phidgets card to be able to interface the DC load gauges ( AOA gauge) to the simulator. Tonight I had a little time to get the DC gauges wired up, Rick T's Analogix program downloaded along with the drivers for the Phidgets board and after a little tinkering got one of the gauges up and interfacing with FSX. Rick's interface is an excellent addition to our builds! Thanks for the continued work on this Rick!

 

(Posted by Shane Barnes on 06-04-14)

Wow . . it has been over a year since I have added any updates to my build so I think it is time I done some updates. Over the past year I completely took my build apart to do a few modifications. One big modification that I completed was installing real control columns from a Lear 35 . . had to do a few modifications but I am very satisfied . . as most of you know I really enjoy using real parts if possible .

 

After completing that task I started reassembly of the interior . . at this point I have the TQ pedestal and MIP tower installed . .hopefully for the last time! I also installed the MIP and upper MIP/Glare panel and started the wiring process. Here are a few photos of the progress:

UPDATE:

 

 

 

 

I also worked on the Trim switch panel that is located on the center pedestal. Last year I found the real trim switch so had to install it and while working on installing the switch I started thinking about a way to make this panel function as in the real aircraft . . think I found a way with a DPDT switch but more on that later once I am sure it will work. Here are a few photos of the trim panel:

 

 

And last a photo for Alan . . somehow I missed your email and found it today . . you asked about the 12v connection for the LCD screen . . look at the lower right corner on the LCD circuit board and you will see it . . it has four wires coming off two red / two black:

 

(Posted by Randy Buchanan on 06-08-14)

Shane, your air pipes are a good idea and Just about now in your build would be the time to install some aluminum maybe 2 or 3 inch duct work to the locations where you will have the outlets. I don't know if anyone has thought about this but if you are going to install a window it can get hot and stuffy in what is by aviation standards a small space. I think it is a good idea, but it is a subtle feature but it is also needful. Rigid PVC is fine where Shane has his but if he had used aluminum, what I call accordion duct it would have curved against the side walls in the frame cavity for more space on the bulkhead. In other spaces like overhead in the cockpit rigid PVC would be difficult.

 

(Posted by Shane Barnes on 06-08-14)

Hey Randy, aluminum duct probably would work here . . might have to take a look at that. The PVC duct is only in the avionics bay . . the rest of the duct going to the overhead and side vents on each side is plastic flex hose that is about 3/4 to 1 inch in diameter. With the two bilge blowers I have plenty of air being pumped into the flightdeck .. I just liked the idea of having the overhead and side vents do something.

 

UPDATE:

Here are a few updates to my build . . finally was able to purchase the computer parts I needed for the main flight sim computer and a couple of photos of the sim:

 

A list of components in my build: Intel i7-4960X LGA 2011 / Asus Rampage Blk edition MB / EVGA Geforce Titan Blk video card / Corsair Vengeance 2400mhz 32GB / EVGA 1300w PSU / Samsung 840 Pro 512GB SSD / WD Black series 1TB 7200rpm HD / CoolerMaster Seidon 240 liquid cooler / CoolerMaster 932 HAF case / Windows 7 Pro 64:

 

I was able to get some of my interior panels back in the build after finishing up the interior molds:

 

 

 

A few of the panels in the center pedestal .. waiting to be wired in. Also I've added the switch bezels that Ron made to the engine start panel . . a nice finishing touch to that panel!

 

(Posted by Ron Rollo on 08-25-14)

I have been running my sim for over two years and I have not even reached 25% of my 1TB hard drive. But I have not down loaded nearly as many scenery upgrades as I would like. Even then I think I would still be under 500GB.

 

Shane, you might be able to get away with using your 500GB SSD card as your primary hard drive and use the 1TB hard drive as your back up. I think you could do this for at least two years as I have done without coming close to running into space issues. And if you did, just get a second 500GB SSD. The options are exciting!

 

(Posted by Shane Barnes on 08-25-14)

I checked my old sim computer before I wiped it clean and was using about 400 GB . . and I had a lot of flight sim addons so I think it will be okay. I don't plan on having as many on the new computer as they will not be needed with the advances ORBX has made in the scenery area. . . SSD prices will probably have dropped even more by the time it may become an issue for me.

 

I've not installed my glareshield yet as I have a lot of wiring to do . . all of the wiring from the center pedestal, TQ pedestal and MIP is waiting to be run to the avionics bay and attached to the FDS boards . . . a lot of wiring to be done . . sounds like a fall/winter project on those cold days when the weather is bad . . sit back, watch a movie in the sim room, do some wiring, enjoy some coffee.

 

UPDATE:

I have my main Prepar3d computer built and running with P3Dv2 installed along with FSUIPC. I have wiped Vista 32bit off the computer I was using in my old sim and installed windows 7 64bit . . so I have two of the three planned computers up and running . .will still need to add a third at some point.

 

I have also re-wired my yokes as I was not satisfied with the first wiring job. I've wired most of my 12volt items such as overhead lighting, map lights, under glare lighting, ventilation fans etc. I finished adding all the pots to the flight controls. I am waiting on some parts to arrive now so I can finish wiring up a few panels and finishing up the numerous wiring harness needed for the panels. It is nice finally being at a point where I can start seeing some progress again.

 

UPDATE:

April 01, 2009 . . that is the day I officially started on my build. I started building the base while waiting on the shell being shipped from Ron. I received the shell kit on April 04, 2009 . . . over 5 1/2 years ago! I can't believe how much I have learned while building this project!

 

During this time I built an instructor station to house the 2 computers (later will be three). I also have the two Davtron clocks online, and several smaller areas finished that needed a little attention.

 

Instructor station at rear of shell:

 

Photos of interior lighting:

 

 

 

(Posted by Shane Barnes on 02-22-15)

I finally got the N1 sync function working in the sim. I am using the hotkeys function in FSUIPC to sync the throttles. Since I have the ENGINE START PANEL hooked into a FDS board I had to assign a key press . . in this case I assigned S for sync. Nice seeing the N1 SYNC display in JET45 when N1 SYNC is active.

 

In case we have guys that have not assigned this yet here is how to do it.

 

Go into Interfaceit . . select the switch that is assigned to N1 . . select "send keystroke" "down and on" and assign S . . then add a second assignment select "send keystroke" "up and off" and assign S again

 

Go to FSUIPC . . Select hotkeys . . go to the section where you sync throttles and set "S" this should toggle N1 SYNC on and off . . depending on how you have your switch wired in.

 

(Posted by Eric Tomlin on 02-23-15)

Yes, and it's lots of fun pulling the right throttle all the way to idle and seeing how the left handle continues to set the thrust, JUST LIKE the real plane does.

 

(Posted by Shane Barnes on 08-24-15)

Hey guys, May 01, 2009 I officially started on L45-007. . . 6 YEARS later and I am close to completion. I would say that the project is close to 85% complete. As of this date I need to install a third computer to run the JET45 CDU software, install Audio panels once they are developed by Eric/Ron . . and purchase 2 more 60 inch TV's to finish out my outside visual. So far everything is working good.

 

Here are the latest photos of my build:

 

 

Windscreens installed:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(Posted by Mark Speechley on 08-24-15)

Well done Shane! You are scaring me now if you are 85% finished. I'm going to have to leave work to even get remotely close. Us Aussie boys are hot on the trail though and should be quite flyable by next year. Also just waiting on a panel part and the upcoming circuit breaker and audio and basically looking pretty good.

 

Is a separate computer required for the FMS ? or can it be run through a network computer. I've got three 'beefy' computers going now.

(Posted by Shane Barnes on 08-24-15)

I plan on using three computers . . one to run P3D . . one to run DU 1-4 . . . and one to run the RMU's . . standby gauges and the CDU. So you should be able to use the computers you have now. I'm looking forward to seeing those Aussie builds coming to life! It was a really good feeling to sit down in my build with the windscreens installed and all of the interior components in place . . . and to pull the curtain closed for the first time! All of the work sure has added to the immersion factor when you start the sim up.

 

(Posted by Ron Rollo on 08-25-15)

Hey Mark, to through my two cents in about the FMS. The answer is I think you can squeeze it in on one of your client computers and you should have no issues. I have mine on Client2-PC which also has the LCD screen for DU3 and DU4. As long as you have a video output for the screen you should be good. It DOES NOT lag behind, skip or stutter. From what I have seen so far it is an outstanding piece of software!

 

(Posted by Shane Barnes on 09-12-15)

Hey guys, I've been able to do a lot of test flights lately . . looking for any issues I may have missed while building the sim and also been fortunate to get to test the beta version of the CDU. I can say that the CDU is really going to add another level of realism to our sims. I think everyone will really enjoy the CDU once testing and tweaking is completed . . thanks for all the work Jason!

 

Also while flying I made another observation. If you go the route of building a shell, fiberglassing and enclosing with windscreens and flying with the flight deck curtain closed . . . you might want to consider a way to move air into the flight deck as it does get warm with just one person . . . add one more and it is even warmer! Early on I had incorporated two fans into the nose section of my build that will pull air in near floor level and move the air thru plastic duct work into vents in the overhead and side panels. Initially I had done this just to be able to say my vents work . . . now I am glad I added that feature. It is nice having some cool air flow thru the vents.

 

UPDATE:

I finally had a chance to make a mold of the mounting bracket for the cup holder that is mounted on the middle interior panel. I had one real one that I could use to make the mold. The mounting bracket is needed on the real panels due to the curves in the interior panel. The bracket allows the cup holder to mount flush with the panel. Here are a few photos of the final result.

 

F/O side:

 

Capt. side with a cup for your viewing pleasure . . and no I'm not a paid sponsor of Burger King:

 

Also a photo of the JET45 CDU running with an updated AIRAC cycle for February 2016 . . looks like I was a little shaky with the camera:

 

And a few other interior photos:

 

 

UPDATE:

I just completed a flight from Akron, OH to Lexington, KY using Active Sky Next SP4 . . started out with a snowy takeoff from Akron and arrived to snow in Kentucky . . a little icing along the way coupled with some moderate turbulence to 12,000. I would have to say ASN was very close to accurate on the weather when comparing to the weather depicted on the FOREFLIGHT app.

 

This was the first flight I was able to fly a STAR (standard arrival) into Lexington and VOXATC actually give me clearance for the arrival. I finally got it to work after updating the AIRAC cycle in VOXATC.

 

(Posted by Shane Barnes on 10-20-16)

Let me bring you up to date on my build. A couple months ago I started working on my visual system. I've chosen three 70 inch TV's for my outside visuals. Going this route I needed a base to mount the TV's. I wanted something that appeared to be a part of the build. With that in mind I built a rolling TV stand that is U shaped and fits around the front and sides of the shell and conforms to the contours found on the sides of the shell. I covered the stand with carpet to give a finished appearance.

 

Early stages of the build . . I built the stand in 3 sections so I can move the pieces into position around the sim and easier transport if I ever have the need to move the sim. The three pieces are bolted together once in place around the sim:

 

I left an opening in the front stand to be able to access the avionics area in the nose of the shell. At the bottom of the opening I added foam padding covered with carpet . . . much easier on the knees when working in the avionics bay of the shell:

 

 

A couple of photos demonstrating how the stand contours to the curves of the shell:

 

One TV mounted . . two to go:

 

I fabricated six mounting brackets out of 3/4 inch tubing. Two stands are used on each TV:

 

Four TV mounting brackets and two 70 inch TV's ready to be mounted to the stands. Takes two people so will have to convince the wife to help me:

 

I will update once I have all three TV's mounted . . .

 

UPDATE:

Another year almost gone and time for an update on L45-007 progress. The last few months I have been working on the outside visuals. I opted for three 70 inch TV's. One for the forward view and two for the side views. The side TV's are set at a 60 degree angle from the front TV:

 

 

Reference photo showing the front left corner of the visual system:

 

I can rotate the back upper wall section out to gain access to the windscreens for cleaning:

 

 

Reference photo showing the 70 inch TV coverage for the left view:

 

 

 

A few photos of the Universal Avionics UNS-1 CDU running FlightDeckSoft CDU software and the DU'S and RMU's running FlightDeckSoft JET45 software:

 

 

(Posted by Maciej on 12-29-16)

Looking really really good! This is strong proof how important is good visual system. I am confident that 50% of the GREAT sim is visual system! Looking forward to see some videos to see it in action!

 

(Posted by Shane Barnes on 04-10-17)

I've been somewhat quiet lately but I have been working on a few projects for several of our members:

 

To bring you up to date here is a photo of some progress. First is a CDU I have refurbished for Randy. It needed some rework on the wiring to make it functional with the Arduino platform we are using and disassembled, all the keys cleaned, sandblasted, repainted and also a new smoke colored lens as the original was missing. Ron was able to cut out a new lens and it worked perfect! I completed Randy's CDU this past weekend. It has been function tested with the new Arduino and is ready to ship back home.

 

The second project was for Ron. I sandblasted his second CDU frame and painted it back with self etching green primer. It will be ready for shipment this week so he can apply the final coat of Gunship Gray and reassemble his CDU.

 

I've also been working on a set of three elevator disconnect assemblies. They are nearing completion and will be available soon. If anyone is needing one of the assemblies send me an email so I can get you on the list. One of the assemblies is already on hold for one of our members.

 

(Posted by Ron Rollo on 07-20-17)

Great looking work Shane! I bet Randy is going to be excited to hear this news. I am looking forward to getting my CDU face plate back as well to get the second CDU up and running. Thanks Shane!!

 

UPDATE:

Hey Shane, I just spent the past two days going through this thread and backing it up manually. I wanted to say congrats on a sim build that anyone would be proud to have! I know you have a lot of work still ahead of you but what you have done is nothing short of stunning and incredible!

 

Here is a photo of your "generic simulator" that you had back in 2009:

 

And here is your Lear45 simulator that you have today!

 

Your sim is inspiration for us all who have the dream to build a Lear45! Looking forward to seeing your sim in person one day soon!

A throwback to the early days of Hangar 45.  Eric Tomlin and I were able to meet up in Gatlinburg Tennessee one weekend.

 

Hey guys,

It has been awhile since I updated my build thread.  I've been busy preparing for retirement at the end of July 2018 and not had much time for sim related stuff.  I did manage to find a missing piece for the interior of my project to fill a hole in an interior panel!  It is not the correct lettering on the switch faces but it is the correct switch! Minor details!

On the right hand side (co-pilot) you will find a three button switch in a gold plated housing. I was missing this switch housing and all I had was an empty rectangular hole to look at . . .  really annoying!

I installed the switch housing last night and added one of the final pieces to my interior!  Here is a photo of the rectangular hole I've been looking at for the last few years . . .

and here is a photo of the switch housing . . .

and here is the switch installed . . .

Looking good Shane!  I love the small details in your sim.  I don't think anyone will notice that the legends are not correct,  Heck, anyone here know what they should say anyway?  LOL

Great job Shane. Your attention to detail leaves this Speechley, Speechless !

Any fair dinkum Learjet 45 pilot, who comes to your house, would wonder what did you do with the rest of the plane ?

There is an old chinese proverb that says ' When the student is ready, the teacher shall appear'. Well blow me over with a feather, I was looking exactly at those switches this arvo. Here is the picture to prove it. Straight out of a real Lear 45 to be precise. So yes Ron now everyone will know what those little gems say.

 

Cheers

Mark S.

Uploaded files:
  • You need to login to have access to uploads.

Ahhh. . . . there is a difference in the switch housing.  Look at the top left corner of the switch and you will see a small half circle area removed from the corner. My housing does not have that.   It looks like there may be an illuminated indicator there to show whether the switch is activated.   That is the first time I had noticed that detail!  Always learning something new about the Lear!  Thanks Mark!

Hi  guys,

It has been over a year since posting and a lot of changes have come about.  I retired in July 2018 and three months later went back to work!  That was my plan all along but the new job is taking up more of my time than expected and not allowing me as much free time to work on the sim.

You might ask what is left to do if you have looked at my build thread as it looks as if the sim is complete.  It is to a degree but as more information is gained and this guy in Florida (Ron R.) keeps making major improvements    on older versions of parts and brand new parts are being produced … well that led me to a decision to do an overhaul of the sim in the near future.

As of right now I am in the parts gathering and planning phase.

Here is a partial list of improvements that I have planned so far:

Project 45  Items to be added to build:

DU's  1 thru 4

RMU's

Pitch trim panel

New MIP

Crew Warning Panel

APU panel

Rudder pedals

Items to be reconditioned / updated:

Control columns / Raised floor section around control columns

Blowers for air vents / hose

Recondition seats

Other items to be added:

Flight Illusion stand by gauges

JET45 software modules updated to Arduino

Microsoft Flight Sim 2020 ( if determined to be compatible)

New avionics and CDU computer

Most likely this list will grow as I see areas that need attention!

 

 

A small update to my build.  I have disassembled the interior to prepare for Ron's updated backlit panels, Jason's JET45 Avionics Suite updates to Arduino and miscellaneous other updates and repairs needed.

Present state of the interior . . .

 

 

All of the panels have been updated with correct switches, rewired with molex connectors for the arduino boards and carefully packed away patiently awaiting the day when they will be reinstalled.

 

PreviousPage 2 of 3Next