Hello, fellow cockpiters and simmers

[EAL727Capt]

Greetings from Tampa, Florida.
Being brand spankin' new to the website and forum, wanted to drop in and say 'hey.'
So.......     HEY.

Am currently in the process of collecting bits and pieces for a 727 simulator I've decided to build.  Thus far, I have seven (7) of the 25 (or so) controls, switches, dials, etc. for the overhead panel.  Am also anxiously awaiting the arrival of a landing gear handle/panel I've purchased.  I've been doing a boatload (widebody-load?) of reading on the electronics required for this project, including the books penned by Mike Powell on the subject.  I strongly recommend these books.

Needless to say, I am learning a great deal every day and am getting extremely inspired by what I've read and seen here.   Thanks to all for sharing your experiences and wisdom in the pursuit of our flight sim passions.

I'm in love with the Boeing 727.  My first ride on the bird was an Eastern 727-25 from Cleveland to Tampa to Sarasota/Bradenton in 1976.  Since then and until January, 1991, I rode Eastern continuously and am well-versed on its history and workings.

I have been an avid simmer since the late 90s when I would putz with MS's Flight Sim 98.  I now use FS9 (FS 2004).  I also am a fan of the Dreamfleet 727; it is a great product.   Additionally, I'm a member of VATSIM, although I haven't controlled in a while.  I used to be a real world air traffic controller in the USAF.  I am an instrument-rated private pilot but don't fly nearly as much as I'd like to.....way too much money these days.

That's basically it, in a nutshell.  I'm excited to be here and am look forward to working with you.

Jay

[DarrylH]

Welcome to the forum.

Looking forward to pictures of your build. I too am in love with the 727...but my pit is somewhat smaller and meaner...

Darryl

[Bob Reed]

Hi Jay and welcome! I am suprised Mike has not jumped in here. Wait untill he sees another 727 builder! She is a sweet bird and it seems is becomming very popular here. I look forward in watching this project grow.

[Trevor Hale]

Me too, it is exciting to see another 727 Builder.  I like that you guys want to take the old bird and bring her back to life.  the power of the 3 engines is amazing, and my theory always was when I built my falcon was..  3 engines are always better then 2. 

Welcome to cockpitbuilders.com

Trev

[Boeing Skunk Works]

Another builder sees the light!

Welcome to the forum. If I can lend a hand let me know. There's plenty of builds that have much in common so nearly anyone could help, but if you need specifics...

[EAL727Capt]

Gentlemen;
Thank you very much for the warm welcome.   I'm honored to be in such esteemed company.   Throughout the website and the forum, I have read about some incredible talent.  The inspiration provided to me cannot be measured in words and I am truly grateful.

Mine will be a slow process and I guarantee that I will have a ton of questions as the project progresses.  Initially, I wanted to do a Boeing 707 flight deck but was finding difficulty in obtaining the parts and pieces.   I then read about a gentleman in Puerto Rico (who is a member here, as well) who purchased the entire Section 41 of a TWA 727 and  performed a few miracles on it.  Needless to say, I was blown away.   Then, I found this site and continued to be amazed and bewildered.  Thankfully, the drooling stopped long enough for me to start purchasing instruments, dials, switches, etc.

Am still hunting for the essentials (e.g., throttle quadrant, left MIP, center MIP, right MIP, control yokes, rudder pedals, etc.)  and have located a few sources online.  Today, I received the four (4) toggle switch covers for the landing lights from Simparts in Germany.  They look perfect.  I'm guessing a center-off, SPST toggle will work here.

Mike, if you don't mind, I'll be peppering you with questions and comments.  And yes, I've seen the light and no, its not the oncoming light from a speeding freight train!

Thank you all, again.   I appreciate your help.

Jay.

[Bob Reed]

Ha!! By the time you are well into this you may feel it was the light from a speeding fright train.!! 

[jackpilot]

Hi Jay
Good choice, ample supply of real Aero parts for that bird, so many in fact that you might have to refrain from buying until the right quality and the right price show up.
I suppose you know these guys, ..just in case.!
They are good!
http://stores.ebay.com/Snap-Lemons-Classicair-Parts
http://stores.ebay.com/Bills-Surplus
http://stores.ebay.com/BONEYARD2U
http://stores.ebay.com/Aircraft-Stock
http://stores.ebay.com/getnick
And the "mother" of all parts suppliers the incredible Capt Nick at:
http://www.oncealoft.com/
Cheers
Jack

[EAL727Capt]

Thank you, Jack, for the website addresses.   I have done business with a few thus far.

Two (2) more goodies arrived today; Yaw Damper switches/panel and an EXIT sign (strictly for fun).

Am still hunting for others but that only makes it more fun and worthwhile.

Thanks again!

Jay

[Boeing Skunk Works]

You can use one of the yaw damper switches on the panel to control the dampers in the sim, and the other to control the OFF flags in the control surface position indicator. They will operate on three volts, but no more or you'll burn up the coils.

Don't forget, the yaw dampers are always on in the 727, all the way to the ground. You must have at least one working on the upper or lower rudder to engage the AP. That is one of the AP lock-outs.