Lear 45 build

[shaneb]

I started a new thread to update the progress of my Lear 45 build.  I had posted a few photos under the new members section but thought update photos would be more appropiate here. 

[Trevor Hale]

Shane,

This work you are doing is fascinating..  Any way I could talk you into adding some of those pictures to the gallery?

Your skills are incredible.. 

Trev

[shaneb]

Hi Trev,

Thanks for the feedback   

I will try to add some photos to the gallery . . as for the work I need to give credit where credit is due. I completed the fiberglass work, assembly of the shell kit and some of the painting . . my father is the pro painter who completed all the outside paint work.

As for the shell kit and interior components, my good friend Ron Rollo designed and built these . . it is up to me to add the final details such as paint, switches, etc.  After receiving the shell kit from Ron, it took me about 6 months to do the assembly, fiberglassing, and painting of the shell as you see it now . . so a little labor intensive but worth it in the long run

The first simulator I built was very generic and I realized very soon that I wanted / needed much more detail in a simulator . . the Lear is fulfilling the need.

[Trevor Hale]

Well, Credit is due to the both of you, and Ron for the kit.  Paint job looks great, but without the time you spent doing such a good job assembling it, I doubt it would look as good as it does.

Kudos.

Trev

[XOrionFE]

Looks awesome Shane.   How is Ron's dual column setup working for you?  does it feel good in pitch?   I am about to setup mine (the kit I got from Ron for the Lear) but instead using it for the 737.   I am working on a new yoke mounting (doing some welding and prototyping) for the top part and have everything all set for the columns, bottoms, pulleys, etc.   But I havent setup yet so havent had a chance to find out how the pitch axis is going to feel with the screen door shocks and such.

Would like to know what you think?

Best Regards,
Scott

[shaneb]

Hey Scott,

I like the feel of it, I do have one issue and that is the return (after pushing yoke forward it has a smooth transition back to center right up until the last and then has an abrupt loss of pressure) I think I will try another shock to see if I have a bad one.  The pull to the rear and return is just right . . smooth transition back to center.

You have probably seen the effect I am talking about with some screen doors . . real smooth closure right up to the last then . . slam!

I think it will work fine just have to do some fine tuning . . as it seems with everything flight simming.

[Boeing Skunk Works]

Mein Gott man, that's incredible work.
It looks like you are actually fabricating a real aircraft.

Unbelievable!

[shaneb]

Hey Scott,

Forgot to mention something concerning the control columns . . I've not attached springs to the bottom of column . . so I do not know how that will differ from just the shocks.  I'll try to get the springs on and give you some feedback.

[Per Alm]

Impressive work. I think you will have a very nice pit when all instruments are mounted. Please post more pics as you progress!!

Regards / Per Alm

[shaneb]

Had a little time to work on the shell this week and completed the following work:  TQ and center pedestal primed, Main Instrument Panel tower primed and painted, lower control column system painted, and carpet installed.

[Bob Reed]

Oh man!! Very nice! I just love the shell look!!

[jackpilot]

Beautiful, looks like a real assembly line!
note: watch out, the carpet has to be antistatic.
Our delicate electronics are pretty sensitive to static discharge, especially in winter because of low humidity.

[shaneb]

Hi Jack,

I used the same type carpet in my other sim . . and did not have any issues with static, so hope I have the same result again but with my luck, same carpet manufacturer, different materials   

Goes along with my favorite saying "Nothing's ever easy"   

[Trevor Hale]

I wouldn't worry too much about it..  I have some crazy industrial carpet in my sim too and never had a problem..  Just ground your yokes, and you will be fine

[jackpilot]

I said that because I fried a brand new Hagstrom board a few years ago because of that awful little "Tick" at the end of my finger!

[Trevor Hale]

[shaneb]

Jack,

You have my luck . . if it can happen it will happen to me!   

[shaneb]

Hello all,

I've not updated my progress recently so I thought I would add a few photos. . .

Interior parts painted in correct gunship grey



Completed elevator disconnect handle



Under glareshield lighting



Landing gear freefall handle in place



Interior side panel assembled . . still needs paint



Interior side panel with "smoke goggles access door" open

[XOrionFE]

Looks great Shane!   I love the smoke goggles compartment.   Hopefully the pics helped.   I think you have the most advanced Lear now at the Hangar!

Really awesome work 

Regards,
Scott

[Trevor Hale]

WOW... Nice...  Great stuff, the spoiler disconnect handle is awesome..  Thanks for showing us.  I love seeing progress..

[shaneb]

Hey Scott,

Without those pictures I would never have been able to make this panel look right . . thanks a million . . of course this means your fingerprints are all over a Lear part     

Thanks Trevor . . little bit of metal cutting/welding , shaping with epoxy, some all thread and sanding /painting.  Some parts like the  disconnect are fun to build . . others I wish I could buy off the shelf! 

[shaneb]

Panel painted and installed . . .

[Trevor Hale]

 

[shaneb]

Backer panel with temporary labels and  switches installed until back lightable panels are available . . look familiar Scott?  This is one of the files you sent me earlier this year. I cleaned them up a bit in Paint.  Should work ok until correct panels are available.

[XOrionFE]

Nice work Shane!  Yeah, nice to have temp panels so you can work on stuff like interfacing while waiting for the final panels.