Avionics bay (737) width for instrument modules ?

[willow]

Hello;

I'm currently looking at buying a real 737-300 series avionics bay (twin panel type).

Is the width of the 300 series different to that of the NG series ?  (with the exception of overall shape and ability to hold 3 avionics modules side by side in the NG bay).

I have FDS instrument modules on order (1:1 size with NG) and need to ensure that they will drop onto the ZDOZ rails of the twin 300 series bay.   

Hope some one can help before I drop some clams on this avionics bay.   Thanks,   WilloW

[phil744]

Hey Iain

In a word yes, the width between the DZUS rail on the two row early -300 ped box is the same, so parts like your COMM/XPNDR stuff will fit in ther no problems......

However....

With the NG there is a lot more stuff to go in there, hence why the later -300 aircraft onwards adopted the 3 row ped box, sure your stuff will fit however you will have panels left over.

Keep in mind the aft section of the early -300 ped box is the rudder control, and you will have a the NG rudder panel to, so you will end up with two sets of controls that do the same job.

Personally i would hold until you can get a 3 row ped box, you will never get an true NG ped box so late-300 to -500 is your best bet, there is a 767 ped box on ebay i think at the moment, paint it grey the actuall panel area is the same size

Suppose the non essential stuff you could place in the aft overhead?

Phil

[willow]

Hey Iain

In a word yes, the width between the DZUS rail on the two row early -300 ped box is the same, so parts like your COMM/XPNDR stuff will fit in ther no problems......

However....

With the NG there is a lot more stuff to go in there, hence why the later -300 aircraft onwards adopted the 3 row ped box, sure your stuff will fit however you will have panels left over.

Keep in mind the aft section of the early -300 ped box is the rudder control, and you will have a the NG rudder panel to, so you will end up with two sets of controls that do the same job.

Personally i would hold until you can get a 3 row ped box, you will never get an true NG ped box so late-300 to -500 is your best bet, there is a 767 ped box on ebay i think at the moment, paint it grey the actuall panel area is the same size

Suppose the non essential stuff you could place in the aft overhead?

Phil

Hi Phil - thanks for the reply & relieving news.

My MIP is an NG (FDS MIP), however, the throttle I have is a 737-300 TQ with the 2 bay pedestal attached.  I was going to cut the bay off and replicate a 3 bay from wood.  But, to destroy the bay seems a shame.  Especially when the fire suppression panel is still intact

My sim is never going to replicate a NG in entirety, so compromises have to made.  I probably would never fill a 3 bay pedestal with the avionics as I fly alone (why buy 2 of everything and never use them (other than accuracy).  SO - it seemed like a good idea to use the 2 bay pedestal and fill it with what I need,  Accurate - not exactly.  I don't know there is many ways to look at the situation.  The 2 bay allows more room to get into the deck too 

Thanks for letting me know re the width,  Iain