Base construction version 2

[kurt-olsson]

Now using 4,5cmx14,5cm.
Adding two later to be able to reach my target height.
Will put 4 casters in each corner where the studs meet in the lower level. Each caster can take 100kg.

I will cut the second layer studs to be the same width as the frame.
What do you think? Solid?

[Bob Reed]

This looks much stronger!

[kurt-olsson]

These studs are used in heavy construction so the frame itself i am 100% sure will be fine.
Now i am just a tiny bit concerned about the 100kg casters.
Only four but it should hold 400kg.

2 pilots 200kg
Cockpit encapsule frame wood 50kg
Overhead 30kg
Aft overhead 20kg
Pedestal 10kg
Throttle 20kg
Yokes 0kg supported by its own base.
Seats 20kg

350kg in total with 50kg to spare...

I think i am safe...

[jackpilot]

You forget the platform itself in the weight calculation.
Try to get at least 150kg casters. Safest investment.
I would screw a first floor, 1cm thick (green on pic) on the first level for rigidity otherwise the whole platform will not be laterally rigidif you just stack the beams.

[kurt-olsson]

Thanks so much for helping me with this jack! Amlost there...

If i buy 4 more 100kg and put between the others i should be totally fine right?

I will screw the second beam layer with angled iron, do i still need that green level?

Once again, thanks.

[jackpilot]

You will stack up 2 plateforms in fact
That green floor would ensure that the first one  which has the wheels on is 100% tight as it will  support level 2.
Even with metal brackets it would be wobbly without that intermediate floor (IMHO)
.Besides you may end up with a extremely  heavy contraption!!

What about just one deck and Four bigger stronger wheels to get your 30cm.
Would also ease access from below the deck for whatever need later
Wheels under the yokes maybe not a good idea and it would save you a few centimeters. Check pic.

I am not "the" platform specialist, Other opinions welcome !! 

[kurt-olsson]

Hm if i would do it all over again i would have gone for that option.
Now it will be too expensive to switch since i bought all the wood and casters

I will add some more casters and that layer in the middle, the platfors is evenly distributed so 600kg should do the trick i guess.

[blueskydriver]

Hi Peter,

Did you draw your plans out on paper? If so, post a pic of it...I am planning on being in my hangar today and I will help you. I have ideas for you already, just need measurements of your plan.

I have built platforms a few times now...

John

[blueskydriver]

I am guessing due to time change you're in bed already...if so, I will wait until you post back. However, did you keep the small caster wheels or return them to the store? If you still have them, you can use those as extra support too the bigger ones, you just need to make some 2"x6" blocking to mount them on.

John

[kurt-olsson]

Hi John! Still awake!
I will try to make a sketch of what i have and send it to you and you can let me know what you think of it.

I upgraded to bigger casters that can hold 100kg each. The plan is to get maybe 4 more just to be very secure.

Will PM the scetch as soon as possible.

Thanks

[blueskydriver]

Okay, sounds good...

John

[kurt-olsson]

Ok, here comes the worst plan sketch ever, but i hope it can give you some explanation of what i am trying to build. =)

I will feed the thread with some more pictures aswell.

[kurt-olsson]

First layer

220 width and 180 depth.
Square with casters in every joint. (Will use the 100kg, these are just for show)

Yoke platform on its own casters floating in the middle.

[kurt-olsson]

Second layer

Four beam across that the floor will lay on.

Now, the whole platform will rise 10 once the four casters is added, and with the 2cm height floor it will be perfect with the yokes.

[kurt-olsson]

Third layer

The floor added.
And with the 10cm height also from the casters it will match the yoke floor height.

[blueskydriver]

Okay, some questions right away.

1. Why is the Yoke platform on caster wheels?
2. Are you planning to screw/bolt layer 2 down onto layer 1? I am assuming there is no future need to take it a part right?
3. Since layer 1 is on the bigger casters, where and why do you plan on moving the entire thing all at once? I assume this is so you can move it about to fix things later right?
4. What do you have for a MIP, Pedals, Cockpit Shell, Overhead FWD and AFT? If you have pics please post them...why I want too know, it's for me to get the bigger picture please.

I will draw out a sketch for you shortly...

John

[kurt-olsson]

Some answers

1, build it some time ago and i dont know how to "hang it" in the big frame.
2, you are correct and correct. Will screw it together and never take it apeart.
3, so i can rotate it and fix on the MIP and get in so i can hang the lcd tvs later.
4, all OEM. Simparts MIP, will build the stand myself.

Addition: will follow mickeys flightdeck and try to build the shell myself.

[kurt-olsson]

Some update.

It now sits on the wheel. I could only use 3/4 holes. Is this a problem?

This feels supersturdy. I can jump on the beams.

[kurt-olsson]

With second layer and wheels and a part of the floor.
I think i will put a 10cm beam under aswell so it only has 2-3mm clearing. If then a caster gives away it will only drop 2-3mm without braking something.

The woodbeams themself will not brake. Please look at my angled iron, two screws on each side, enough?

I am off to bed now. Thanks for all the help and see ya tomorrow.

[blueskydriver]

Hi Peter,

Okay, I made up some drawings for you, they're just for the platform, but it's close to what you have done already. You will notice the added outside 2"x6" boards, those are for stability and later attachment points for your Overhead items, as well as the MIP outside edges.

If you follow my drawings you will not need the metal brackets; instead, it's all wood to wood using screws or lag bolts (these are bigger screws with bolt heads). Notice the blocking; you will have to cut these pieces to fit, but they'll all be the same sizes.

Regarding the Yoke Platform Cradle, please understand it is done this way because you already have this platform built, so I figure attach it for strength and later mobility. You will have to figure out the measurements for attaching the boards.

If you have any questions, post them or PM me...

John

[blueskydriver]

After looking at all your items and seeing your platform build, I suggest you get an FDS Cockpit Shell Kit with Liners and get the FWD and AFT Overhead Mounting Hardware (including the swing down brackets).

Yes, I know it might seem costly, but you've already spent some money on your hardware, why not get a cockpit shell that can handle the weight, as well as make it simple to complete. Besides, I take it that building your platform is not that much fun, so do you really want to build a shell? Plus, you could be flying your simulator much quicker using the FDS Cockpit items...

John

[kurt-olsson]

Hi John!

Thank for your drawings! I dont hve to complement that much. Found a lookuptable with 4,5cmx14,5cm length 230cm needs to have "only" 60cm between to get a sturdy build. So i will add the extra beams acording to your drawing and extra wheel and i am pretty much done.

FDS has beautiful items but to much for me and you need to cut the roof to fit OEM and the weight and taxes of shipping (cost) would kill me.

I am a rookie at this, but man it is fun to build, i bought a professional jigsaw and a screwdriver so i am having a blast.

Building and checking with professional builder (read you) will be my approach.

[jackpilot]

Make sure your total width and length are OK for a shell. An extra foot or so at the back will allow support  for a cockpit door sill and eventually a jumpseat on the back wall.
Usually platforms are 8' X 8' square  (240 cm)

My 2 cents.

[kurt-olsson]

I made it 230cm width and only 180cm in depth.
Sounds short but i will try to take this challenge, this way my room is divided in two and i have space for workshopdesk and music stuff.

I have calculated that a door will fit at the back, but you will walk right out in the thin air if you exit! Haha

[jackpilot]

Your choice...might be tight though

Have fun....(besides I play blues   )