Hi, I am newer at this, I was wondering if anyone can tell me where I can find dimensional information for the front end of a DC-9 that I am about to build?
Specifically, the dimensions of the cockpit?
Any help with this information is appreciated so much..
Kristin
Welcome!
Great to see a Diesel 9 builder on here! I'm in Minneapolis and was lucky enough to get to see Delta's farewell flights to the DC-9 earlier this week after almost 50 years of service. Of course, they've been doing non-scheduled flights still, but no more scheduled service. Sad to see her go, she was a great workhouse and MSP has always, at least through 2011, been lucky enough to get lots of DC-9s.
Unfortunately, I have no DC-9 dimensions. You might consider looking at eBay for throttle quadrants, I know there are several MD-80 quadrants up for sale which, although newer than the DC-9, have the same dimensions, I believe, and the levers are the same too. I got my real 757 TQ on eBay and it's a decision I would STRONGLY recommend to any builder. Nothing can beat the feel of the real thing.
Keep us posted with your progress and pictures are always welcomed!
Matt
Thanks Matt,
Well since it's hard to find dimensions, I went ahead and made arrangements to head down to Mojave. I will be driving down on the 17th, and on the 19th, I have 1.5 hours to get all measures and pictures that are needed. I believe it will be off of a DC-9-31. Then I will build the frame from wood, and on we go.
Kristin
What about this page?
http://www.md80project.dk/portal/forum_topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=92&FORUM_ID=35&CAT_ID=12&Forum_Title=MD-80+Project+related&Topic_Title=Cockpit+dimensions (http://www.md80project.dk/portal/forum_topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=92&FORUM_ID=35&CAT_ID=12&Forum_Title=MD-80+Project+related&Topic_Title=Cockpit+dimensions)
Lots of info in here. May even be a work in progress? Some similarities to the DC-9.
Great link there. The MD-80 cockpits, as far as I can tell, are nearly identical in size and measurements as the DC-9's, afterall the first MD-80s were DC-9-80 series. Avionics are really the only major difference I think...
Matt
This would be a great build Kristen and I look forward to seeing your progress. Please post pictures as you go. Back in the 90s when I flew as an FE in P-3s out of NAS Glenview there was a VR squadron (VR-51) that shared the tarmac with us (VP-60 & VP-90). They flew the C-9Bs which essentially were DC-9s.
Best regards and welcome to CB.
Scott
Welcome Kristin!
Good luck with the DC-9! Always nice to see how people tackle the projects that don't have readily available information. Mojave? It looks like you are going straight to GO and collecting $200 on the way! I wish I could work in the opportunity to spend the day there measuring and taking photos!
Keep us up to date and stay active in the forum. It's a great place to hang out.
You would change your mind quickly when you enter an old aircraft that sits in the heat of the desert. I have done it and if you are not careful you will pass out before you get out. Pete and I have both been thru that experience. Bring lots of water and a maybe even a dust mask. Take pictures of everything.
While I'm there I may also possibly, have access to a DC-8. Should i measure it as well?
Be mindful of Black Widow Spiders because old airplanes are great homes for them to reside in...
i'll stick with a dc9, i'm not risking it for a dc-8. lol, don't really want a dc8 sim anyway.
Kristin