October 15, 200322 yr I'm replacing my existing flat A340 Main panels with the new A340 3D Panels from Flightdeck Solutions. I requested the raw piece so I can save some money and do the detail myself. I thought I would show some Pics of what I did.It was quite simple, I was able to trim the pieces with a heavy duty scissors and then do the detail with an exacto knife. When cutting with the knife, I took my time and went over the same cut several times till I went through the material. I then used 220 count sandpaper and sanded the rough edges. I painted the panels with Plasti-Kote custom Formula spray paint. It took two coats and a good 24 hours for it to dry.I'm very pleased with the outcome, I think you will agree.
October 15, 200322 yr Mike, Roberto, thanks for your kind comments. If it wasn't for this forum and the help from many here I would not have been able to do what I'm doing today. Hopefully by me sharing my experiences will help others in making the right decisions in building their flight sim. BTW, I still have lots to learn.
October 16, 200322 yr What are you using for an interface Matt?? You know L-1011 square pushbutton switches are exactly the same as the ones used in the A320,A340,A330 Familly you could look those up too to add more real parts to your cockpit.Roberto
October 16, 200322 yr Roberto, I'm using AML-20 switches for the Overhead and for the Glareshield and Mains I'm using the Jay-el switches. As far as the interface I'm using Epic. I've got much to learn regarding EPIC. I don't have anything wired yet.Robert, Yes they are the new Vacuum forms from Flightdeck Solutions. I love them, they're fantastic.
October 16, 200322 yr WOW !.Super job there finishing the panels off. Peter has sold me on getting these panels in the future, but as always there are other priorities for my money not least of which is my commercial pilots license.Peter has done a wonderful job with the A340 and you show a lot of skill and attention to detail in your building.I'm working on "home built" panels etc for the moment and all the construction is very modular so that any size adjustments for the FDS panels should be very easy.I have the FCU panels to go with the PM software and everything is looking fairly good.I'm following what you and Peter Dickenmann are doing very closely and with some of my own ingenuity everything is coming together.GlennEdmonton. Canada
October 16, 200322 yr Lovely job Matt.....!How did you manage to colour match so well. Did you have the plasti-cote paint made up specially, or is it "off the shelf"?I'm really trying to find exact colour matches for Boeing Brown and Boeing Grey.....Anyone help?!CheersNick
October 16, 200322 yr Nick, I have to give credit to Peter Cos (Flightdeck Solutions), I got the paint from him. I just ran out and am in process of finding a local source for the Plasti-Kote #866 Custom Blend. I like the quality of the paint, it gives it a nice plastic panel look to the panel.
October 17, 200322 yr Nick Take a look at this page: http://www.em.ca/~cockpits/resources/paint.htm It gives the colour for Boeing Brown and Airbus colours. Just how accurate it I couldnt tell you but you could probably get a small sample pot made.Gaz
October 19, 200322 yr >Nick, I have to give credit to Peter Cos (Flightdeck>Solutions), I got the paint from him. I just ran out and am>in process of finding a local source for the Plasti-Kote #866>Custom Blend. I like the quality of the paint, it gives it a>nice plastic panel look to the panel. Hi Matt,If I had taken the time to read on past the pictures I would have known which paint to get!Hopefully we can get the same paint here in the UK; I have found the UK arm of that company, I just hope they do #866 :)
October 19, 200322 yr Hi Norman, paint seems to be a problem here. Although I got a list from Plasti-Kote Customer Care of who does the #866 Custom Blends locally, it seems none of them really do. So I've found a place that guaranties a perfect match, similar quality. We'll see.
October 19, 200322 yr As I mentioned in my email, earlier today I went along to B&Q who are probably the largest DIY chain in the UK. I *knew* that they sell Plasti-Kote so it seemed a fair bet.Not sure if there was a language barrier or if in fact I had asked for the holy grail since either way the result was the same. Empty handed.I think I will call Plasti-Kote UK tomorrow
October 20, 200322 yr >Not sure if there was a language barrier or if in fact I had>asked for the holy grail since either way the result was the>same. Empty handed. As a Brit living in the US, I can assure you that Winston Churchill was right when he described the British and the Americans as "Two people divided by a common language" :-)Richard
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