want to build yoke for 777 - where to start?

Hi I want to build a good quality (with hydraulic dampers etc) connected yoke for 777. Current commercial offerings are way too expensive. Instead, my plan is to come up with a good design and get it built at the local machine shop at a decent price.I understand and can handle inteface details (with pots etc) but i don't know where to start when it comes to mechanical designs and I appreciate any suggestions/ideas.Also, I am wondering (and hoping) whether it is possible for someone who have built this hardware before to lead a project(similar to other open-source projects?) with a goal to come up with good designs and parts list details (similar to FSBUS or IOCards projects)? I am sure many other builders may be in a similar situation needing these critical hw components but not know how to proceed. Any interest?thankssrini