Hey Y'all, I'm in the planning stages for a P-51 simulator cockpit like the Spit Pit here:http://simhardware.org/index.htmlhttp://www.bob-ma.org/modules.php?name=For...03760cd3862c918Is there anyone out there with information on the B5 stick grip used in the P-51? The stick seems a logical place to start the project. I wish I could afford a real grip from Warbird-parts.com, but $235 is a bit much :), so I'll be building one. I have a few photos from the net, but I need measurements, a front view showing the trigger, and (if I'm allowed to dream) an photo of one dissassembled to show the mounting of the trigger and thumb bottons.Also, what did most USAAF WWII pilots do about checklists? Were they issued some kind of checklist notebook, make up their own, or just use whatever placards were in the aircraft?Lookin' forward to talking with someone. I have already built a temporary control stick, I will post some pics if I can remember to take the photos!Flyin' RyanP.S. I just have to brag about this ;) Last week, I went on my first date! 18 years old, with only one date under my belt. I know, what a loser. BUT... the date was an hour long flight in the 152 I rent! You can't beat that, eh? Airplanes and girls at the same time! Yahoooo!

Welcome! We need a P-51 'pit builder.There is a lot of info on the web. For example: http://www.icon.co.za/~pauljnr/manual.htm has some check lists.http://www.planestuff.com/p51muspilman.html is a reprint of the manual.Mikewww.mikesflightdeck.com

Mike, you are an encyclopedia of sim building knowledge. Amazing,John

Thanks for the help, but I had already found those sites. I was just wondering how the average P-51 pilot would have his checklists written down- handmade, AAF issued, or what. Only a weirdo like me would wonder about this stuff. :-roll Here's some pics of the current stick. Crude, but the feel is tons better than my old CH Combat Stick. The springs squeak, though. :(-Flyin' Ryanhttp://forums.avsim.net/user_files/96354.jpghttp://forums.avsim.net/user_files/96359.jpghttp://forums.avsim.net/user_files/96360.jpg

By the way, the P-51D project is actually a long way off, so don't get your hopes up yet :) I want to build it to the same caliber as Craig and Dave's Spitfire, but I do not have the tools or shop space right now. I also can't really afford servo instruments or their required cards. :( That's why I'm starting out with the control stick. :D Are there any servo instrument systems that work with IL-2? I have looked at the Simkits website but they seem to be designed for MS 2004 only.Here is another idea I hope will become reality someday: a Ryan ST simpit. It is roughly 1/2 scale (obviously with some of the proportions changed :D ) 14' wingspan x 12' long, aluminum construction. Its features are fairly straight forward: 4-axis (Stick, rudder, and throttle) control through the gameport, with the heel brakes using buttons to work. Eventually I'll add secondary controls like mixture, trim, and flaps, but I think even the simple version will keep me busy for a while!-Flyin' Ryanhttp://forums.avsim.net/user_files/96365.jpg

Ryan if you place the springs at an angle to the control stick you will reduce the squeaking noise somewhat. The problem is the springs want to buckle when moved in the compression.I used a series of cables and pulleys to stop the compression and buckling of my springs. I also used compression springs in a cylinder to mask the spring noise. Below is a picture of an early design I made. The pulley system works well. It also allows you to remove slack and pretension the springs.BTW