Arrrgh! The confusion :-eekI thought of doing an offset panel, but due to panel size constrictions, I'm thinking that the window area left over isn't enough. So, here are 2 F3 panels, one straight-on with radios, one offset without. http://forums.avsim.net/user_files/159060.jpgAs you can see, you don't get much extra instrument usability with the offset view, and you get somewhat less 3D view :-( http://forums.avsim.net/user_files/159061.jpgIn the straight-on version, you can see everything at a glance AND a good overall 3D view, albeit with a strip down the middle. This also allows me to save the 'extra view' for the switch panel I wanted to do.Here's the (offset) F2 view, although I could zoom out a bit and get another row of instruments, but then the radios appear and what to do with them? If they're on the panel, they gotta work ;-)http://forums.avsim.net/user_files/159062.jpgAs for the struts, I can't really lose them, otherwise we may as well just use the P51 panel :-roll To be honest, I've spent too long already with CPD moving instruments around to do set of previews, so I'd rather get some other opinions before proceeding - or you'll get like what's here ;-) And yes, this is holding me up big time...Regards,Jon Pointhttp://forums.avsim.net/user_files/159063.gif

Jon,I appreciate you sending me a beta copy of the Staggerwing. Unfortunately, I have been far too busy with my comet project lately to even THINK about having a fly around in FU3 (although I would make an exception with the Saab 340) ;-)To be honest, I'm not a big fan of "tail draggers", and I never actually fly them in FU3.Chris Low.

Chris,Comet? If not a taildragger, it's one of the most elegant airliners conceived - if 5-10 years too early...OK, it's probably something else!I can give you a '340 but the cockpit isn't finished - still :-rollRegards,Jon Point

Jon,The "comets" that I am referring to are of the "Halley's Comet" kind :-)Chris Low.

Make it easy on yourself Jon.. if straight on works well and gets the project done then I'd say go for it :-) We can't always get what we want when we want it..

Is the Staggerwing a single-seater? That would end the discussion. For me, I want to see the full T of instruments in both F2 and F3 views, a compass, and that's it. F3 should show everything, preferrably without the extra panel. But I guess its too late for that! (If its a two seater, I prefer the view biased to the left. Anyway, Glidernut's method of adding a button to access the extra panel works for me). And I like a good view forward - I'm a scenery flyer not a transoceanic heavy.But build it for yourself (Glidernut's advice!) - if you're happy with it then generally others will too.Robert.

I agree with Staggerwing , Do what you feel comfortable with . Both look good CaptRolo

** Update **These are still unfinished but the basic layout is there. F2 taxi viewhttp://forums.avsim.net/user_files/159421.jpgF2 flying viewhttp://forums.avsim.net/user_files/159422.jpgF3 taxi (!!?!) view :-lolhttp://forums.avsim.net/user_files/159423.jpgF3 flying viewhttp://forums.avsim.net/user_files/159424.jpgI might still lose the strut in the F2 view I think :-roll We still have F1 for a clearer view ;-)Regards,Jon Point

Dear All,1. I have dropped the left-hand strut in the F2 view. It was nigh impossible to see where you're going on left turns (it's already virtually impossible to see where you're going to the right - this is why modern small aircraft have flat engines, flat cowls and tricycle gear) :-( Actually, tri-gear is great anyway, but the Staggerwing doesn't need it - in the 'pioneering spirit' of the 30's, all crew AND passengers are required to hold their butts until the taxi run to the FBO :-lol2. I have changed to the Bravo as a base, away from the P51. There were some cockpit issues that were easier ignored (by changing base aircraft) than dealt with ;-) It will make no difference in the long run, apart from the Bravo's resfile being a bit larger. 3. In doing this, I also 'perfected' a method of building aircraft from a script, which would make the entire Staggerwing upload about 1.5Meg!! The only issue is that one still needs to drive Resviewer - and import the flight model. I 'upgraded' the Bravo to a Staggerwing in about 10 minutes, and most of that was waiting :-roll Probably useless for complete aircraft distribution, but easier for testers ;-) ;-) ;-)Regards,Jon Point

Good visibility with F2 view, but the F3 view is very nice. Couldn't see the drinks dispenser or coffee holder though. Guess you're leaving the essentials to last, eh?(JUST joking!! - FOR GOODNESS SAKES JON DON'T ADD THEM!!!)

OK, I won't ;-)Current (final) layouts:F2 viewhttp://forums.avsim.net/user_files/159771.jpgF2 view (on the ground with the tail down)http://forums.avsim.net/user_files/159772.jpgF3 viewhttp://forums.avsim.net/user_files/159773.jpgEnough cockpit views, all nicely tucked away after an enjoyable evening's flying. Close the door and turn off the light, will you Rob?http://forums.avsim.net/user_files/159774.jpg:-waveRegards,Jon Point