As the project progresses, I anticipate major financial obstacles in getting the cockpit to a fully functional simulator in 2025. Just the electronics (excluding Computers) needed to operate all of the 136 instruments, 373 switches, 231 lights, and relays total 4833.60 euros, not including the 2000 euros I’ve already spent
Corrosion is by far the biggest challenge in this project apart from financing. Brushed off the corrosion on the RH side and the forward bulkhead and repainted with 2k primer. Once the forward bulkhead is complete I can reinstall insulation and air conditioning ducts and basically start wiring things up.
painted the front in black matte, replaced the broken wiper motor, worked on the autopilot, flight director INS, overhead and captain panel, and audio warning systems. Usually spent 2 hours a day whenever possible. I usually spent two hours per day on the 707 project, if possible. The autopilot is proving to be a bit of a challenge, despite its simple appearance. The center component of the Autopilop contains a motor that shifts a potentiometer into neutral position following disengagement
On the move again… moved D-ABOD’s cockpit to her temporary new home right next to my home. This will
Both lower P11 and upper P11, which were completed earlier this year, are now complete. The AUX panels are
Finally, with a year delay, I was able to prime the cockpit. There was a lot of damage on the skin that needed many hours of psanding and polishing. Also, former “Frankfurt” had quite a few dents that needed to be taken care of prior repainting. So here we go…
Sanding the fuselage, removing corrosion and masking the windows. Former D-ABOD will very soon be ready for repaint. Stay tuned 😉
Polishing was one of the most exhausting and time consuming jobs. The damage from corrosion and finding the right technique to get it done took a very long time. Finally sanding and professional polishing machines did the trick! The result is probably better than the cockpit was ever polished.
