Learjet 45 Simulator Project

Use the Force…

Captain — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 01:56:44 +0000

My motivation for working on the ‘pit has been lacking lately-Not that I’ve been couch surfing or anything. I finally decided to upgrade my main development computer to a MacBook Pro. The portability will be really nice for those rainy weekends up at the lodge. It’s a fast Intel i7, so I can run all of my graphic production software and also have a virtual Windows session open for the FSX scenery design work and testing I’m doing. I’ve spent most of my free time in the last two weeks updating and transfering programs and files.

I’m planning on getting back to work on the sim in a week or two…

Shell – Star Wars Edition

Captain — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 22:43:20 +0000

The shaping is nearly complete. I’m finally cutting around the edges so the panels will come loose again. The pattern on the panels gives the shell a different look. It reminds me of something that happened a long time ago in a galaxy far far away…

Learjet 45 Simulator Shell

Scenery Update

Captain — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 23:10:47 +0000

This is a test version of my 3M Center building plopped next to runway 34R at KSEA (Seattle). It needs a little tweaking, but so far it’s looking pretty good!

3M Center Test Scenery

FSX Testing

Captain — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 03:21:28 +0000

While doing a few upgrades and tests on my FSX machine, I got a little too close to a 747 while on final approach. This is what happens when a small plane gets in the wake of a big plane.

Users who are unable to see the embedded video, click here.

Enjoy the Scenery (Intermission)

Captain — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 01:14:59 +0000

So while I wait for more foam putty to finish up the shell, I have finally gotten around to starting the Saint Paul (KSTP) scenery enhancements I blogged about a long while back. To get my feet wet, I chose the 3M Center building east of KSTP. Since the building is a rather simple shape, I figured it would be a great first project. Also, at least back when I was flying 172s, we used it as a visual reference point for lining up in the pattern, so there’s some utility to it as well. Here is a screen capture of my first draft:

3M Center model for FSX

… and He Disappeared in a Cloud of Dust.

Captain — Sun, 09 May 2010 01:10:52 +0000

I’m making great progress with the final shaping. Unfortunately, the foam putty I’m using is hard to get locally and in limited supply online too. I have to order it and wait for the next batch to arrive in order to progress further. I’m also being my usual perfectionist self, so that doesn’t help either.

It’s looking good though and there are only a few rough spots I need to clean up on the sides and the top, so sealing and painting will happen soon. I wasn’t as careful with applying the putty, and it got in the spaces that it shouldn’t have, so I’ll need to carve around the edges to get the panels to pop out like they’re supposed to. I’m not worried about that at all. It’s just one more thing on my list.

Learjet 45 Simulator Shell Side View Close-up

Learjet 45 Simulator Shell Front View

Shell Update

Captain — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 21:18:35 +0000

Um, yea. This sanding bit is taking much longer than I expected. Big surprise huh?

Port Side Foam Putty Skim Coat

Captain — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 03:44:08 +0000

If I do this right, I shouldn’t have too much touch-up work after this sanding pass.

Learjet 45 Simulator Cockpit Shell Port Side Foam Putty Skim Coat

Final Shaping Started

Captain — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:01:18 +0000

Well, the port side final shaping is under way. I’m using adjustable flexible sanders from AFS that are typically used on cars, but they work great on any curved surface.

Learjet 45 Simulator Cockpit Shell Final Shaping

Learjet 45 Simulator Cockpit Shell Shaping Close-up

AFS Adjustable Flexible Sanders

Project Progress

Captain — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 03:55:42 +0000

I’ve been battling bronchitis, so the last few weeks haven’t been very productive. Sanding tends to be bad for already irritated lungs. I’m ready now, with respirator in hand, to start the final sanding and shaping of the foam on the outside of the shell. After that, a coat of hardener and some green paint and then it’s on to the work I’ve been really wanting to do on the interior. Expect more activity here in the coming weeks.