Stratocruiser cockpit photo / panel update.

[sak1134]

Having once again been turned on to another great classic thanks to a refresh by Tom and company; I am in the process of updating the 2D panel to my own personal preferences. I'm also swapping some of the virtual cockpit gauges to match where its easy to do.

To this point I have
1. Swapped out the MP and RPM gauges with modified gauges that are a little more classic looking.

2. Changed the center 6 instrument cluster to match the following.
www.nasm.si.edu/exhibitions/gal102/americabyair/images/640/S.305.p6-P.8916654_640.jpg

3. Replaced the two fuel gauges with four separate ones below the primary instrument cluster.

4. Added two new cowl flaps gauges.

5. Replaced the airspeed gauge with something more classic (read old) looking.

6. Moved other odds and ends around. (Still trying to find a home for the AP and a better DME) - Tom where is the AP actually mounted on a Strat?

Mostly the point of this post is to see if anyone has access to some higher rez pictures of the stratocruiser main panel; specifically in the configuration above. I can't quite tell what some of the gauges are even zoomed in. I've found some good sites for the C-97 but its panel seems very different.

I'll post a screen shot tonight, and if anyone is interested in having my modded panel I'm happy to share, provided the original authors are OK with that. I am contemplating giving the upper panel a stab or at least the mini panel with the compass and clock. I'd love to do more but am limited by my complete inability to do the background BMP's.

Steve

[Tom/CalClassic]

Hi,

The problem is that each airline's cockpit was essentially a custom job. The layout (FE desk/panel/instruments) and the main panel layout were very different airline by airline. So the AP could have been anywhere. Most propliners had the AP on the center pedestal.

Note that the airspeed gauge should have a mach bug or needle (barber pole), since the real one had it.

[Randy_Cain]

Hi,

Steve, I would like to make one suggestion. If you could match the gauges in the VC and 2D panels so they are the same, that would be a big help...to me, anyway. ;D

Yours,

[sak1134]

Randy, I'm trying to use the same gauges in both panels, its easy enough to sub them out. The think I can't do (for lack of knowledge) is move things around the VC.

[jesse]

For what it's worth, I am attaching the pilot panel and the copilot panel from my C-97G 92607. There will be some difference between the military version and the B-377 civilian version but it will give you an idea as to what the panel should look like.

Jesse

[sak1134]

I settled on two different versions of the panel. One with 4 gauges each for MP and RPM and one with 2 engine combined gauges to free up four spots for engine monitoring.

I still need to edit the VC to use the same gauges, but what do you think so far?

This is my first screen shot post so forgive me if i break any rules.

Steve

[jim67]

I think that looks great! I like the new improved DME in the lower corner. Looks real.

[sak1134]

Think I have it all the way I want it finally. Below is the final version of the 2D panel with only two MP and RPM gauges. (I have a version with 4 and 4)

[sak1134]

And the matching VC.

If anyone is interested and the mods are OK with Tom and Co. I'm happy to share. All you need is the new panel config, the freeware B-50 for gauges and the MAAM DC-3 (Just for the DME). If you don't have the MAAM bird, I will find a freeware DME and sub it in

Note: This is the widescreen version of the panel.

Steve

Quick question for Tom, sometimes I have difficulty getting the strat rolling on the ground. I'm always on a taxiway no gravel etc. Is this normal?

[Tom/CalClassic]

Hi,

I don't have a problem with you sending this to whomever wants it, but you should check that your new MAP and RPM gauges (and any others you swapped) are giving the same values as mine are - some gauges hide "adjustments" in them that will cause the FD to become inaccurate.

It does take quite a bit of throttle to get it moving, but I haven't noticed a big problem.

Hope this helps,