F-111 Simulator Panels Update

[Pete Simmons]

OK - I showed the backlit panel I made for the F-111 Simulator and the picture police wanted to see more.

This is going to be some computer game. In fact it is somewhere around 6 networked computers to run it.

http://www.karenscakepans.com/images/f1114.jpg
http://www.karenscakepans.com/images/f1113.jpg


http://www.karenscakepans.com/images/f1112.jpg

http://www.karenscakepans.com/images/f1111.jpg

[Pete Simmons]

The simulator builder wanted me to ask this question. Note where the front windshield goes. Any suggestions of how to heat bend a piece of plexi to fit this curve and stay nice and clear? Without distortion.

[Bruce Volden]

Pete,

Use polycarbonate (spendy!) vs. "plexiglass". Using a heat gun you can easily bend to fit, and it will remain clear and not distort. When using the heat gun do not dwell in any one place too long. I have made many projects this way. "Plexiglass" is too brittle and will discolor over time (yellow), also poly is very tough and can stand up to considerable abuse!


Bruce