Update 07/06/26
Another short update as I've been busy with work this week. I didn't manage to get to work on the cockpit itself, instead I'm continuing working on controls and instruments for the simulator implementation.
I designed an adaptor for the control column grip/stick top so the real Hunter stick can now interface with some of the standard flight sim hardware from Thrustmaster, Virpil, VP force etc. I'm a firm believer that any decent sim should have realistic custom controls rather than off the shelf 'game' hardware but this will be really useful to demo my work at events (such as the cockpit weekend at Doncaster 20-21 June!)
I also made some progress with the custom instrument designs, the main change being moving to brass rod to act as a 'spindle' for instrument needles. When coupled with some other refinements this helps the instruments move a lot more smoothly.
Finally I recieved some custom laser cut acrylic instrument faces (Thanks Gaz!) which are obviously much better than the laser printed paper I was using previously!
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Update 28/05/26
It's been a busy week and pretty damn hot in the workshop so nothing much to report this week, however the repro windscreens arrived and dropped right into place when offered them up to the frame. Max has done a cracking job!
I've also been working on some more replica parts for Dave T's Harrier cockpit. Here's a replica of the standby gunsight. I can produce more of these if anyone is interested, please get in touch.
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Update 23/05/26
I'm pleased to report some good progress this week!
I've finished the paint on the windscreen interior and Max has made me the repro windscreen panels from acrylic. I'm looking forward to trial fitting them in the next couple of weeks, more photos to follow. I'm waiting on an update on the side screens but hope to have those in hand before too long!
Sadly I've been unable to find a local or mobile welder (aluminium!) to tackle the port side skin damage, I'll chase down a couple more leads but if I can't solve this it's going to have to be a fibreglass and filler repair for now. At least it's cost effective and something I'm confident I have the skills to carry out.
On Friday afternoon I made a trip down to see James who I met at the recent Newark AeroBoot/Jumble. After some back and forth via email, checking manual diagrams and part numbers I've acquired some useful Hunter parts for '609 as well as some single seater bits I'll be looking to sell/trade onwards. More photos as I go through the box of goodies but I think I can now complete the port quarter panel with the undercarriage and flaps switch etc and have picked up a complete looking throttle for the port console and some control column parts.
Finally I've been working on some display items for the upcoming cockpits gathering weekend at Doncaster Aeroventure 'South Yorkshire Air Museum' which is the weekend of 20-21st June. Whilst I'm not in a position to transport the whole cockpit I will have a small table display with some hands on/interactive stuff, so come and say hello if you're at the event!
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Update 14/05/26
I got back to the workshop this week and was able to get the first couple of coats of black on the inside of the windscreen. I'm keen to get this done as I hope to have both the repro front screens and the genuine side windows to install before too long.
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Update 05/05/26
I spent a good chunk of the bank holiday weekend tweaking CAD designs for some of the 3D printed parts I've been working on as well and finishing up painting and renovating some panels.
The panels so far. I'm still looking for a centre instrument panel and the centre console, both of which I'm hoping to get measured up so I can get reproductions made if necessary.
I now have a working, servo driven Vertical Speed Indicator to go with the ASI.
Finally I've done some more work on the stick grip parts. The elevator trim switch now has a working mechanism which holds two 6mm tactile switches and I modelled a repro brake lever. I've been putting off this last part because I knew it would be a challenge but I'm pretty pleased with how it looks, it's not identical but functions well enough and it feels right too.
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