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Old 09-05-2008, 01:51 AM
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rcjets_63
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Default RE: JAS-39 Gripen Owners/Build Thread

Build - Cockpit Options

Here are some links to the full scale Gripen cockpit:
[link=http://www.canit.se/~griffon/aviation/gripen/cockpit/gripen-cockpit.html]http://www.canit.se/~griffon/aviation/gripen/cockpit/gripen-cockpit.html[/link]
[link=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bt8qVX-UKVA&feature=related]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bt8qVX-UKVA&feature=related[/link]

Neither Skymaster or JetLegend produce a cockpit kit for their Gripens and various alternatives have been suggested in previous threads. I’ve consolidated some of the the info below to save the hassle of you having to research it for yourself and added a few other options.

Simple Cockpit:
- joeflyer used the cockpit tub that came with his kit then added an instrument panel decal and an [link=http://mgapilots.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=mga&Category_Code=topguns]MGA Top Gun pilot[/link]. Their website lists the pilot as 1:8 scale but can be made to fit. The [link=http://www.dreamworksrc.com/catalog/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=jet+pilot]Dreamworks Jet Pilot[/link] bust is 1:7 scale and is available in several color schemes.
- The SM ARF+ kit currently doesn’t come with a tub. However, the [link=http://www.bvmjets.com/Pages/kits/bandit_arf.htm]BVM Bandit ARF[/link] (scroll down to the photo showing the kit contents) cockpit platform, seat back, and dash decal fit the Gripen. The pilot busts listed above will fit quite nicely.

Modifying Cockpit Kits from other Models:
- Ray Davis started with a SM F-16, cut it in two to bring in the side panels under the canopy lip, kept the main/front panel whole, refit the center console, and fit the forward portion and gun-sight whole. He used only the seat back (not the cushion) which sits on a ply platform with enough clearance for the nose gear. For a pilot, he modified a Blue Box lady F-15 pilot (cut lower legs, shortened torso and arms)
- The Gripen and F-18 ejection seats and instrument panel are somewhat similar so an F-18 cockpit kit can serve as a starting point. [link=http://billr.org/just-the-pits/f18pit.asp]Just The Pits[/link] sells a cockpit for the YA twin F-18 (1:6.8 scale) but it needs the glare shield and cockpit “deck” from the YA kit. [link=http://www.centuryjet.com/webstore/moreinfo.cfm?Product_ID=1067]Century Jet Models[/link] sells a cockpit kit for their ANK (1:6.85 scale) F-18E.

Scale Gripen Cockpit: - Updated 10/3/08
A scale Gripen cockpit is now available from Dante and Monica at [link=http://www.camlex-rc.com/winginfo.html]CamLex Enterprises[/link]. I heard about it when it was still in prototyping (Sept 09) and exchanged emails and phone calls as I was pretty happy to hear that a manufacturer was making a Gripen cockpit. Dante and Monica are nice people and there was great communication keeping me informed on the progress of the prototype and my order. Here's portions of an email from Monica giving a bit of background on their cockpits.......

They are called the CamLex/Wingman JetLegend series and are being done by Wingman RC (Michael Hicks). He is custom making every cockpit. These are not perfect molds with every one being exactly the same. These have character and are hand painted individually by Mr. Hicks himself. We work together to make these cockpits as life like as possible. We can make any cockpit color scheme you want we can add names to the helmet…..

Kind Regards,
Dante & Monica
CamLex Enterprises
PHONE: (888) 837-7906

Below are photos of their Gripen cockpit:
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