Progress Update

12/10/09

Making the 737 throttle handles: Have now acquired all the measurements to start my Throttle knobs, these measurements have been taken from a real Boeing 737Ng throttle (will post shortly) have not made an update last week, have been spending to much time on the handles but progress is good and I am nearly there. I have chosen them to be white in colour with black engraving. They cosist of 2 x throttle knobs, 2 x fuel cutt off, 2 x reverser, 1 x speed brake and 1 x flap. I may coat them with a resin spray but am not sure yet.

The handles are nearly there, most people paint their engraving, but the real 737 knobs are whats called colorfilled engraved, this is a process of swiping the the engraved letters with black paint allowing the paint to dry and then removing the exess paint with thinners. Its acually quite easy to do and the result outstanding, the letters come out clear and full. I tried painting but found it to be to time consuming, and the result wasn't that great either, the handle on the far right hand picture was my first attempt at colorfill engraving and it was far better than any of my hand painting trials. I hope in about three weeks i will have the finnished article, i have also made 737-200 style handles with just the numbers engraved just to see if i like them better, i will go into engraving shortly, and you will be pleased to know that it is not that difficult.

22/10/09

Handles nearly complete: They have taken quite some time to texture finish, but in the long term i think that it has been worth it. The real Boeing 737 throttle handles have a very good finish so they need to be good. The sizes are correct and i am happy with the overall appearance. Pictures and measurements coming soon.

14/11/09

Have made 10 sets of 737 throttle knobs, will post details shortly. I have been looking at paint filling the engraving, i have found the best way now and i will post the method on a separate page. What seemed to be imposible has turned out to be very easy.

  I have found a company that sells real 737 parts including the throttle. i have contacted them and hope to be able to display them on this site for anyone who is lucky enough to be able to afford the real thing.

  Slow progress at the moment, but Rome was not built in a day

23/11/09

Am looking at the different handle designs, both the real and the simulated style, The design of the 3 x Plate/layer simulated style seems to be the way to go.

Handles are looking very good . Can't wait to get them on a handle/lever, Also looking at the TOGA button and AT disengage, just to look ahead for the wiring aspect. Even if I am not motoized to begin with i would still like the TOGA and At Disengage to work.

8-12-09

My son Will Bryant born 01.05 hours, love you son.

9/1/10

First update for 2010 . Have cut a set of handles to see what they look like ( will show some pictures). I am leaning towards the box lever style but i need to have a think. I will probably make both.

I have taken a good look at these handles, and am going back to the drawing board. I found a set of CAD drawings on the net, I know a few guy's that have used them but there are a few dimensions that need to be changed to make them look real but still practical to make................... I have an idea !

4/2/10

Have cut out a set of handles using my new design they look pretty good, I have also made the flap and speedbrake lever, will post some pics soon