This summer I have worked on the overhead frame. That was a LOT of work, but a fun project from which I learned a LOT.

Here are a couple of images:

The forward overhead backpanels in a dry-run to check for errors. That was a "simbuilders moment" right there!
Here's a shot of the frame with my "Dzus rails" showing in front. Note the little angle between the FWD and AFT portion? It's about 5 degrees, just like the real deal.	Same shot, but from behind, showing the support structure. I used beech, as it is a strong and sturdy material
Another image of the "Dzus rails". The aluminum ones are actually an L-shaped aluminum profile meant for the front of a stair's steps. Works in a simulator too...	In this shot, I've cheated a little. Here the backpanels are mounted in place.
Close-up of the mounted panels. I use M4 bolts with nuts at the back. (Yep, lot of NUTS in a simulator... )	Closeup of the AFT overhead.
Here's how I fastened the AFT part to the FWD part. Easy, but it really works.	The completed frame after a quick coat of RAL7011 with 30% matting paste.
Same shot, but from an angle.	In this image, you might notice the white thingy in the lower left corner. I used clear plexi glass to support the light panel. Here I've removed the plastic protection on one side.
Another shot of the panels in place, clearly showing the 5 degree angle of the AFT overhead portion.
Two close-ups of the panels - I really liked the effect on the right one!

And the grand finale (so far):

The completed overhead frame, with bacpanels and
some lightplates + switches on the AFT part.

Update 02. sept. 07

You wouldn't think that mounting all the switches would be that much work - but boy did I learn otherwise! My fingers are sore after about 6-7 hours of turning and twisting on fastening nuts, bolts, screwdriver... Anyway, here's a few images of yesterday's and today's work. It is really coming together now!

A view of the fuel pumps section without the lightplate in place. Shows how the different components are mounted.	Even though not all parts are in place, I get the chill every time I flip over one of those switches and hear a distinct "schnapp"...
After I got my Canon EOS 400D, I love to shoot photos with effects like this. And for a simbuilder, this image should be very satisfying.

During assembly I discovered that a few bits and pieces was missing (some switches, short on DZus replicas...), so I'll have to order in and wait some more. Waiting. The word has got a new meaning to me....