737NG Main Panel Pedestal

Deciding how to build the framework for the main panels can be a challenge. Here are
the steps I took to determine the size and how I built mine. All references to Part *
refer to the part numbers shown on the attached drawings. Glue and nail means that
wood glue was applied to all mating surfaces and parts were brad nailed. I used an air
operated brad nailer loaded with 18 gauge 1- inch brads.
First I measured the upper outermost points and the distance between the two lower
sections. I subtracted inch from the upper dimension to determine the over all width.
The lower dimension is the distance of the two center supports. Note: This is from the
outer most sides of the supports. When you build the center pedestal it will slip inside the
main panels and be in alignment with the supports. The third dimension will be use to
determine the overall height later.

Next step was to determine the height. I want to be

able to access the setting and power switches on my
monitors. After removing the swivel bases from the
bottom of the monitors I measured the distance up to
above the button. This is the dimension I use to set the
bottom of the panel up from the monitor shelf.

A good standard starting height to use for the distance between the floor and the monitor
shelf is around 18 inches. Much less and you will not have enough room for your feet on
the rudder peddles, much higher and the top of the panels will be too high. I used 17
inches.
Over all height will now be 17 + Monitor switch height + panel height = 32.25 inches
Over all width will be 60.25 inches and the depth (the depth of my monitors) at 20
inches. The panel angles back at 15 degrees. Here are the drawings of my panels and the
final assembly.

You will notice in the drawing that parts 2 and 4 are laid out together. Make sure that
when you cut them that you cut to the topside of the line. The lay out dimensions
include .10 for the blade width of a table saw or circular saw blade.
For the assembly process I started with the
two Part Ones. I attached a support piece
for the monitor shelf, which is cut to
inch by inches. This part is glued and
brad nailed to the panel at a 15-degree
angle.
After both part 1s have the supports I
glued and nailed Part 3 on the top of the
supports. This will set the angle of your
monitors.

Next I laid out the location for the two

center support legs (Part 2). The outside
edge of these support legs are in line with
the inside edge of the panels.
These are also glued and nailed. After
installation I attached a by 1-inch strip the
full length across the lower backside of the
pedestal. It is located right at the base of all
4 legs to add support left and right.

Now I am ready to attach the panel to the pedestal. The two sets of outer most screws for
the clock line up with the two uprights. I use these locations to attach the panels to the
pedestal. With the panels attached I installed the monitors and aligned them up with the

instrument cutouts.

With the monitors in place I installed the two Part 4s in between them. I marked their
locations and then removed the panels and monitors. I then glued and nailed the Part 4s
in place.

I had to raise the 17-inch monitor in the center. To determine how much to raise it I
simply placed the monitor on the shelf, measured the distance from the bottom of the

screen to the bottom of the instrument cutout, subtracted inch, and build a box out of
my scraps the height of the remaining measurement.

The last step of the process is to secure the monitors in place. I simply attached a strip
across the shelf along the back edge of the monitors. This will keep the monitors from
sliding out.

Ready to go! If you find that the height is too high for you, simply cut an equal amount
off of the bottom of the legs to lower to the height you desire.

Happy Flying!
Frank Bond
www.737flightsimulator.com