T O P I C R E V I E W |
X-Plane Fan | Does anyone know of a good source for replica toggle switches similar to those used in the space shuttle cockpit. I'm trying to restore an overhead panel but can't find this style of switch. The switch guards were an easy find though. |
Rocket Chris | Also looking for these. Has nobody a clue were to find or how to get these tips of the toggle switches? Do they have a name? |
Chariot412 | May be a long shot, but Airbus uses a very similar switch on their A321 for several lights. I think of the CM nearly every time I turn on the cockpit domes. |
Rocket Chris | Well this answers not where to get these ones... |
oly | I have found similar items on older aircraft but these items are no longer available for purchase. They are threaded internally and screw to the switch. I have seen people manufacture them for displays and home simulators. Any aviation items still in production would be expensive. Maybe an aircraft salvage yard or breakers. |
moonguyron | How about 3D printing? |
BrianB | Otto and Honeywell both offer toggles with a similar red seal. Perhaps start with one of these and 3D print a "skin" for the switch body and bat? |
BrianB | See here (or about two-thirds of the way down the page). |
oly | I have made similar items to the blade type knob on these toggle switches previously. In my case I used an epoxy resin with fine aluminium powder mixed in. You could also add aluminium silver enamel paint mixed into the resin. This could either be glued or screwed to a standard toggle switch. You could also use an orange/red RTV sealant, usually called high temp RTV to manufacture a simulated hermetic seal of the original switch. I believe Permatex 7087 Silicone is a similar colour, but I am sure there are many other manufacturers available. Additional photos on this thread. |
Rocket Chris | You made them? Would you make them again and sell some? |
oly | Unfortunately, I don't have the available time to do this type of work at the moment. The best method to quickly manufacture some would be to purchase some toggle switches that suit your purpose. Source some dental moulding putty, make a blank washer shape mould in some dental putty that you can set some RTV washers into. Carefully glue these RTV washers into the switches. Manufacture a blank switch now to the desired shape and detail you want (dental moulding putty will retain fine detail including your fingerprint so make sure your blank is of good quality). Make a mould of your blank design so you can set the switch into the mould during cure. Mix a good quality clear epoxy with ultra fine aluminium powder (for the best results) or aluminium enamel paint. Pour your epoxy into mould, set switch into mould making sure it is straight and allow to cure. Remove and repeat. Made this way, the switch knob will remain aluminium coloured even if they get chipped or worn. If you use another material as a mould besides dental moulding putty you will need to apply some mould release agent each time, You could try plasticine as a mould however this does not handle repeatability very well. The dental moulding putty is fast cure, safe, cheap and if your into making these types of things, is very handy. |
Rocket Chris | Thanks for sharing your instructions, have to check it out. Meanwhile I found a 3D printed version in the web. |
moonguyron | Would you mind sharing where you found the 3D printed version of the switches? |
oly | I did a quick search and found this site. |
Rocket Chris | That's it! |