Converting an aircraft part to an item of furniture - Ideas?
Discussion
Hi All
I don’t know whether this is the correct place to start this thread, but I am both hoping for some help, and to create a thread others might find interesting.
A former career found me working as an engineer for British Airways maintaining their fleet of aircraft. By far my favourite aircraft in terms of working on was the B747-400, being the perfect blend of old school mechanical controls and new age automation and avionics. Therefore, while I now work in a completely different industry, I felt drawn to acquire a piece of memorabilia from one of these aircraft when BA retired them all from their fleet last year. After considering a few items offered by the aircraft salvage companies, I set my heart on the throttle pedestal, comprising of the throttles, flap leaver, speed brake handle, stab trim switches and indicators, as below.
It took much hunting and negotiation, but I am expecting delivery later next week, and aiming to turn this into something that will be out on display, hopefully having a function. This is where I would appreciate some thoughts on design, and if possible, anyone who would take it on as a project.
Our living room is not exactly huge, so at this time I do not know whether I can keep the box section attached. This might be the easiest thing to do, and create a coffee table by placing a wood top on this extension piece. Another idea was to remove the box section (not sure if all can be removed, as at least part I think holds some of the mechanism), and create a smaller table with a glass top so it can be seen. Perhaps enclosed with timber (or glass), possibly with an exposed metal frame.
Sizes are approx 54cm wide, 70cm high to top of throttle levels (box section 43cm high), total length with the box section 100cm.
I am grateful for any input.
For those interested, some history of the aircraft this has been removed from (G-CIVD):
Last flight
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&fbcl...
Fire while the aircraft was being dismantled
https://samchui.com/2020/11/23/stored-british-airw...
I don’t know whether this is the correct place to start this thread, but I am both hoping for some help, and to create a thread others might find interesting.
A former career found me working as an engineer for British Airways maintaining their fleet of aircraft. By far my favourite aircraft in terms of working on was the B747-400, being the perfect blend of old school mechanical controls and new age automation and avionics. Therefore, while I now work in a completely different industry, I felt drawn to acquire a piece of memorabilia from one of these aircraft when BA retired them all from their fleet last year. After considering a few items offered by the aircraft salvage companies, I set my heart on the throttle pedestal, comprising of the throttles, flap leaver, speed brake handle, stab trim switches and indicators, as below.
It took much hunting and negotiation, but I am expecting delivery later next week, and aiming to turn this into something that will be out on display, hopefully having a function. This is where I would appreciate some thoughts on design, and if possible, anyone who would take it on as a project.
Our living room is not exactly huge, so at this time I do not know whether I can keep the box section attached. This might be the easiest thing to do, and create a coffee table by placing a wood top on this extension piece. Another idea was to remove the box section (not sure if all can be removed, as at least part I think holds some of the mechanism), and create a smaller table with a glass top so it can be seen. Perhaps enclosed with timber (or glass), possibly with an exposed metal frame.
Sizes are approx 54cm wide, 70cm high to top of throttle levels (box section 43cm high), total length with the box section 100cm.
I am grateful for any input.
For those interested, some history of the aircraft this has been removed from (G-CIVD):
Last flight
https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&fbcl...
Fire while the aircraft was being dismantled
https://samchui.com/2020/11/23/stored-british-airw...
Can you give an idea of how much space you have in your room? Post a photo or a floorplan?
Would you want to keep it in its original orientation?
If you're trying to fit it into a smaller room, maybe look for a way to use it at an edge of the room rather than in the middle. eg rather than making it smaller, the empty section could be replaced with an larger open-fronted section in a similar style to make an TV unit.
Would you want to keep it in its original orientation?
If you're trying to fit it into a smaller room, maybe look for a way to use it at an edge of the room rather than in the middle. eg rather than making it smaller, the empty section could be replaced with an larger open-fronted section in a similar style to make an TV unit.
essayer said:
Love it! Although, I reckon flight sim buffs would give you serious coin for it.. just saying 
Serious sim buffs generally source this stuff from the scrap companies anyway to be honest. A good friend of mine has what's probably the most realistic 747 sim outside of the commercial arena in his garage, a lot of it is made from scrapped and converted 747 parts. 
https://simfest.co.uk/where-did-the-parts-come-fro...
Amazed by the thoughts so far - appreciated.
I think I really need the item to be used as a functional coffee table, and while it'll really help to decide once I have it, I think it will need to be chopped down in length, leaving perhaps none or just a little of the box section, then have a removable glass lid over the lot.....
Will post up more photos as soon as it arrives.
Thanks all for taking the time to respond.
essayer said:
Love it! Although, I reckon flight sim buffs would give you serious coin for it.. just saying
Thanks - yeah, I'm sure. Dismantlers rarely keep the front section/flight deck complete, and if they do, I'm sure its mega bucks. They can get a tidy sum by selling everything individually. For example, my part does not come with the stab trim indicators, leaving a hole each side. Fortunately I was able to source them from the same aircraft, but more ££'s!LooneyTunes said:
There’s got to be a way to fabricate a lid for the open section and turn that into a beer fridge...
I reckon so, but that won't work for me unfortunately. I cannot have a lead running to it, as really the only place it can go in the living room is in the middle ish. Also I doubt the humming noise will be acceptable to others......ten200 said:
Can you give an idea of how much space you have in your room? Post a photo or a floorplan?
Would you want to keep it in its original orientation?
If you're trying to fit it into a smaller room, maybe look for a way to use it at an edge of the room rather than in the middle. eg rather than making it smaller, the empty section could be replaced with an larger open-fronted section in a similar style to make an TV unit.
Thank very much. I will post up this, perhaps once I have taken delivery, as I can then show it in place. Edge of the room is something I considered, but after the three piece, fireplace and TV, it just leaves next to the rad. Might still work - it'll be much easier to explain with photos once I have it in my hands.Would you want to keep it in its original orientation?
If you're trying to fit it into a smaller room, maybe look for a way to use it at an edge of the room rather than in the middle. eg rather than making it smaller, the empty section could be replaced with an larger open-fronted section in a similar style to make an TV unit.
paulrockliffe said:
You need to put a top on the front bit, then work out something to put underneath that the levers can do. Perhaps a beer fridge where you use the levers to have a beer extracted and poured?
Wouldn't that be cool (literally)!LocoBlade said:
Serious sim buffs generally source this stuff from the scrap companies anyway to be honest. A good friend of mine has what's probably the most realistic 747 sim outside of the commercial arena in his garage, a lot of it is made from scrapped and converted 747 parts.
https://simfest.co.uk/where-did-the-parts-come-fro...
https://simfest.co.uk/where-did-the-parts-come-fro...
Sporky said:
Toaster, with those levers.
Not sure my wife would accept this in the front room... Ladders said:
What about seating with a nice aeroplane themed chair either side of the levers and a storage box for remotes, beers, etc where the existing box is?
You the. Have the levers ‘sort’ of in the right place and shouldnt take up too much room.
Great idea, but tight space constraints.You the. Have the levers ‘sort’ of in the right place and shouldnt take up too much room.
I think I really need the item to be used as a functional coffee table, and while it'll really help to decide once I have it, I think it will need to be chopped down in length, leaving perhaps none or just a little of the box section, then have a removable glass lid over the lot.....
Will post up more photos as soon as it arrives.
Thanks all for taking the time to respond.
Aren't the usuals turbine parts for clocks/mirrors/tables, wing/flaps for desks, sometimes engine cowls as seats/sofas, plus identifiable bits for sundry decoration. That box looks good for a table/storage box.
I've been looking at some titanium slat tracks & similar for desk supports - shiny, interesting shape & cheap.
I'd expect 747 series stuff will be going dirt cheap shortly (or now) as the only market for most of it is pure scrap or decor.
Back in the day I had stuff like this kicking about at work - complete front cuts of DC10s being raided for bits (tiny market so not worth the scrapper stripping vs selling the whole thing) and also got a couple of mostly complete Tornados for bits for £1 each (ex shipping).
Depending on what it is and where you look there's loads of stuff kicking about and cheap, it's only when it hits certain outlets the prices go up beyond the value of unsorted mixed scrap. Then suddenly it's silly money for rubbish. For useful bits properly handled with paperwork fair enough but some people want £££ for junk.
I've been looking at some titanium slat tracks & similar for desk supports - shiny, interesting shape & cheap.
I'd expect 747 series stuff will be going dirt cheap shortly (or now) as the only market for most of it is pure scrap or decor.
Back in the day I had stuff like this kicking about at work - complete front cuts of DC10s being raided for bits (tiny market so not worth the scrapper stripping vs selling the whole thing) and also got a couple of mostly complete Tornados for bits for £1 each (ex shipping).
Depending on what it is and where you look there's loads of stuff kicking about and cheap, it's only when it hits certain outlets the prices go up beyond the value of unsorted mixed scrap. Then suddenly it's silly money for rubbish. For useful bits properly handled with paperwork fair enough but some people want £££ for junk.
Well, it's arrived. I'm over the moon with it.
However, if I keep it whole it's too big really for where I would like it to go.
So, standing on end as in the photo and creating a wine rack at the bottom might be the way ahead. Beer fridge even better, but the space at the bottom (when stood up) is small, due parts intruding......
However, if I keep it whole it's too big really for where I would like it to go.
So, standing on end as in the photo and creating a wine rack at the bottom might be the way ahead. Beer fridge even better, but the space at the bottom (when stood up) is small, due parts intruding......
That is such a cool thing! The wine rack idea is a good one too. Would look good with some led lighting at the back/bottom, battery powered with one of the levers turning it on/off - easy enough to do.
Looks like it is in brilliant condition. Where is a good place to start looking for stuff like this at a reasonable price?
Looks like it is in brilliant condition. Where is a good place to start looking for stuff like this at a reasonable price?
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