BJ Crowe Simulator

[VH-XXX]

Does anyone know where there is one of these simulators?

BJ Crowe was the builder. It was a full cockpit including throttles, all radios, rudder pedals and seat etc. A mate has come across one but it doesn't have the computer component, so we are wondering what does / did it interface to, what type of software was used etc. Short of a Qantas or similar simulator it's one of the most complex simulators I've ever seen.

[VH-XXX]

Here is a picture of said simulator. If it looks familiar and you know anything about it, please let me know!

http://members.iinet.net.au/~bc_j400/crowe.jpg

[jbr76]

Short of a Qantas or similar simulator it's one of the most complex simulators I've ever seen.

You obviously haven't heard of FlightDeck Solutions :ok:

Flightdeck Solutions (http://www.flightdecksolutions.com/)

:ok:

[ruddman]

Hey that's cool. Yeah I'm a nerd. :8

How cool would it be to have it in the lounge room while entertaining the boys? The wife would love it.....:}

[VH-XXX]

You obviously haven't heard of FlightDeck Solutions
Maybe I should have prefaced that with ... For it's age.... It is impressive etc.

[T28D]

XXX you are right for its age the finish and level of detail are quite remarkable including the really nice moulded panel cover/instrument surround.


I wonder how many were made ??

[VH-XXX]

At first when it came to me I was wondering what aircraft type it was, I didn't realise it was a simulator. I then found myself looking up the rego VH-BJC and wondering why it didn't come up with a light single :ugh:

I don't have any info on it other than the builder, so I'll post on a flightsim forum.

Thanks for the Nerd comments Jack however I can categorically advise that it's not mine :ok:

[Capt Fathom]

Based on a later model PA28.

[SteveCox]

Hi, I think you'll find the reg is actually VH-BUC, or at least that's what it looks like when I blow up the photo and I think the parts of letters you see on the side of the 'aircraft' in the photo is the end of the reg number. This would make it this Cessna skylane 182D:

Aircraft VH-BUC (1960 Cessna 182D Skylane C/N 18253045) Photo by Graeme Jenkinson (Photo ID: AC157862) (http://www.airport-data.com/aircraft/photo/000157862.html)

History here if you're interested: VH-RHE (http://www.edcoatescollection.com/ac1/austmz/VH-RHE.html)

So here's a photo of a skymaster's dashboard, it's a slightly later model as it's a 'Q' but it's broadly similar:

Photos: Cessna 182Q Skylane II Aircraft Pictures | Airliners.net (http://www.airliners.net/photo/Cessna-182Q-Skylane/0263698/M/)

I've also found a B.J. Crowe, but whether it's the same person or not I don't know but given his job it would be reasonable to suppose it might be. He is or was an Engineering officer for Qantas working on Constellations and B707's.

Info here if you want:

QANTAS CONSTELLATION CREW - The Lockheed File (http://www.adastron.com/lockheed/constellation/conniecrew.htm)

Finally if you go back to the 'Adastron' website on that above link ADASTRON Home Page (http://www.adastron.com) there's a link to the Queensland Aircraft museum, you 'may' get somewhere asking them if they know anything.

All gleaned from deep digging on the web from half a world away :). Hope that helps.

As for the simulator itself you'd need to look underneath as to what sort of hook ups it's got as the one thing that strikes me from the photo is that there's no display apart from the instruments for the pilot so should it be located in a room with a projector screen or is it a sort of link trainer with a hood and 'flying' on instruments only. If it's as old as the BJ Crowe links suggest then it may not have a computer associated with it at all. Or he may have been waiting for computers to come along to create it. Good luck with your search.

[triton140]

Hi, I think you'll find the reg is actually VH-BUC ...

I reckon it's VH-BJC (for BJ Crowe).

And I reckon Fathom is on the money, PA28.

[ad-astra]

A long ...long time ago I recall the Royal Aero Club of NSW at Bankstown having a sim very similar to this one. Alas not much remains of the RAC.

[Jungmeister]

I reckon you are right. I saw this homemade simulator in Melbourne in the early 1970's. A TAA engineer - probably BJ Crowe - put it together. I think he was associated with the Airline company sims that were near Essendon at that time. I don't remember all the details but a couple of pilot mates took me around to his home, also near Essendon, and we all had a go. I think some parts came from a PA24 Commanche but there does not seem to be a retract switch in that photo.:ok: