3D Printed Spade Grip

[kissklas]

Hello everyone!

 

 

Some of you might remember my previous project, the printable MSFFB2 extension. I am now near to completing my next project, and it's a big one.

Planning and 3D work started summer 2018, and I have been working at in now and then since. I decided I wanted to do a full stick handle this time,

and I wanted to keep using the force feedback base since I simply cannot go back to regular sticks.

 

PS: Pictures inside!

 

UPDATE 1:

 

Alright!

 

It's all set up and tested! Here comes a video from a quick flight in IL-2: GB.

I am sorry if it's a bit shaky, but I had my VR headset on with OBS running, filmed with my phone and tried to somewhat control the plane.

 

 

Pretty neat, huh?

Here are some more shots from the wiring and the final thing:

 

That's it for now! Let me know what you think, and I might be back with more gameplay and screenshots later!

 

Best,

Klas

 

INITIAL POST:

 

A bit of backstory and a big thank you

Spoiler

 

From the get-go the requirement was that it should be based on something historical from WW2. I looked through the ones we have in game,

and the ones we will be getting in the future. I also considered Yokes, like the P-38, the Heinkel, or the Peshka. Though there are some information on this kind of work out there, it would require a complete conversion of the base. But what about spade grip? Allows two hands, a bit like a yoke, is something outside of the ordinary, and allows for interesting mechanics while still allowing an existing base to be used.

 

I quickly landed on the Soviet spade grips like in the MiG, Yak, Il-2 and so on. An aesthetic look, with their thumb controlled fire levers in a loop that narrows in towards the top. And so many varieties. Single button on the top, 2 thumb levers, 4 thumb levers, and different added buttons and brake levers outside of that. After searching around for reference material I came in contact with the great Cheb here on the forum, who had started a build of a IL-2 grip replica already (It was finished a while back and I really suggest taking a look at it. Great craftmanship, a full metal construction that seems very historically accurate.) He was nice enough to share some dimensions with me, and from that I was able to start measuring out my own stick. He have also offered valuable advice through the process, so thanks a lot Cheb!

 

 

 

 

The process

 

I first started out designing the stick in 3D. I included the bomb and rocket switches from the IL-2. The Intercom button was made into a 4 way hat, and the brake handle is designed to use a potentiometer fitted lower down in the base. I also added two non historical breakers consisting of two buttons each along the back of the main handles for "non historical functionality" like zoom and head reset.

 

The stick design nearing finished

Spoiler

 

Parts sprued and ready for print

Spoiler

 

Non historical button mounted on the handle

Spoiler

 

I then sent it off to print! I ordered a nylon SLS print. It's a very light and very strong material, perfect for force feedback. And behold, a few weeks later I was ready to start my build! After a bit of sanding and removing of sprue rests, I tried assembling it.

 

Button tests: my god, the safety works...

Spoiler

 

(Nearly) fully mounted!

Spoiler

 

So, things are working! Time to start painting. For the painting I used mainly acrylic model paint in spray cans, but also some wash, and white paint for brushing in letters and button details. The process for the main parts was: first a black base coat, then a metal coat, a paint coat, and then a wash and some chipping down unto the metal. At the end some satin varnish.

 

Heavy metal!

Spoiler

 

Then some green, and some black...

Spoiler

 

At the end some wash, and details!

Spoiler

 

Then comes the scary bit. Wrapping the handles with jute cord and varnishing it down. Many questions worried me during this process... Will the varnish look good on top of the wrapping? Am I wrapping the cord well enough? How do I get around the non historical buttons? Will I end up gluing myself to the joystick?

 

Wrapping and varnishing

Spoiler

 

After some drying I removed the masking and started reassembling the stick again.

 

And here is the result:

 

It's alive!

Spoiler

 

So where am I now?

 

The next thing now, is to solder up the electronics. And I'm starting that work now. I'll post updates here as I go along. It has been a fun little project so far, and I can't wait to try it out in IL-2: Great Battles!

 

After all is done I'll create a DIY set for printing from the model files, so if anyone is interested they can print their own version. I'll remove the non historical buttons, and some of the premade holes, so that users can decide themselves what they want to do, in terms of bolts and fitting. As always I am open to input if you have any special requests:)

 

All the best,

Klas

Edited September 19, 2019 by kissklas
Ok... final result is now pre-spoiled for you.

[Lusekofte]

I was thinking about doing the same with metal tubing . But discovered I flew choppers in DCS far more than my beloved IL 2 in BOX 

great job ?

[vonrickenbecker]

Wow, that's amazing work! Well done good sir. 

[Lensman1945]

Fabulous work!

[Gustaf]

Attaboy Mr Norway!  I was skimming your post, noting the impressive creativity before I saw that it was you.  As I used to say in the Navy, Bravo Zulu!

[kissklas]

1 minute ago, Gustaf said:

Attaboy Mr Norway!  I was skimming your post, noting the impressive creativity before I saw that it was you.  As I used to say in the Navy, Bravo Zulu!

 

Thanks a lot, Gustav! This was a first try for most things involved, and by far the biggest flight sim project I've done, so I'm glad you like it?

1 hour ago, LuseKofte said:

I was thinking about doing the same with metal tubing . But discovered I flew choppers in DCS far more than my beloved IL 2 in BOX 

great job ?

 

That's a cool idea. You should check out Cheb's thread of his il-2 replica. It's a great looking cast metal version. Due to the force feedback I wanted to do a more light weight variant, so this one is all plastic.

[Sokol1]

I also added two non historical breakers consisting of two buttons each along the back of the main handles for "non historical functionality" like zoom and head reset.

 

Good solution for these "non historical functionality". 

[ITAF_Rani]

Amazing !!

[SR-F_Winger]

awesome work! Really well done. Do you print yourself or have it printed?
Looks like its laser sintered. Or is it FDM printed?

 

EDIT: Sorry. I just read its SLS.
Must be quite expensive all those prints in SLS. Right?

Edited September 19, 2019 by Winger

[Soilworker]

That is insanely cool! 

[kissklas]

1 hour ago, Winger said:

awesome work! Really well done. Do you print yourself or have it printed?
Looks like its laser sintered. Or is it FDM printed?

 

EDIT: Sorry. I just read its SLS.
Must be quite expensive all those prints in SLS. Right?

 

Thank you, thank you! I've had it printed. It is indeed SLS, and yeah it's not cheap at all? Luckily I got it right on the first try!

4 minutes ago, Soilworker said:

That is insanely cool! 

 

Thanks a lot!?

[kissklas]

New update with video and pictures at the top!☝️

[BP_Lizard]

That is kickass, kissklas!

[kissklas]

1 hour ago, BP_Lizard said:

That is kickass, kissklas!

Thanks! Glad you like it! Hope to make it into a kit for people to print. Paraphrasing what someone just said on facebook; it's nice that the red team can have some shiny new toys as well?

[Pict]

Absolutely outstanding !!!

 

[kissklas]

2 hours ago, Pict said:

Absolutely outstanding !!!

 

Thanks a lot, Pict! Real happy with it!

[71st_AH_Mastiff]

Love to have for my virpl T50cm base!

[Gretsch_Man]

WOW! 

 

That looks absolute fantastic! 

 

Great job! 

[jimg123]

Amazing work! As My favorite bird is the IL-2, this really holds my interest.  I would be definitely interested in a way to build this.

[Lusekofte]

I might get access to a iron 3D printer. 
Mind to share the print ? 
I would see if I could make one

On 9/21/2019 at 12:18 PM, kissklas said:

Thanks a lot, Pict! Real happy with it!

 

[Spitty]

3D printing is the best..I do all my complex parts with it.My 2 types of Spitfire Spade grips.Amazing work on the Il2 grips!!!Keep up the designwork!

Edited April 30, 2020 by Spitty
added pic

[=RS=ddrake1984]

On 9/18/2019 at 2:00 AM, kissklas said:

After all is done I'll create a DIY set for printing from the model files, so if anyone is interested they can print their own version. I'll remove the non historical buttons, and some of the premade holes, so that users can decide themselves what they want to do, in terms of bolts and fitting. As always I am open to input if you have any special requests:)

 

All the best,

Klas

I am interested in the model files as I would absolutely love to have this made, I fly mostly Russian Planes - Yak/La-5 and IL-2. 

Would you also consider doing a Yak/La-5 version grip also?

[Bernard_IV]

Nice job, that is really cool.

[72AG_Battler_]

Hello! Question: Does anyone have a set of files for 3D printing this aircraft control stick. Kissklas is unavailable.