Spitfire Chassis Lever 1.3

This chassis lever, or gear lever, plugs into the gear input of the AuthentiKit Universal Hub and is part of both the Spitfire MkIX and Spitfire Mk1A set of AuthentiKit flight controls.

This download contains the following items. This picture shows how it could look if you go to town with a custom paint job (thanks to Jon Stockwood for this photo). However if you don't want to go that far you can get a rather pleasing result by using the custom sticker set that SimKitSupplies includes with their set of hardware parts.

  1. All 3D printable CAD files (in STL or 3MF) format required to print the parts for the chassis lever
  2. Batches of the above with all objects correctly oriented on the print bed ready for printing
  3. Wiring diagram
  4. Bill of Materials - other hardware parts (bearings, screws etc) you will need
  5. Assembly steps
  6. An inventory of the screws so you can cross check which screw size is used where

This is the assembly video:

External Content youtu.be
Content embedded from external sources will not be displayed without your consent.
Through the activation of external content, you agree that personal data may be transferred to third party platforms. We have provided more information on this in our privacy policy.

  • Version 1.3

    * Creative Commons licence changed

    - from: Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

    - to: Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)

  • Version 1.2.0

  • In the video for the assembly you show a damper being placed into the chassis lever. Also in the assembly steps page is shown Item 32 Fit Damper, but nowhere in the STL files (either Batches or Individual Parts) can I locate a Damper. Am I missing something?

    • Hi, the damper is a manufactured part. If you look in the bill of materials you'll see a damper listed and a link to a page showing where to get one.

    • Many thanks for the reply.


      Have just installed the optional damper ACE FRT-C2-301-G1 in my Chassis Lever and it works fine. Obtained it from RS Components Limited in Auckland NZ for the cost of NZ$14.00. Unfortunately postage was more than the damper but with a little bit of trimming of the lever it installed no problem. Does sit a little bit proud of the lever but there is plenty of room.

    • Good to know thanks!

      • Date
        • Date
        • Rating
      • All Versions
        • 1.3
        • 1.2.0
        • All Versions

  • Very clever design!

    Put this one together a few months ago. Absolutely brilliant design that Phil obsessed over and it was worth it!


    Like 1

  • Another great addition to my my Spitfire Mk IX

    This one was easier in some places, and harder in others. I did step away from the design brief by using silver PLA (rather than PLA+) and I kept finding that the hinged extension-lever kept cracking - so I adapted and overcame by strengthening it with a couple of 2mm self tapping screws (as arrowed). The other thing I found that needed a little bit of sanding and smoothing was the “UP/IDLE/DOWN” indicator peg. Again, this may have been my printer, but it took a fair bit of fettling for it to run smoothly. The problem being that if it doesn’t indicate correctly then the lever jams.


    Another great Authentikit addition. Thank you so much again for such a great resource. It’s the flap lever or gunsight next! :thumbup: :thumbup: :thumbup:

    Images

    Reply from Administrator ():

    Thanks, Yes precise calibration as per my test pieces is crucial for that idle indicator. Normally you can get away with it being good-enough, but in this case it's pretty critical. As for silver PLA, I did similar. I have some lovely shiny stuff myself but have given up on it as it has no strength,

  • Spitfire Chassis Level

    Another great design and looks just the part. Only issue I had was having to purchase the stickers from the UK. Would be good if something could be supplied where we could print them off at home but probably a bit tricky unless you had a special printer. Haven't got the up-down-idle peg to swivel so I'll keep working on that. Otherwise another excellent project. All we need now is the course setter.

    Reply from Administrator ():

    Hi, try tweaking your calibration and reprinting that idle indicator. It's such a small piece that its quick to reprint. Regarding the stickers I'm afraid that SimKit Supplies paid a designer to make those so that's their bit of an extra special touch.

  • Quick build, maximum immersion

    Compared to the throttle and stick this chassis lever is really simple to build, as it only requires two buttons. It’s an amazing showcase of the ever-evolving authentikit engineering, The spring-loaded lever and the hydraulic damper really make this feel solid.


    I would love to see the hydraulic damper built in to all of the mag hall and mclick units as standard parts. It really takes the feel to the next level. :love:



    I’ve used prusament pistachio green and spray painted the black and silver bits. Sourcing parts can be a bit of a pain in the US, but maybe in the future we could have regional versions.



    Overall, I can’t say enough great things about Authentikit projects.

    Like 1

    Reply from Administrator ():

    Made my day my friend! So pleased you've got this much enjoyment out of it!

  • Indicator mechanism works a charm

    A really easy build, and I'm so impressed with how the UP/DOWN/IDLE indicator window works.


    I made this with the kit from Sim Kit Supplies and 3D printing the downloaded parts. You can get away without the hydraulic dampener if you're on a budget, especially if you get the cork friction disk to a good tension, but it does make for a really nice feel so I'm pleased I got one. I decided to paint on the lettering rather than use the stickers, but the stickers are a great idea for those who don't enjoy the entirely optional painting and finishing.


    For mock rivets, I used the little rubber pads for stopping draws and wardrobe doors banging.

    Like 1