Genuine 737 Throttle Quadrant - Found One
/oem 737-300 throttle quadrant as removed from aircraft
After considerable research I've learnt there are very few reproduction throttles that match the functionality and robustness of the OEM throttle.
Revolution-Sim, a company in France appears to produce an exceptionally well designed quadrant, however, not with an inexpensive price tag. Contacting Revolution-Sim is also difficult as they do not respond to e-mails. ThrottleTec produce a very good intermediate throttle that is reasonably priced, however, the throttle's appearance is different to the OEM throttle and it looks like a toy.
Fortunately, I have been able to find an OEM 737 throttle from a aircraft tear down yard.
If I manage to purchase this throttle, my intention is to refurbish the throttle and have it retrofitted, using Phidgets, to function with flight simulator. How this will be done eludes me for the time being.
Although motorizing the throttle so that the autothrottle moves the thrust levers is the holy grail I have been reliably informed that attempting to do so will probably cause more problems than it's worth. Therefore, the throttle will not be motorized. This doesn't concern me greatly as most of my virtual flying is done manually (hand flying).
I must confess that the feel of a real throttle in your hand leads no limit to the imagination!
