My first attempt to couple to the control columns was based on common sense. Apparently that was not the correct way to go...

Looking from the front of the simulator towards the panel. Note the small pulleys and thin steel cable attempting to connect the elevator action of the columns. This resulted in an extremely stiff assembly (one has to brace their foot on the panel to pull the column out). Not good. On the log page you can find a link to some bitmaps showing how they are suppose to be connected.

From the other side. Here at least I think I got the aileron action correct. Barely detectable in the photo is a piece of 1" x 1/8" steel bracing the two columns apart. Currently they are fixed to the 2x3 by means of 2-1/2" angle brackets - this apparently needs to be removed to permit the pulleys to move freely up and down as the columns pivot in the bushings at the panel.

Next - My first working gauge! A compass.

Back to the log files.