New Build Sperry A-1A Top Turret Dome

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DryMartini
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New Build Sperry A-1A Top Turret Dome

Post by DryMartini »


Thought for a while on where to start this thread, but I think this is the logical choice.

No one can claim that board member "Hang The Expense" is a computer hacking maniac,
and so I told him that I'd help him out.

Below are photos of Hang's A-1A turret dome reproduction project.
I have to admit that when Hang called me up at 11:30pm one night
with a wild hare tale about waterjetting out a top turret dome, I was
a little skeptical. However, the pictures prove that this guy knows
a little something about metalworking.

Original turret dome to use as a pattern
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Fixture built off the original dome
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New rough cut parts
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Tuning those rough parts
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Pockets for the side ring
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Rear Bows still need some work done
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Machining needed to match up with the interconnecting parts
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Tricky side bits
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Tricky front segments parts. Still needs some rolling, forming, and "influence" for the perfect fit.
Image

Do you need an A-1A turret dome? I'm sure Hang'll make you one, but you need to ask yourself one question:
Did you bring cubic dollars?
Well, did ya?
-Bill
B-17E 41-2595 "Desert Rat" Restoration Team
PineCastleAAF
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Re: New Build Sperry A-1A Top Turret Dome

Post by PineCastleAAF »

That is just fantastic. I'm in awe and I'm not kidding that is good stuff.
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beast44k
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Re: New Build Sperry A-1A Top Turret Dome

Post by beast44k »

If you have a model, you can replicate pretty much anything.....just need someone to loan out a ball turret.
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hang the expense
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Re: New Build Sperry A-1A Top Turret Dome

Post by hang the expense »

I cant wait to tackle a ball turret.I have built one before in my head and am still working out the individual parts and how to put it all together.There is a shortage of those for sure.I am making aluminum cheek windows frames for late F and G models now in addition to the turret shell.I want to do the earlier low profile one piece shell next.thank you guys for your interest,Tom :badgrin: :badgrin: :badgrin: I just love the bad grin smiley.
HANG THE EXPENSE
Dave
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Location: U.K

Re: New Build Sperry A-1A Top Turret Dome

Post by Dave »

Fantastic work, can you make the tub and the rest of the turret?, I want one :D :D
Dave
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hang the expense
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Re: New Build Sperry A-1A Top Turret Dome

Post by hang the expense »

Making the tub would be no big deal from what I have seen of the part.I will get through the shell and then look at that.
HANG THE EXPENSE
RodSchneider
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Re: New Build Sperry A-1A Top Turret Dome

Post by RodSchneider »

Gee, Tom, is that the turret shell that was sitting in our hangar for a while? :D
Rod Schneider
Ball Ground, GA
www.libertyfoundation.org
KnockoutDropper
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Re: New Build Sperry A-1A Top Turret Dome

Post by KnockoutDropper »

Where is this A1A shell going to go? The scratch-built B-17F project that is showcased on this forum?
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hang the expense
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Re: New Build Sperry A-1A Top Turret Dome

Post by hang the expense »

Right now I am building this one to see how it goes and how long it takes.So far its been pretty straight forward.The scratch built bird uses an earlier turret shell than what I'm building now.
HANG THE EXPENSE
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hang the expense
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Re: New Build Sperry A-1A Top Turret Dome

Post by hang the expense »

I started cutting out the slab sided ring that runs around the side of the turret with the relief pockets for the retaining nuts.Will get some pics up tomorrow if I can get far enough along on it.
HANG THE EXPENSE
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DryMartini
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Re: New Build Sperry A-1A Top Turret Dome

Post by DryMartini »

A few more pictures - this of the aiming glass frame.

Image

Image
-Bill
B-17E 41-2595 "Desert Rat" Restoration Team
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hang the expense
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Re: New Build Sperry A-1A Top Turret Dome

Post by hang the expense »

Thanks for posting the pics Dry.
HANG THE EXPENSE
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DryMartini
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Re: New Build Sperry A-1A Top Turret Dome

Post by DryMartini »


All right - You all have or want turrets.
I have this:

Image

It is an ORIGINAL painting (one of three as I recall) used as
prototypes for the album cover for Scruffy The Cat's "Boom Boom Boom Bingo" album.

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If you know about Scruffy The Cat, give yourself 10 points.
I bought it from Stephen Fredette, who had a relative who flew P-38s.

What do ya think?

Taking this forum to places it's never been before...
-Bill
B-17E 41-2595 "Desert Rat" Restoration Team
NickV
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Re: New Build Sperry A-1A Top Turret Dome

Post by NickV »

How cool! Jealously rears its ugly head...again!
Nick
Nick Veronico
B-17G tail turret project
http://www.wreckchasing.com
www.amazon.com/author/nicholasveronico
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hang the expense
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Re: New Build Sperry A-1A Top Turret Dome

Post by hang the expense »

I am back on the turret so we will see how it goes.There are a few of the little pieces I need to make to tie it all together.Thank GOD for waterjet service.
HANG THE EXPENSE
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