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
Fixture built off the original dome
New rough cut parts
Tuning those rough parts
Pockets for the side ring
Rear Bows still need some work done
Machining needed to match up with the interconnecting parts
Tricky side bits
Tricky front segments parts. Still needs some rolling, forming, and "influence" for the perfect fit.
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?
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 I just love the bad grin smiley.
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.
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.
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.
