Cat in the Cradle - Jigging up the Wing Center Section:
The team at Pioneer Aero has constructed a massive steel jig to hold the SBD’s wing center section rigidly in place. This will allow them to keep everything straight and true during the restoration process as they remove components for refurbishment or replication.Â
Two heavy-gauge, steel end plates, one on each side of the jig, hold the center section in place within it. These end plates attach where the outer wing panels normally mount, using the same bolt holes to do so. Once the two plates are aligned perfectly with one another, the center section is lowered into position and bolted in place.
The center section on its way into position between the jig’s two end plates. The engineers (l to r) Stephen Fox, Allen House, and Craig Cunha (on forklift) keep an eye on things as it is lowered into the correct location. (image via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)
Engineers (l to r) William Lowen, Allen House, Stephen Fox (behind lift strop), Jason Harris and Craig Cunha (on forklift) helping guide the center section into place. (image via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)
The center section is almost in position within the jig, with engineers (l to r) William Lowen, Allen House, Rod Hansen and Craig Cunha (on forklift) helping align it correctly. (image via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)
The Big Tilt:
After all of the attaching bolts are properly cinched down, it is time to tilt the jig through 90°, such that the wing leading edge (were it still in place) faces towards the earth. While this maneuver may seem counterintuitive, it actually allows Pioneer’s engineers easier access to the upper and lower sides of the wing, which will speed their progress considerably. Work can now begin on restoring this key component!Â
The center section jig contained in its custom built jig while being tilted so it sits vertically. Engineers Allen House (on forklift) and Craig Cunha (operating the chain block) ensure it moves safely and securely. (image via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)
Getting close now; engineers Allen House (on forklift) and Craig Cunha (operating the chain block) guide the jig as it is hauled into a vertical position. (image via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)
Admiring their work, engineers Allen House (on forklift) and Craig Cunha (operating the chain block) have raised the jig into position and can now detach the lifting strop. (image via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)
The SBD’s wing center section, contained within its custom built jig, is finally in position. The jig was designed so that various sections of its structure can be removed as required to allow maximum access. The flat plate visible low down in the frame is where the lower engine mounts will go (the originals being torn off in the crash). The space between this plate and the main spar (Spar 1) will be filled with the wing leading edges. (note the upper fuselage assembly in its jig towards the rear of the image). (image via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)