Engine Cowls:
While Pioneer Aero awaited the imminent arrival of the ship bearing the fuselage from SBD-5 BuNo.36175, they got to work with what they had on hand, trial-fitting the aircraft's engine cowling to the MGM wind machine. Officially referred to in the SBD's wartime Erection & Maintenance manual as the "Anti-drag Ring Cowling," its temporary reassembly proved to be a big success, with everything fitting as intended.
Once the cowl hoop was fitted to the dummy engine, it was possible to test-fit the cowlings around it. At present, some of the steel cowling components are just clecoed in place, since they had previously been removed for cleaning and cadmium plating (for corrosion control). The image reveals what a great starting point we had with the cowlings which came with the project. That being said, each of them needs significant repairs to fix damage from cracks, dents and corrosion. Once that is complete, the process of riveting them back together can proceed. (photo via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)
This head on view shows the troughs and recesses in the upper engine cowling sections which permit the passage of bullets from the forward, fuselage-mounted machine guns. (photo via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)
A great view of the gun trough and cowling recesses for the right hand, forward fuselage-mounted machine gun. Note that the gun trough is fabricated from stainless steel, which is better able to contend with the heat from the muzzle flashes than aluminum. To prevent dissimilar metal corrosion between the aluminum and stainless steel, however, a layer of neutral material must lie between the two metals. (photo via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)
Another view of the cowling mounted to the dummy engine as each piece is trial fitted into the assembly. (photo via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)
A view of the engine cowlings temporarily affixed to the wind machine, with the repaired accessory section panels now fully in place. (photo via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)
To assemble the cowlings on the wind machine, Pioneer's technicians had to first attach the mounting hoop on the unserviceable Wright Cyclone powerplant currently installed for systems mockup. More formally referred to as the Cowling Bow Support, this assembly comprises a pair of semicircular extrusions which bolt together on the top and bottom sides of the engine; it will require major repair before it is serviceable again.
The set of cowling panels will also require significant rework to repair corrosion issues and other damage, but it is a fabulous starting point for the project. Pioneer expects to retain much of this original material in the end product following restoration as well.
