
Assembling Accessory Bay Cowlings:
After restoring the engine accessory bay cowlings and the diaphragm, Pioneer Aero had to ensure that they fitted together properly as an entire assembly. This is where the Banshee-based MGM wind machine came in handy, since the A-24B is virtually identical to an SBD-5 Dauntless. Pioneer technicians had already bolted the SBD's engine mount to the cut-down A-24 fuselage, so it was then simply a matter of attaching the diaphragm and assembling the associated accessory bay cowling sections to determine how well they went together. Such flexible components often take a little 'persuading' to connect correctly, but the images below reveal an excellent result.
Another view of the freshly-refurbished diaphragm and engine accessory bay cowlings. The eagle-eyed amongst you will see a photograph attached to the side of the fuselage which depicts the Wind Machine as it once looked during its heyday with the MGM movie studios in Hollywood, California. (photo via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)
Trial Fitting the Engine:
Once Pioneer had proven that the accessory bay cowlings assembled correctly, it was time to verify whether the engine and various ancillary components meshed properly with the diaphragm. To achieve this task, the technicians had to remove the engine mount from the Wind Machine again. Strange as it may seem, it is easier to first bolt the mount to the engine before attaching the entire assembly to the firewall. While the Wright R-1820 Cyclone engine used in this process appears both complete and in immaculate condition, it is a presently non-functioning example, serving simply as a mockup for component alignment purposes.
The diaphragm centre seal had to be assembled against the accessory side of the engine in sections before being bolted together. This had to be accomplished before fitting the engine mount to the engine itself. (photo via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)
The engine, complete with its mount, being gently aligned with the wind machine’s firewall. Engineers Mark Lamborn (on the far side of the engine mount), Allen House (on the forklift) and Chief Engineer Martin Hedley (back to camera) are carrying out this delicate task. (photo via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)
This view shows the engine assembly following its attachment to the wind machine's firewall. (photo via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)
A front-end view of the engine. The team had begun attaching some of the powerplant's ancillary components at this point. If you look carefully, you will note that the forward sections of the air intake ducting are visible on the engine at roughly the two and ten o'clock positions. (photo via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)
Assembling Accessories:
With the engine and its mount attached to the wind machine's firewall, Pioneer's technicians then began the process of bolting on various ancillary components, such as the diaphragm, exhaust manifold and induction ductwork, to check their fit. Everything went together exactly as it was supposed to.
This view shows the firewall-forward assembly coming together. The diaphragm had to be fitted in sections due to the close-fitting relationship between the engine and its mount. In this image, the righthand engine exhaust sections have also been attached, helping to verify their positional relationships. (photo via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)
Another view of the engine with some of the firewall-forward components installed, this time from the left side. The exhaust manifold is in place, fitting correctly. Note the support underneath the propeller shaft to ensure the wind machine does not tip over. (photo via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)
Another view of the carburettor and air intake ducting at the back of the engine. Note the close-fitting nature of the air intake ductwork. The components come over the engine mount tubes, turn through 90 degrees and then go forwards through the dishpan. (photo via Pioneer Aero Ltd.)