Warbird Information Exchange

I would like to request pictures of WWII factory leading edges for vertical stabilizers being formed. I have scoured the internet but can't find anything.

I am working on a project and would like to see the type of tooling set ups that were used then as I develop them for my own use now.

Appreciate any type of picture that shows the task being performed from trainers to bombers and anything in between.

Production parts were formed by drop hammer or stretcher press. Prototype parts were mostly hand formed, using hammers, dollies, shrinkers, stretchers and the english wheel. We still had and ran a hammer house with both drop hammers and big hydraulic presses to form skins and some light structure parts until the late 1990's. We offloaded most of that kind of work by about 2000.

Straight or curved?
P-38 Vertical or similar curved shapes would have been formed by stretch or drop hammer.
Straight leading edges were often rolled on a machine designed to curve the metal.

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Rich Palmer

Remember an Injured Youth
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#64- Stay Strong and Keep the Faith

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Hi David! Been wondering how the P-35A project was going.
Hope you haven't already seen this shot, a captured Japanese photo from fold3:

Natural metal P-35A destroyed on the ground at Clark Field.

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All right, Mister Dorfmann, start pullin'!
Pilot: "Flap switch works hard in down position."
Mechanic: "Flap switch checked OK. Pilot needs more P.T." - Flight report, TB-17G 42-102875 (Hobbs AAF)

If you can supply the profile of the part I can make it for you.Dont get all bogged down on trying to replicate the way they did it at the factory.It will whipe out your budget.Get to building the plane.The same technique will also work for the stab and leading edges.

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Hang The Expense

One more thing,go visit the guys at General Forming in Lomita(you know where Lomita is don't you.They can really help you out and they are right in your backyard.

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Hang The Expense

Is the press up and running Hang?

We'd love to see some pictures and some samples.

What does one need to provide you with in order to have a part pressed?

Just curious.

Andy Scott

Almost ready.Got to get it wired which will be some money.Everything else is in place so maybe in another few weeks.I cant wait as all the B-17 stuff is piling up as a lot of the tooling is done now and ready to form.I will see about getting pics posted asap.What does one need to get a part pressed?Let me know what it is would be a start.We'll work out the details.

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Hang The Expense

Here is a quick update on the P-35.....

Wanted to thank everyone for their input and suggestions on the fabrication of the leading edge. Didn't intend to make the thread about the P-35, but since their was a request thought I would share what I have been up to.

To get the fuselage to the mockup stage took a long time. Certain drawings were missing or obscured and it was difficult to figure out all the dimensions. Basically every frame had to be redrawn in 3D Cad in order to infer the missing dimensions and entire bulkheads.

From there had to transfer to 2D cad to get the frames cut out on a CNC router. Also took the chance to fit a PBY engine mount (R-1830) and exhaust shroud to gauge how everything would fit. Allot of work to go, will post more pictures as I make progress.

Nice work, I can help you with the tooling for the frames and making the parts.

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Hang The Expense

VCS1 Thanks for sharing your update. Really cool project.

Hang, I know that no one can be as excited about your press as you are. I'm really looking forward to seeing just what can be done with it.

Thanks for posting, and thanks for all of the cool stuff you do to help vintage aviation. You're a class act!

Andy