Warbird Information Exchange

Hi, I thought this was the best place to appeal for info and/or parts for a Curtiss Helldiver SB2C-5.

I have tried to post some pics of the Helldiver cockpit section we have just aquired here in the UK but I having some problems with this. We are now planning to restore this section for museum display here in the UK. Does anyone please have any parts from the cockpit area that could assist with this rather challenging project? I know this is a rare aircraft but hopefully the parts we need for the restoration can be sourced over time. There must be parts lurking in private collections or at least I hope so!!

Of particluar interest would be a front canopy, drawings for the instrument panels or original panels if at all possible. We are also looking for the dural armour plate that wraps around just in the front of pilots canopy as ours is badly corroded so a replacement (if one exists) is needed. Any leeds or info would be most welcome. Thank you in advance.

Hi Wings,

Sorry, I don't have any leads or parts for you. But, I do have the Accident Reports for the Helldiver scanned through Dec '46. If you post the BuNo, I'll see if your bird was in any accidents.

Just in case you'd like me to post the photos for you, I'm sending you a PM with my email address.

Mac

_________________
WWII Naval Aviation Research - Pacific
https://www.ww2nar-pac.com/

Dan sent me the photos of his museum's SB2C project. It looks like they have there work cut out for them, but they have a good basis to start with.

Mac

_________________
WWII Naval Aviation Research - Pacific
https://www.ww2nar-pac.com/

WOW! gonna be a challenge!!!!

So it's BuAer 83434 by the looks of it: I think all the Greek Helldivers came from this batch BuAer Nos.83128 to 83751.

Indeed, it seems to be an ex Greek bird, spent many years outside at Northweald in the UK and was originally recovered from Greece by Rob Lamplough. This info from a UK Forum.

Not sure if the 3434 is a curtiss construction number or the BuAer number??? any guidance appreciated, it is indeed going to be a challange and will take a lot of man hours but it isn't anything we haven't tackled before!! the biggest problem is going to be finding parts, I did get hold of an U/C selector box from Evilbay. Still on the look out for other parts.

If anyone has drawings for the instrument panels I would love to hear from them as we can then get some laser cut.

Would be great to confirm the ID or should I say the BuAer Number, once restored it will be on display opposite our B5N2 Kate wreck.

Dan