Warbird Information Exchange

Today I went to see a P-40N project that is being built at Ocala by Chris Kirchner. He has been working on the airplane for the last 7 years. The airplane is almost completely been scratched built but has a few parts off of 42-105120 which was a wreck from Alaska. Here are a few photos of the project.



















Mark Fidler

What kind of engine is in it and how many cylinders does it have? I kid, it's cool to see something like this going together. Being seven years in the making does that mean it's being put together by some average mere mortal?

-Tim

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Keep 'em Flying.

Thats fantastic.I have always had a liking for P40's.Good to see another taking shape.

Average? Umm... no.


http://www.warbirdsocala.com/

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It was a good idea, it just didn't work.

Well, now I know. I must admit I'm not familiar with all the shops out there but something about the plane shown in the pictures looked more like a slow moving labour of love than the product of a professional restorer. No offense intended to either the little guys with big planes OR the pros out there.

-Tim

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Keep 'em Flying.

Heres an update on the P-40 project at Ocala these were taken this morning 04/09/13.



On its gear.



Tail Installed



Side Shot.



Cockpit.



Tail close up.

Mark Fidler

Very nice to see another P-40 close to completion. Look forward to more updates.

~J~

Wow! Looking great. Thanks for posting.

More P-40's flying = Better!

Andy Scott

Many thanks for the pics, Mark.

Mr. Kirchner recently had his Texan up for sale. Any idea on the progress of that sale?

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It was a good idea, it just didn't work.

The T-6 was still in the hanger He is also working on a BT-13 which he will fly after the T-6 is sold.

Mark Fidler

Awesome! Will it be a flier? Also, interesting that a T-6G was on the USS Ranger post 1952...... Just sayin'

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Cheers!

Lance Jones

Beautiful job,any pix of what the project looked like thru its restoration?


I thought the Allison engines used in the P-40 had the long nose case,Looking at Mr.Weeks collection,I could see direct drive off the crank with no nose case,P-39. P-38 short nose case and without looking at the data plate,no way to tell Lt or Rt engine.This P-40 has what I convinced myself was a short nose case engine.
Ok experts,take me to school.

Tiger moth


Every time I post I get a black dot on the post intro.HQ has no reason why.....

Looks like he's getting her ready for Sun'N'Fun

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My racing will fund my warbirding. Hopefully...

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/#!/ChristopherDeshongRacing
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisDRacing

Hey Tiger. Greetings from a fellow (Canadian with an English) Tiger. (DH82EH)
Long and short nose cases are, as you implied, for different machines. Have a look at the really early P-40's. They use the, AFAIK rare, long nose case. As far as left and right hand turners for the P-38, it's apparently not a big deal. You can make an Allison turn in either direction with some minor mods to how the gears are set up in the nose case. Not so for the Merlin. The XP-82 project required an ultra rare L/H Merlin that was found in Mexico (go figure). I have no clue what they would have done for that project without this amazing find.

Oh, BTW. The black dot means that you have posted in the related thread. Hope that helps

Andy Scott

Thanks DH82EH,
I would love to see a schematic of a long nose / short nose.I suspect they don't differ much other than accessory take-offs.Basically a spur gear to slow the prop down from engine rpm.But the real interesting thing would be how would they change prop direction in similar looking nose cases?Sun gear?I would have guessed backwards cams and mags.This is interesting.
I have owned my DH-82A since 1975.That might be the record.


Tiger Moth

So when you post,you get the black dot? HQ is pulling my leg.Bahaa.