New Seversky P-35A Replica

[VCS1]

Hello,
It has been some time since I posted an update on my P-35A replica project. Hopefully this post can be moved the Gary Austin Maintenance Hanger and be made a "sticky" as I post more updates.

I have been working very slowly but surely building the vertical stabilizer from the OEM Seversky/Republic prints. Everything is being built from scratch, including the rudder attach brackets which I designed in 3D CAD (Solidworks) and had manufactured w/rapid pototyping in resin for proof of concept. Interestingly enough, the brackets are very similar to those on the P-47 Thunderbolt!





For the sheetmetal parts, I have focused on the rear spar of the vertical and a couple of ribs:





Finally I have built a "mock up" of the aft fuselage and got to see how the spar mounted. Starting look like an airplane!

[Nathan]

Good to see an update on this project. I am currently researching a P-35 crash site in my local area. So far it might look like nothing is left of the wreck but when I go out and do find something and am able to recover it I plan to donate the parts to your project. Again though the outcome right now in finding anything is small. But there is always hope.

Cheers,
Nathan

[Dave Lindauer]

Great oaks from little acorns grow.

A fantastic effort!

[Taylor Stevenson]

VCS,

Any updates on this project?

T

[VCS1]

I have been working on getting the fuselage mock up together. I had all the fuselage frames redrawn in 3D Cad and then cut out on a CNC router. I have also picked an PBY engine mount and cowling (thank you Gary Austin) which is shown fitted to the fuselage.

[VCS1]

Here is a more recent picture of the project, need to fabricate upper and lower longerons and fit engine case.

For any interested journalistic party, any picture in this thread about our replica project can be used for your publication whether print or web.

Please credit David Kenney and VCS Aviation, we are now based out of Selma Airport (0Q4)