Help build B-36H Peacemaker 50-1083

https://www.youtube.com/@B36HPeacemaker

I'm building a realistic full-scale mock-up of a B-36 flight deck (or more, much more) from a combination of vintage components and fabrications.

A 10'x4' sheet if 3003 16-20 gauge aluminum cost $105.00 before tax. As you can see, I get a lot done with just one sheet.

I spend $20-50 American dollars on the B-36 every time I so much as think about going to the hardware store, and it gets worse on eBay. Airplane parts aren't cheap, and it turns out that materials that can become airplane parts are not cheap!

Details, because I love to talk and leave behind no mysteries:

First thing first: I am just a guy.

I am just a guy who is building a B-36. If you are wondering, no I do not bite.

I am 45 years old and I have been obsessed with the B-36 since I was 5 years old.

Twenty or so years ago I began collecting vintage flight instruments for the B-36 with a dream of someday building a main instrument panel for their display. Well, after the main panel was put into work I realized that I would need something to sit it on, so the inspiration to construct the pilot's console was born. Soon after the flight deck sides followed.

What exactly am I doing?

Let's understand that I am just a guy with a born talent as a graphic artist and fabricator. I have no formal training or education. I simply see something and magically will it into existence. Or, I give it my best shot. I am not building anything the FAA will be inspecting anytime soon.

The initial dream was to build a complete B-36 flight deck to serve as a PC flight simulator. However, the more I learn about the B-36, the more vintage technical orders and manuals I add to my collection, and the more the rest of the B-36 fascinates me and my will to add more to the build continues.

"I am going to be building this B-36 until the day I die" is most likely a literal statement, but it is not legally binding. If you are a human who does human stuff, you probably understand that situations and priorities change. Ergo, building this B-36 is not my job, obligation or responsibility.

As an artist, I have one simple rule, and that is to not mix business with pleasure. In no way am I going to subject myself to feeling forced into construction because of a donation. If you do donate you have earned your right to criticize my work, call me names or whatever......but not expect me to work.

This is a stress-free project. It is my love, my passion -and it's going to stay that way.

What will your contribution buy? Well, it won't buy technically correct countersank rivets and accuracy down to 1/1000 of an inch. What it will buy is fasteners, aluminum, abrasives, drill bits and consumables.

That's about it. I am just a guy in a typical household garage with a few power tools, a handful of machines and the will to do something amazing......or.......maybe.......insane.

I've never done this before, so if I am leaving anything out.......? No time. I've got a B-36 to build.

If you are new to this project, you can view my progress on Facebook. Just search for and join the B-36 Interest Group.

$5, 10, 20 over a few days will get a lot done. Larger amounts will purchase more pricey, vintage items or tooling that will contribute to the historical and technical accuracy of the project.

In terms of help, it's not all about money. I am always looking for vintage AN switches, push-to-test lamps, aluminum sheets or anything indicative of the B-36. The more I get, the more I will build.