The Convair B-36 Peacemaker is still one of the largest aircraft ever built. It is still the largest mass-produced piston-engined aircraft and has the longest wingspan of any combat aircraft. There are four examples still in existence today as complete aircraft.
One man, though, is hoping to change that, however. What started as a simple project to construct a flight simulator turned into a project to recreate the cockpit, and then ultimately, to build what would be the last B-36 Peacemaker produced.
This is the work of Brian Pierson, who lives in Virginia, and he has been spending the last five years building a full-size replica of the B-36 in his own garage. For now, he will be focusing on a full-size cockpit replica, which hopefully will then go on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
To date, the project has cost over $200,000 for Pierson to create. That cost will certainly continue to rise, especially if his ambitions to create a full-size B-36 come to fruition. Videos on the project’s YouTube channel show the progress so far, and it is both insane and incredible at the same time.
Why Is Pierson Building This B-36 Replica?
When complete, the aircraft will take the identity of B-36H 50-1083, with some original parts coming from that aircraft. It will recreate the condition of that aircraft when it left the Convair factory in May 1952, which was the first B-36H model produced.
Pierson set up a GoFundMe page to discuss what it is he is doing and why he is doing it. He isn’t building a flight-worthy replica. That would cost billions of dollars for him to do, and he simply would not have the time to do that. But if he does pull it off, this will be a 1:1 replica, built as accurately as possible, of a B-36H Peacemaker for eventual display in a museum. Pierson even has the aft compartment of RB-36E 42-13571 to eventually restore.
“I am 48 years old, and I have been unreasonably obsessed with the B-36 since I was 5 years old,” says Pierson on his fundraising page. “That’s pretty much the driving force, as I was not in the military nor was anyone in my immediate family. And negative, I am not a pilot,” he added. In short, Pierson is a man with a dream, and his willpower alone might be enough to see this dream become a reality. His videos of the cockpit section showcase his dedication to the construction of this aircraft.
Will the Aircraft Ever Be Finished?
The biggest question that everyone has asked is, of course, will the aircraft ever be finished? Well, that all depends on money and time. Pierson is building this in his spare time, while also looking after his mother, who had a nasty fall. Plus, his GoFundMe page says it will cost $1 billion to fully build the aircraft…which is a lot of money for anyone unless you happen to be Elon Musk.
But Pierson is undeterred and is clearly determined to get this project over the line, even if it takes him a lifetime. “Don’t be shy, as just $5, 10, or $ 20 gets 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,” he said on his fundraising page. Pierson’s YouTube channel is well worth checking out, and you can also follow his progress on the project’s Facebook page.