i know these are a dying breed , but are still in some demand , can you go to school on them?

I do believe that during a normal A&P(airframe & powerplant) class they cover radial engines extensively.

A&P school touches on them, I worked on 985s and wright 1340s and a few lycomings, they're basically the same mechanically as an opposed recip.in larger scale. systems and principals are the same, reciprocating engines are basically the same and the best way to get to know them is work where they service them. I got my start volunteering on warbirds
(b-17, at-6, bt-13, stearman) working under an experienced mech. and the perks were flying and flying in them.
good luck

The 1340 is also a P&W. The closest CW to that displacement would be a 1300. Radial engine mechanic.

A radial engine is nothing like a flat engine concerning maint, operation or construction.

you're right the wrights I worked on were 1750's, the 1340's were p&W, its been a long time since I turned a wrench on a round motor and posted before I thought about it
as for operation smart a** they all suck squeeze burn and blow and use the same systems a recip does. Magnetos for fire, carbs for fuel, etc.....

The CW is a 1820. The 1830 is a P&W. If the person who posted this wants to learn about radials the best way is to beg, borrow or buy the manuals. I have about 30 years between and behind radials and Merlins. I also do most of the maint. If you try and operate a radial like a flat engine it will fail.

working in some kind of OJT Setup would probably be the best way , but there's no AP school arround here and hardly anyone
is doing OJT anymore. where can you get the manuals?

Best thing to do is get all the necesary training for all radial engines you can find. A lot of schools still review, overhaul, and repair the R-985. For 1820', 1830's, R-2800's the manuals are the best option. Planes of Fame Chino,CA has a boat load of them..

There's another way to get your hands dirty working on round engines, and it worked for me. Find out where ag operators (crop dusters) in your area are still using them, and apply for a job during their busy season. Out here it's rice, and if you drive by one of these outfits here in the Sacramento Valley between early April and the beginning of June, and are currently breathing, you'll find yourself up to your armpits in oil in no time. Although the larger airplanes like the big Air Tractors and turbines are taking over, there are still radials in use by many of the smaller operators. I stll get occasional calls from my old customers about working on their planes, because they can't find anybody when they need them. Keep in mind, though, this ain't no way to get rich!