so Alex if u r out there.....let us know about your progress

Alex,

   I wouldn't use a belt sander either. A very quick and easy method would be to use a block plan, you would have more control, as you would be making smaller facets, which can then be sanded down with a sanding block by hand. The more facets the faster the sanding process will be.

  Another way, my preferred way, use struts behind the curve and use thin (3 or more layers of 1/8") plywood, or better yet, use bending ply, or some places call it wiggle board.

 The third way would be to use the correct thickness of plywood and kerf cut the back side until it will easily bend to the shape you need.

BobZ