Warbird From Scratch: A Homebuilt Spitfire
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2016
- Like many of us, Bob DeFord of Prescott, Arizona, dreamed of owning a Spitfire. Like most of us, he couldn’t afford one. Unlike just about any of us, however, he did something about it: He built his own. Take an up-close look at his remarkable homebuilt Spitfire, built to 1:1 scale and powered by an Allison V-12 engine. It was one of the true stars of EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015.
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How on earth can anyone dislike this, thank goodness for guys like this. Respect and love from 🇬🇧
I KNOW how that man's heart feels! The sight of a Spitfire makes all my senses reel. It may not be a time-served, re-built original, and it may have an Alison and not a Merlin, but man, to build one from scratch - that is not second best! And I love it that it has a WOODEN wing, a nod towards another WW2 great, the Mosquito. What's not to like?!
I had to laugh my guts out when Bob was flying his wooden "spitfire" at an air show a spectator remarked how wonderful the "merlin" engine sounded !!! Yeah he had no clue and could not tell the difference between a Allison and a merlin !!! Funny as hell !!! !
And Bob "Liked it" so much he has sold it !!!!!
I flew the F-15C in the USAF and retired from a major airline. I was a bush pilot in Alaska, I flew for the Royal Flying Doctors in Australia. But I also flew and instructed in WWII fighters and bombers for the CAF and various flying museums. I also offered my services to EAA members who had built a bit more airplane than their freshly printed private pilot's license was quite ready for.
These last two are the best experiences of my life. My father flew in WWII, he learned to fly at Randolph and Kelly fields in San Antonio. Flying low level around San Antonio in a Stearman or T6, I like to think perhaps I'm chasing the great great grandkids of the cows he chased.
Bob built my favorite fighter of WWII...the Spit mk IX. What an amazing job he did! That is one fine aeroplane. I love the fighter pilot arrogance in his remark "when level, there's two inches of clearance between the prop and the ground. They told me I had to change it or I'd hit it. I haven't hit it yet. I'm not going to hit it."
You go, Bob. You are one sierra hotel stick jockey.
Check Six, brother
How neat is that? So, an Allison was easier to get hold of than a Merlin, and a three-blade DC3 propellor was available, so what? The guy wanted a Spitfire, so he *made* one. It is great just listening to him talk about it and the pleasure it gives him.
He enjoys what he has built. Good on him!
And he made a Spitfire mirror out of a soup ladle!
Isn't that epic?
MarsFKA it is something good 2 know, he never let his budget get in the way of his project, so he did it all the best and most affordable way. Never knew a kitchen ladle and a stick on blind spot mirror wood make so much good 4 a rear view mirror on a Spitfire, it's just amazing.
Seek medical attention before it's too late !
Littlewillythesnoringtractor You can't keep that mouth thing of yours quiet for even a moment, can you? You suck the life out of everything you touch and every thread that you infest with your hatred of anything British. Here's a "limey" (your word) who did just what your fellow American did.
ua-cam.com/video/XYD4IEd3zP0/v-deo.html
Now, say something to try to diminish *his* achievement, you miserable creep.
That has to be about the best 'Homebuilt' on the planet......and it's 1:1 - AND it's got a warbird engine........ Well-done that man....!!!!
Anyone trying to say a bad word about this guy deserves a fist to the face
Early Mustangs used the Allison and were used as dive bombers and ground attack. I believe they were designated as A-36.
soaringtractor The P39 ,P 40's never fought in combat against aircraft they were superior to. Reason the altitude limits imposed on the aircraft by the Allison motor
Play time over children!!!!
@soaringtractor lol the latest spitfire out performed the latest P51 and even the the hawker typhoon outran both in spades having an extra 12 cylinders and a more stable gun platform
I am not easily impressed BUT this is beyond over-the-top amazing.
B I N G O !
This is my brother and he is over the top fabulous.
JetMechMA Thanks for the comment. Thing that I love too about my brother was he always couldn't believe he got paid to do what he loved
Amazing!! 👏🏻🌟🇬🇧
soaringtractor This is not a Spitfire just a copy using parts of other planes I hope he is insured
He built his own Spitfire? That is absolutely amazing!!
But it only looks like a Spitfire, under the skin it is just an aircraft.
As much as it hurts to see a Spit without a Merlin engine, props to this guy. A cracking job indeed.
Some would say it's 'more Spit' than a Griffon engine in some ways, with how the prop rotated the other way and was more torquey.
That's the one thing that broke my heart as well. A spitfire isn't a Spitfire without the Merlin engine. Nevertheless, awesome job.
A Spitfire with wooden wings!!!!!!
and it worked just fine !!! Had all the power Bob needed as he was NOT worried about flying at high altitude and the Allisons were known as a reliable engine, actually one liter larger in displacement and 300# lighter !!!!
"I wanted an Allison because for one thing, all my wrenches fitted." I can appreciate that sentiment. That's smarts there: go with what you know / have.
@Trans Am Bet it is !!
I know One RR-Merlin that has its home here in DK and last I heard it wouldn't go anywhere under $100K - on top of that you need certify it (air-worthy), that's not cheap either.
That’s the logo applied to the hoods of Pontiac Firebirds.
Your name sir....very synonymous with the RAF..
I think he said "fit it".
Britain and the US were both only using the Imperial unit of measure in WW2 so the same size bolts, nuts and wrenches. Unless Allison had their own unique system.
Bob, it's an absolute peach mate. Fair play to you and your mate. I especially love the story about the mirror! God bless the art of bodging, eh? My Grandad was groundcrew on Spits and Hurricanes in WW2, airframe and electrics. He would have LOVED this project (although he would have probably had a few things to say to you about stuff, but then he always DID!!). Thanks for this, it's made my day.
America has some amazing amateur engineers. There's another guy who scratch-buiilt a flying Stuka. I'm just amazed at their skill and determination. Bravo!
As a former RAF man and self-confessed WW2 nut, this Spitfire is a stunning example of what can be achieved with perseverance and dedication. Its like turning the tables..a Spit with an Alison engine, as opposed to the later P51's with the RR Merlin!!
A replica Spitfire is unlikely to ever go above 15000 feet so why not use the Allison V-1710?
The original P51 Mustang was bought by the British for ground attack roles for which the original engine was ideal. It was soon realised that a high altitude engine would release hidden talents in the airframe and fortunately the Merlin was close to a straight swap. Rolls Royce took just 6 weeks to fit a Merlin 61 into a Mustang so its pretty obvious the engines are very similar.
P51 Mustangs ALL used the PACKARD merlin !!!!
apparently NOT !!
@@davidelliott5843 From the start the Mustang with the Allison engine out performed the shitfire Mk V, current production, which also was but a SINGLE stage supercharger !! THE only place even the 60 series out performed the Allison was ABOVE 20,000 ft !!! Remember the Mk II Allison Mustang topped 400 MPH at 20,000 ft !!! This Allison shitfire performs just as well as the merlin, or better down low where all these demo flights occur !! So WHY NOT !!! The Allison was a simpliar engine had 1/2 the parts of a merlin, made more HP down low, was 300# lighter and was less labor intensive to maintain !!! And it was 60 Cu In (one liter) larger in displacement and had a more modern roller rocker assembly on the valve train along with stronger con rods and a Bendix pressure carb while the merlin still used the SU carb with miss tillys orfice to make it run in a pitch over !!! Allison was a great engine. and post war they went head to head in the hydros and were pretty much the match of the merlin !!! Stan Sayer with his Slo Mo IV set a world speed limit at 178+ MPH using the Allison engine !!!
ALL MERLIN engined Mustangs used the Packard merlin !!! The first 620 Mk I & II and 500 A36's and ALL P51A's used the Allison and all through the war !!!! DUUUUHH!!!!!!
Another example of Yankee ingenuity. It is so reminiscent of guys like Burt Rutan who built an airplane himself and flew it around the world. Great work and bless your heart!
The most beautiful plane ever built. I see one flying over my house on VE Day. The sound of the Merlin engine is heart pounding, and the pilots that few these aircraft in the Battle of Britain are true legends. Thank you for keeping this iconic aircraft alive. What a brilliant job you’ve done sir.
That's incredible, building a full scale WWII fighter from scratch! Beautiful workmanship.
Hi Bob, I'm English and I can tell you the spitfire and hurricane mean a lot to us Brits,Your aircraft is fantastic, long live the King.
That thing is so beautiful.
Its really hard for me to put my finger on just why, but its without question one of the most beautiful machines ever made.
MyJizz UrEye yes especially in MkV MkIX and MkXIX particularly the photo reconnaissance variants
@@Mark13091961 to me all the bubble canopy versions look the best
But the mk24 has the best fin shape
Smug Megumin yes and when you look at the differences across the 24 types they are really quite considerable but all aesthetically pleasing
@deebsoner Oh, so you have met my my beautiful Wife of 48 years.
Some people have golden hands, a mind of their own, determination and the financial means to build whatever they envision. Incredible and inspiring
How could ANYONE, let alone 131 people, thumbs down this video!?? It deserves 100% thumbs up!
I’m an ex RAF ground electronics tech and once had a totally private view of the last Mosquito flying before it’s fatal crash, seeing it come down and fly over me on the old airfield where I was working … amazing and seeing this man make his own Spit … I take my beret off to you sir…
I love this guy, he's a doer a getter done kind of guy! Fun to listen to!
I'm 50+years in A&P ,rebuilt P-51's, bush mechanic in Africa for the UN. what you have done is grand, my hat's off to you.
If there was a Nobel prize for realising your dreams then this is the winner!
Amazing. This man deserves a medal. I used to watch spitfires coming home from action and the heart skips a beat . You are amazing Bob, well done.
AWESOME! AWESOME! AWESOME! Did I mention this is AWESOME? Built his own Spitfire...gives me goosebumps.
Awesome -if he's gone to all the trouble of building that wonderful aircraft, he's sure earned the right to put in whichever engine he chooses!
The quality of the build truly reflects your passion. Beautiful aircraft!
Well done! A fine example of someone pursuing his dream until completion.
Dude has the motivation to build his own Spitfire from scratch and I don't have the motivation to get out of bed before 12:30 on the weekend...
Amazing is not an adequate description for this work of art.
THANK YOU! I have family that run a small airport and I told them I wanted a WWII plane. They were like you can't afford it. I was like no Im going to build it and play with it. Ill be damned if I crash or damage an actual priceless piece of history. They were like you can't. I can't tell you how much I smiled when I saw this video. For me I want to build a B-25 mitchel. We shall see.
I built a plastic model of the Spitfire when I was a kid. Thought it was the most beautiful plane I'd had ever seen. I still feel that way today. I dust it off ever so often.
Brilliant idea and you actually built and flew it, you have realised a dream - it is as you say, a replica built with the parts you could afford and get your hands on. It flys and looks fantastic, a remarkable achievement if I may say so. From a Brit who saw the real thing in our skies during the war, my hearty congratulations on your achievement.😀
Shevill Mathers I recently watched a Video of Bob DeFords Replica spitfire with the Allison and one dumb ass remarked on the howl of that merlin engine !!!!!! He and others cannot tell the difference !!! funny as hell !!!
You nailed it! I would like to meet Bob. This is cool. Wonder whats the latest news on Bob and his spitfire.
Beautiful airplane! And what a history behind Spitfires...
The best part about having your own is that you can do whatever you want to it, paint it however you please.
That’s a working and flyable 1:1 scale model ! 👍👏. Take that, IPMS !
So cool. One of the most beautiful planes every build. I am glad somebody build one more of these.
Now that's a modest guy. Very very impressive!
A guy who builds such a beauty deserves respect and admiration, a masterpiece.
brilliant , well done , all our boys who flew in the war to give us freedom, will never be forgot and your a credit to this , thumbs up mate.
That's a beauty Bob. Show us some more.
Thats amazing! Great to see an american who has the will and love to take on such a task as this when hes not even building a plane from his own country! Great job fella!
A friend's dad built a 3/4 scale Me109. He was a WW2 pilot who lost his bomber over Germany. I think he was the only survivor? He scaled the drawings and built the whole thing, in the early 60's.
The smug grin in his POW photo was priceless!
I had a tech Teacher who was a Spitfire pilot during the war years. He flew with Douglas Barder fight defending England. Some of the things he told us were hair raising, but they were the bravest of the brave, 65 Spitfires at one time, against the German Airforce. And they won. Timber and canvas built with a V12 Rolls Royce Engine in it and supercharged just for fun.
5:27 Talking about his $12 Spitfire mirror: "And I love it! It's round, it's perfect. I've never seen any Focke Wulfs in it, but I'm lookin'."
hes got to be lying. he shot down at least one german aircraft with this thing, so his hispanos r not cheap
Absolutely beautiful. This guy is my hero To have a dream and make it happen you can't ask for much more
I met Mr. DeFord and saw his creation several years ago when I kept my Globe Swift at Aurora KUAO. He was very generous with his time and answering questions. The workmanship was beautiful.
Three Cheers!
N78104
You are the ultimate model airplane builder. Wow, a 1/1 scale flying spitfire from blueprints! That's one heck of a scratch built model.
Amazing! Inspiring for others to follow their dreams!
Build us a B -26. I worked on them in the Navy as a Metal Smith. Love them.
This guy built the most beautifully designed aircraft to ever grace the skies.
Good man !......you're an inspiration to the rest of us.
Amazing . Many years of good flying to you Sir ! Quite an accomplishment . 🇺🇸
I just so love to hear that sound and he is the very best fun guy you'll ever meet. My big brother, he's the best.
You have a remarkably talented brother Lyn :)
what Spitfire was he trying to copy mk1, mk5, mk9 or mk15 ?
looks like a Chinese off brand copy, not bad, shame he didn't have some pictures of Spitfires to look at when building it.
good effort though.
@@gailraby1722 Firstly, if you actually watch the video and actually listen to what he says, you would know it is a MK IX. Secondly, for a scratch build, 1:1 scale, without any original parts or the correct engine/prop (which means the entire cooling system will be different as well as the mounting and cowlings for the different engine) it is exceptional and remarkably true to the MK IX design.
+Steve Wayne
I watched the video, just wasn't sure what he was going for.. the twin rads are correct for a 9 but the tail is nothing like it as is the windscreen.
like I said, good effort though, it's not terrible.
+Steve Wayne
and that gun sight haha
Here's another of those precious-rare people who knew what he wanted, and found a way to get it. He is, like Leno, one of those few folks who make me glad they have their money and time and found a way to make us happy with them.
And there I was thinking that building motorcycles in my shed was pretty good. Bob DeFord, I hereby announce you the king of home builders!
Amazing . . . you've been gifted, and shared . . . with glee !
A masterpiece. Beautiful. I want one!
Mr. DeFord and I grew up in different eras. He was deeply affected by WW2 craft, my exposure was gen 2 & 3 fighters. But we feel exactly the same about aircraft, and all the small nuisances and the small intrigues that would be a waste of space on most people's minds.
The shapes, curves, radiuses, stress points, envisioning the airflow over the surfaces, just a perfect place to think. The magic of flight, haven't gotten enough yet and I never will.
This is legitimately one of the coolest UA-cam videos I've ever seen.
Your the man Bob. What a beautiful job.
Thank you for uploading this video.
You gotta love these two guys. They are as cool as their aircraft.
Soup ladle Mirror. Wow. I guess this is the crowning pinnacle of determination. What a great guy and amazing homebuilt. My hat is off
One of my uncle's flew Spitfires during the Battle of Britain. I remember him saying many times, 'You didn't fly the Spitfire, it flew you.'.
Fantastic bit of engineering and hard work, I am in the UK so I will keep my eye out for a Merlin and let you know.
You simply MUST post another video with the sound of start up, take off, and a fly by!
I got video of that lol
Why don't you post it?
BOLIPILOT1 Thanks for the link. I just watched it. Fabulous!
Watched it... Amazing! Wished everyone put down what they did for a living. Crap so expensive! lol
@soaringtractor I was worried when watching the original video that it wouldn't sound good, which is why there was no sound of it at all - it sounds fantastic!
Gotta be the most true to original "home built" Spitfire I have EVER seen its not 8 ft shorter its not powered by a VW engine AND even got the wings right any Battle of Britain ace would be darned proud to fly that absolutely WELL DONE that man.
Wow! Magnificent! The Spitfire is the most beautiful airplane ever built in my opinion.
absolutely stunning,and airworthy,what an achievement.i doff my hat sir.
Well Done Bob...Amazing what you can do when there are NO EXPERTS around to tell you, "YOU CAN'T DO IT"...People are so negative today, I don't know how many of the inventions come about. Bob truly is gifted and motivated...Thanks for the Vid, Don
f82man 👌🏽 ‘loved your comment ‘ amazing what u can do when there are no experts around to tell you ‘ you can’t do it !
nobody said he couldn't my dude
Great gentleman with tremendous talent; what an accomplishment 👍
You touched my heart sir....keep walking....oh yeah you did it.....and yes,you are a millionaire in our hearts.....I love this bird!!!!Bravo.
I've been flying all my life. Since I was 16. ......I had a 757 command as a young man with Manchester-based airline JMC and I've since flown worldwide mainly on the 777 and 777/300 for 21 years. What a waste! Well; compared with that fine gentleman. I find his video and commentary utterly compelling.
What a fabulous achievement.
Congratulations sir. Your craftsmanship and "go do it " positivity take my breath away.
I want an A-4 Skyhawk replica homebuilt. Powered by my friend's AeroTesla EDFJ. Someday soon.🙏🇺🇸👍
Don't fly a Skyhawk near the Royal Navy... ( ;
Now that is what I call a hobby in retirement, congratulation on a beautiful plane. I first see a spitfire up close was in the Science Museum London in 1961 and that vision had stuck with me ever since congratulations again from the UK
Brilliant and lots of respect from the UK.
🇺🇲 🇬🇧
I have to say that is pretty damn impressive, dedication above and beyond!
What a nice man. Modest and down to earth (see what I did there!). A really talented guy.
FANTASTIC....WHAT A GUY,AND WHAT A PLANE...
I'm so glad there are such dedicated people in this entire hobby. People like this who spend so much time, effort and money contribute just as much if not more to keeping history alive than any modern day museum or library.
Absolutely amazing! Very impressed! 👍
I remember reading an article in Australia where an Australian built a home made Spitfire.
I got to see Bob's Spitfire and meet him in Santa Maria CA years ago while parking my Caravan at the hotel restaurant. He gave me a quick view while doing his pre-flight and told me about the Allison engine and DC-3 prop. What a beautiful airplane!
He was trying to head out for a flight so I tried not to bother him even though he was very nice. I stayed around for his takeoff. I have some photos somewhere, wish I could find them.
I normally get bored with people talking about what they have done but you all my attention right through the whole video ! Well done and what a plane. I would have loved to hear that engine fly past .
Fabulous job, great homemade engineering, hope your still flying, and all the best!
You yanks are amazing. We couldn't have done without you and we re so glad you turned up.
soaringtractor. yawn
Hey 'soaring tractor'…why have ya got to be so dang mean? It was my personal pleasure to serve the our country, alongside the brits in the RAF in Europe, circa Cold War '80s…they are arguably perhaps the most professional and capable 'aviators' of the 'Free World'. I NEVER met one that did not think the same or more about we; "yanks"…and NEVER met one that could not take a 'tasteful' joke, or take and/or deliver a firm punch. We were just lucky that our 'island Nation' is so huge and was isolated from the Germans and Japanese…imagine little to no hours sleep per day fighting in the air all day long, sortie after sortie…pulling hard Gs', sweating like a prize fighter on the ground during english-summer and freezing your balls off 'at-bomber stream altitudes, with bullets and cannon shells flying EVERYWHERE…all the while hoping and praying that YOU and your mates can stop 'em and turn 'em back before they drop bombs on your mom, dad, wife & kids….ie., 'The Battle of Britain'. Not throwing more gas on the fire here…just encouraging you to be more tactful with our allies…don't forget they help us lick the 'Imperial Japanese Army/Navy…that was a tougher nut to crack than the Nazi's! I say again…the 'Limeys' helped US with all that…thousands and thousands of British KIA, MIA, POW, as well as ours.
Talley-Ho mate!
shocktrooper '84
you sound a little off your rocker dustis. i bet if you asked western front german forces who was winning they wouldnt say russia... to declare that russia did it all... is about as bad as saying the US did it all or the british did it all.
take this as an insult but i bet your a flat earther too.
soaringtractor every village has one and youre him!
soaringtractor but most of the people telling you to fuck off are american! Most americans and british have an education we dont judge a nation of people by a few youtube comments. Every comment ive ever read of yours is followed by dozens of people explaining why youre wrong then you just start with the childish insults!
Don't stop now Bob! Get started on that P-38 you always wanted to build. 10 thumbs up, Great Job!
Every so often I watch this video, just to remind myself what an achievement it was. Well done sir!
Totally AMAZING!!! Such a beautiful war bird!! Great job Bob!!! 👍🏼
This is incredible, beautiful job, my hats off to you sir ! God Bless
Just came back and viewed this video again for the unknownth time, what a satisfying video. Thanks Bob and Vern!
The battle of Great Britain, the best MK IX Spitfire Supermarine...Love it...thank you so much...!!!
You Sir are an inspiration!! Absolutely brilliant. I second the video with startup sound.
A beautiful machine. An amazing build.
Absolutely beautiful! I always wanted to build a full scale ME109E Messerschmidt (Bf109), and I've been a life long A&P mechanic, but having the time, the money, the right workshop place, and an understanding wife all at once...well, it never happened. At 71 years old now, (and with 3400plus hours in airplanes, seaplanes and helicopters--that dream is in my past. If you're young enough, make your dream happen and don't wait!
That is just the best home built I've ever seen, I wonder how many people have been mistaken in thinking it's an original?
Oh man ! Bob rocks!!! Amazing build!
Great job Bob. My grandfather Navy photo album has the same Felix the cat logo. Real nice, thank you.
This guy might just be my new hero! He's in the top 10 for sure. Pure American ingenuity!
Man. Building your own Spit. The cost to buy and maintain a Merlin makes the Allison a smart choice. Keep 'em flying!