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Author Topic: Spitfire Revisited  (Read 2501 times)

Offline Dennis Saydak

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Spitfire Revisited
« on: February 10, 2020, 06:14:58 PM »
Guys although I am working hard to complete several projects this winter I am also thinking ahead to next winter's project. Building a Spitfire has been on my list for many years and I'm getting to the age where it's now or never. I have the plan for Windy's and Mark Freeman's designs. I've been watching some of Windy's videos and his and Joe Adamusko's are very impressive in the air. However, this version is very large in size. I'm leaning towards Freeman's design for several reasons but there is one feature that concerns me a great deal. The engine as shown below is mounted on a R/C type mount, which is attached to a 1/4" thick laminated firewall. There are no nose doublers and the firewall is only attached to 3/32" 4 -6# balsa molded fuselage sides. I question the strength of this setup and I'd hate to have the powertrain part company from the fuselage. I'm thinking a prop strike or nose over situation could result in significant and perhaps "unrepairable damage to the nose section. Your thought & suggestions are appreciated before I commit myself to this project.

I'm also wondering if anyone has built Freeman's version?
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Offline George Grossardt

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #1 on: February 10, 2020, 06:20:07 PM »
Dennis,

Have you considered Pat Johnston’s Spitfire?  I bought a set of his Seafire version plans.  It’s a pretty straightforward build using traditional stunt techniques.

George

Offline Chris McMillin

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #2 on: February 10, 2020, 06:38:20 PM »
Sounds like a Scale RC model style construction. Light, strong, and if you dont crash it, should work fine. I used 1/8th sides on my Golden Falcon with a 1/2 inch firewall on the Golden Falcon with shish kabob sticks through the sides into the firewall epoxied all together fof the backplate mounted  Tigre 60.
Chris...

Offline M Spencer

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #3 on: February 10, 2020, 06:53:44 PM »
Theres a plethoria of drivle on SPITFIRES here ; https://stunthanger.com/smf/nostalgia-30/mark-freeman's-spitfire/msg491962/#msg491962

Inc. pictures & video of Dave wrights 110 % Freeman - Stalker 60 ? job . ( Curve on Freemans fuse. is a over k , hence detail drgs/ there .

the Urtnowski / Adamusko  ' 90 ' Spitfire , is about the size of a Pattern Master . Uses that AIRFOIL . Identical to my 63 span G - 51 in planform , Bar hinge lines further aft by 5/8 "

THUS , with my revised flaps & clipped tips , gets 60 span , & easy adjustable leadouts . Theres a few ' Round Tip ' ( Speed Spitfire ) shorter span , and Long ( pointy ) tip ones also .

All the Fuselages are cr*p but mine . !  S?P LL~ which is Tough as old boots, light , scale bar 1/2 deeper at rudder post , so rear undersides not so angled up .
Got drawings for the Merlin & Griffon versions, and a canopy mould . Find a lot of canopies so unscale its painfull .

And watch out for those leadout guides : :-X



Think might be ' post ' not ' pre ' event .But substantial adheshive for substantial restraint , perhaps . not ' a drop ' of super glue ' .

' 90 ' wing plan , liberated from Stuka . Stunt . Mr Downeys work .

« Last Edit: February 10, 2020, 08:00:09 PM by Air Ministry . »

Offline Steve Helmick

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #4 on: February 10, 2020, 06:58:26 PM »
I see the Freeman Spit has 1/64" ply doublers at the wing TE. I'd feel like extending those all the way to or past the firewall and probably double 1/64" ply at the firewall and along the top of the wing. Especially with the drop-out style wing "come apart" system. Here in the PNW, we don't refer to them as "take-apart" anymore.  n1 Steve
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In 1944 18-20 year old's stormed beaches, and parachuted behind enemy lines to almost certain death.  In 2015 18-20 year old's need safe zones so people don't hurt their feelings.

Offline Steve Helmick

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #5 on: February 10, 2020, 07:01:50 PM »
Why is it that the "Malcom Hood" canopy looks so right on the Spitfire and looks so awful on a Mustang? The Spitfire without the Malcom Hood looks horrid, so I agree with "The Bloke" on that.  VD~ Steve
"The United States has become a place where professional athletes and entertainers are mistaken for people of importance." - Robert Heinlein

In 1944 18-20 year old's stormed beaches, and parachuted behind enemy lines to almost certain death.  In 2015 18-20 year old's need safe zones so people don't hurt their feelings.

Offline M Spencer

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #6 on: February 10, 2020, 07:03:58 PM »
Fuse is longitudeinal strips , beveled edges . about 11 Oz complete with tail , etc . if you remove the wing , after the elevator disconects inverted out of a wingover at top whack ! .  :-X
on a predecesor .

This wings Urtnowskis is identical to . The 90 Version . EXCEPT this is a SV  ish airfoil , stated cords not increased . The Flaps toon in without the previous inner narrowness ,
after years of cunning & studied viewing !



the ' 90 ' wing , with the leadouts exiting at the underside of the rib , at the end of the flaps, there . Will get more realistic diheadral . Bellcrank up in top of wing- under spar joiner- mount.
Bit of a p.i.a. to get it all in and free , but you can relax when its done .

Definately lucky boxes rather than ' through horn ' . Perhaps .
ST 60 in this . 63 span . No Worries . Removeable landing gear . Technically Mk 10 or Mk 11 Photo recon job .

This isnt.



You can see the strip fuse construction here : https://stunthanger.com/smf/open-forum/meanwhile-back-at-the-ranch/msg397797/#msg397797
Essentially 1/4 sides , with a scour line along thust line , glue in then kinked. Beveled edged strip over & under near 45 to vertical . 1/2 strip top & bottom .
Or a few fancy bits for bubble top .
This Mates to the ' 90 ' P M Airfoil Wing No worries . Will chuck a picture on of the Long Griffon Eng. High back fuse . to suit Tomorrow .

That'd give you essentially THIS . Rolls Royces own very aeroplane. Course any clip wing versions easiest . The extra chord makes the tips oversize, on the ' 90 ' if elliptical .  :(
Gotta set of the Laser Cut ribs for that, so there out there. Draftsmans name is on 90 plan .





the irregular rib , halfway out the flap tab , is where you ' whack on ' the ' clipped tips ' .
that chord / planform , + 5/8 " and youve got the ' 90 ' wing planform .
So clipped tips is the best way to fudge it .
You could go up from 3 " to 4 " on the flaps , without it being to obvious .

your pictures likely a Mk 14 .



' Spitfire Walkaround ' will give you good shots for silly details ' . Or the CORRECT shapes , too .
« Last Edit: February 10, 2020, 09:10:56 PM by Air Ministry . »

Offline wwwarbird

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #7 on: February 10, 2020, 07:10:40 PM »

 Another option here, a nice size and the kit quality would be superb.  y1

 http://www.builtrightflyright.com/2019/kits/Glo/SSpitfire2017.htm

 

 
Narrowly averting disaster since 1964! 

Wayne Willey
Albert Lea, MN U.S.A. IC C/L Aircraft Modeler, Ex AMA member

Offline SteveMoon

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #8 on: February 11, 2020, 07:59:23 AM »
I've built a couple of planes for CL stunt that used the RC firewall mounting
method without any trouble at all. I flew a Beringer GB Sportster for a few
seasons with this type of construction with a Saito 56 for power and never
had any trouble with it.

Steve

Offline Robert Whitley

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #9 on: February 11, 2020, 01:13:22 PM »
If you build Mark Freeman’s magnificent Spitfire Do Not use the quicklinks shown for flap and elevator connections.
Their failure is what crashed and destroyed that airplane.

One of these days I’d like to build one myself.

Offline Dennis Saydak

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #10 on: February 11, 2020, 03:48:17 PM »
Robert, I use "bulletproof" hardware ala Windy & Tom Morris.

I am leaning towards the Freeman version for a couple of reasons - it's a more manageable size (still impressive) & I do like the bubble canopy version (not often seen). It's certainly scale-like in appearance.The major problem I have is finding two - 2" X8" X 39" clear wood blocks for carving the fuselage molds. The retailers around here want a few arms & legs for decent wood. I'm also thinking about using rigid  blue foam instead, which I hope can solve that dilemma.  I have tons of good balsa that I've accumulated over the years to use up and either version would help use it up.
Just when you think you're getting ahead in the rat race.....you find the rats just get faster!

Offline Robert Whitley

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #11 on: February 11, 2020, 04:57:47 PM »
I see that you are a fellow MAAC member.
Where in Canada do you live?
I have a huge supply of hardwood and softwood from my cabinet making days.
Also I can get good balsa blocks from a local hardwood supplier.
The balsa would cost (I recently paid about $20.00 CDN for a rough sawn 3”x5”x37” 4.7 lb block).
If you want poplar which is very clear grained and carves relatively easy you can have whatever you need for free.

Pm me and I’ll see if I can help you out.

Also I have a copy of Mark’s Spitfire plans so it would be no problem to rough cut blanks for you.

Good luck and keep us posted on build progress.

Offline Dennis Saydak

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #12 on: February 11, 2020, 06:13:59 PM »
Oh man, this forum is too good to be true. Robert I'll PM you about this.  #^

I have a beautiful self crafted console steel guitar that is made from clear poplar. The wood is very easy to work with.
Just when you think you're getting ahead in the rat race.....you find the rats just get faster!

Offline M Spencer

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #13 on: February 11, 2020, 09:08:11 PM »
Foist questions ' Wot engine ' you gunna run ? .

Id think the Spit 90 , at say 89 / 90 % , would give 57 odd span. unless you clipped the tips . then it'd only be 52 or so .

Sort of a Time Machine version of the R.M. Spit . Relitivityly .  VD~

Suit a D S Lite 60 , FSR 45 , good FP 40 etc etc .

=======================================

Theres the tear drop canopy , and its relationship to the std. version . The rear decks still above the front , ands semi triangular ,
almost a crease along the spine , aft .

Offline M Spencer

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #14 on: February 11, 2020, 09:24:02 PM »
Heres the cunning way to get a strong light fuselage , if youve elemetry carpentry skills & can manadge a beveled edge .
Pre Plain or ball pen mark edges/joins . at half thicknes . Afix.
Then up and at em . With a good razor plane . Or initially 40 & 60 . then 80 Wt. paper . On a long block. and a short one .

The beauty of this is you end up with a lot of it on the floor , carpet etc. and dust everywhere .

The Front Deck , for the ' big ' engine , was just stiff 1/8 sheet. Moulded on the clothes line post . Soft here crushes to easilly.
Unless you use the dual 1/16 with C F betwixt .
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

To get a realistic ' Merlin ' cowl , it gets quite involved. if you want the ' flow through ' cooling , out the exhaust stacks .

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So , for the low back, its  a creased side , a runner over & under , plus top & bottom decks , shaped and aligned .
hollow interiorly to the hearts desire . But the beam stregth is enourmous without it .
theyre so narrow the pittace saved in weight is dubious Vs integrity . Alipatics best .
Creased 1/16 ply nose doublers  at front .

Thew the spiders out . A bit of shop soiling . More now a big canopy hit the nose from on high . just a small ding on the side .

The 1/4 or 3/16 sides are creased , along the thrust line . Built inverted on aligned blocks. So formers clear the deck .
Bit overdone on this one . So clear to see, anyway .

On the OUTSIDE , the line along the centerline , is just a penned referance line .

The underside of a 1/2 sheet rear deck ( hollowed if pedantic ) would be horizontal from the pien line on the canopy rail .

Offline M Spencer

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #15 on: February 11, 2020, 09:29:40 PM »
The Du Bro 3 " spinners pretty much the right shape. 2 3/4 for a smaller or slimmer one .

Theres a multitude of fin/ rudder variations. So the right shape for the series youve decided isnt a bad idea .

But most peopled just go for a vauge approximation .  :(

 H^^ H^^


Offline Walter Hicks

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #16 on: February 12, 2020, 01:11:51 AM »
Pat Johnstons' Spitfire is an excellent flying airplane 630 square inches looks great and is fairly light 60 oz or less if you don't lay on the paint.
Mine had a RO Jett 67 RE and was my favorite Airplane .He can Laser Cut the short kit for you plans are excellent.

« Last Edit: February 12, 2020, 01:53:08 AM by Walter Hicks »

Offline Dennis Saydak

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #17 on: February 12, 2020, 10:20:23 AM »
Foist questions ' Wot engine ' you gunna run ? .

I've pretty much settled on building Freeman's version. I have the plan & balsa for it. Now that I've solved the fuselage mold dilemma with Robert Whitley's help this option has become viable for me. I have a Silver Fox ST .51 that needs a good home. It fits the nose perfectly.
Just when you think you're getting ahead in the rat race.....you find the rats just get faster!

Offline Avaiojet

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #18 on: February 12, 2020, 11:35:14 AM »
Behind the .25" thick firewall/engine mount we would epoxy triangle stock.

We also had ply doublers, and as mentioned, I always used skewers.

These were pattern ships with Rossi engines. .45 and larger.

My GBR-3 has this construction for the Novarossi 57R. Nice but pointless now because this model is going "E." Same construction on Pushy Galore, also now "E."

CB
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Offline Dennis Saydak

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #19 on: February 12, 2020, 02:05:36 PM »
One of the extremely important construction considerations of this design is weight control. Hmmmm, I wonder if Keto makes model glue?

Freeman gives "Do Not Exceed" weights for all components on the plan and using light wood is a must for good performance. Adding extra epoxy & ply doublers etc. can add too much weight fast = trouble. It's tough to know if any extra reinforcement is actually required.
Just when you think you're getting ahead in the rat race.....you find the rats just get faster!

Offline Doug Moisuk

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #20 on: February 12, 2020, 08:18:17 PM »
Why not just build the fuse the typical way.
Doug Moisuk
MAAC 3360L

Offline M Spencer

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #21 on: February 12, 2020, 10:40:48 PM »
Yep , the strip plank set up , if you watch the glue , ties together rather securely .

Though Four Moulded Strips , for the aft fuse . - on something curved , will pull in and around , or preferably ( if tighter ) OUT and around .

Two side , open curve , of old 4 " or 6 " PVC pipe or suchlike . Top & bottom on baseball bat or fire extinguisher funnel .
Front top deck on  2 " pipe. like the clothes line .

As the fronts gunna wanna be beefier , 1/4 sides & 1/16 ply, whittled away , from the bearers down . Angle cut from T E ( lower )
to spar ( top . ) Sides scarfed to match .

Gotta sit it all on blocks / cross strips , ' things equal ' , or even a Jig . ! Al Rabe late model style - on a plank .

Fuse angle cuts for ' strip construction ' the angles are marked right through , so easyer to match. andall half cut , before ' parting ' .

Freeman Derg , for luck , seeing where there .
Thinking a clipped tip 57 in 9/0 % ' Spit 90 ' , clipped tips to 52 or 3 , 'd go good with a S Tigre .46 , handle a bit of wind .
My G-51s ' spinning up ' handle 70 Oz no worries ,But 80 OZ Strega with the small prop , 10 x 6 3 Bl BLACK Tornado , To Far gone .

Youll want a good secure control system , and good stiff flaps , with the G 51 . Worth seeing the center sections tough enough
if youre flying in a stiff wind , as theres loads there ! . Sort off allocateing priorities , strength wise .
Got some 11 - 5 Dual Zinger 4 blades , not bad on the G 51 . The 2 blade allen screw spinner , with another 2 cut outs , works there .

Be nice to have a real light carbon spinner set up though . Dave Wrights Freeman job IS AT 110 % linearly . For a ST 60 .


Offline Dennis Saydak

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #22 on: February 13, 2020, 08:35:31 AM »
Why not just build the fuse the typical way.

Hi Doug; I like the challenge of doing something out of the ordinary and I have never tried the molded shell method of construction. I also do a little "whittling" so carving the bucks should not be a problem for me. The major concern I have is the integrity of the nose section where there is a "fault" line surrounding the firewall to fuselage joint. Even adding triangular reinforcement behind the firewall just moves that line back a little. I previously thought about, and drew up a nose construction modification that uses 1/2" sq. MM  mounts with cross grain balsa between the fuselage sides filling in the voids. I could also use  doubled up 1/16" balsa with carbon between the sheets in the front end, etc. etc. There are probably as many other options as people can think of to add the longevity &  strength I'd be comfortable with in the front end without adding a ton of weight. I'd hate to go to all the work & expense of building this model to see the nose part company after a few flights. I wonder how long Freeman's model lasted?

Just when you think you're getting ahead in the rat race.....you find the rats just get faster!

Offline Robert Whitley

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #23 on: February 13, 2020, 09:15:40 AM »
As I had previously posted Mark’s Spitfire did not last long but the crash was not due to airframe failure.
He had used the the newfangled dubro pushrod end clevises on the flap and elevator rods.
These turned out to be notorious for failing in stunt applications and an extensive article on them including documenting this crash was published in an early PAMPA newsletter.
I still have those early issues and could find the article if you’re interested.

Offline Dennis Saydak

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #24 on: February 13, 2020, 09:35:57 AM »
Robert, there's no need to dig up the article as I've witnesses at least six crashes where the "quick" style R/C clevises failed in stunters. They don't call them quick for nothing. ;D

Most of them were ARFs that came with inferior control parts. One fellow borrowed a freshly built TF Nobler with a brand new Brodak .40 fom a Piston Poppers buddy to fly at the Fargo contest. When it hit hit the pavement there was practically nothing left that was salvageable - well maybe the wheels were ok. I also have a ARF Vector that came with clevises. One clevis broke in half just because I picked it up to look at it. Needless to say I replaced the entire control system with proper components. I still have that model.
Just when you think you're getting ahead in the rat race.....you find the rats just get faster!

Offline M Spencer

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #25 on: February 13, 2020, 08:00:07 PM »
Id thought this mustve been a Mk 21 / 22 . But as the plan says " Mk 16 " heres ' our ' Mk XVI before they stuffed it up .



Thouigh its in need of a good clean & polish , in the second picture .



Which'd give you ideas,  for the cowl split line .

Offline M Spencer

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #26 on: February 13, 2020, 08:24:20 PM »
IF YOURE WORRIED ABOUT THE NOSE FALLING OFF ,

These'll take plouging in , inverted ( didnt even break the fin , good New guinea Balsa Wood  :-X)With a Irvine 40 , flat tack .
When the funny noise in the engine , is actually a funny noise in the SPLIT pushrod wire aft .



The 1/16 ply doubler , goes from thrustline , at the main spar - Down aft to say 1/4 inch over the trailing edge,
pays to keep going past there to compensate for the horn wire / structural change , to avoid stress concentration .



Id consider it vastly easier to assemble the nose & doublers , fit true & square to the center section , and later foit the moulded aft section .
Securely fixing the leading edge are , as the weight of the powerplant in squares is in shear, there .
If your into F'Glass  Thats one place to use reiforcing, thru to the spar .

Came inverted out of the wingover , the first time the nose started to drop , the flaps lifted it , the second , the flaps & elevators both drooped .
Ploughed a trench a inch deep , along a yard or so , with the spinner . Didnt do the outer wing any good , the rest was fine .
Irvine 40 RE with the exhaust thru the stacks , on its third run . 4 in. pitch prop .


Offline Dennis Saydak

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #27 on: February 14, 2020, 09:42:21 AM »
Hi A.M. Thanks for your Spitfire comments and pictures. It's great to see pictures of your Spitfire under construction. Your method is what I'd call "standard" construction with sheet sides, plywood doublers and motor mounts glued directly to the doublers. This method certainly provides a lot of structural integrity and crash proofing. However, Freeman's monocoque (sp?) fuselage design has no nose doublers nor horizontal wood mounts. It is specifically designed to save weight. I would adhere to Freeman's method as closely as possible. After all it wouldn't be a Mark Freeman Spitfire if I didn't. I believe I can add some extra strength (and fuel proofing) in the nose area without adding significant weight using carbon fiber material and a minimal amount of epoxy.
Just when you think you're getting ahead in the rat race.....you find the rats just get faster!

Offline M Spencer

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #28 on: February 14, 2020, 08:01:46 PM »
Yap , it is a Fighter ! .  VD~

Bearers are a bit overgenerous , But listened to the ST 60 ' Vibration ' comments . Usually be tapered going aft . Sometimes just 1/2 Sq , Cross grain balsa between to ply doublers .

What Mount does Freeman Espouse ?  ( Al's engine bay only bearers / a commercial R/C firewall mount . ?  :-\ )

Freeman , Being a Al Rabe desciple , was likely into the FIBREGLASS . Was all the rage in the 70s ! .

Id assume the nose & wing to fuse done in light cloth . Maybe the text mentions it . ?  Al used 5 layers of glass , just around the canopy ( and elsewhere ) on his big bearcat .

Have you checked out the Al Rabe tapes on U tube ? The Spits definately configured in colusion with Al . He had stared a Spitfire himself , once .

Youll just wanna make sure your props a balanced . A Lew Woolard ST G 51'd be most intresting . Assume He has retimed it like his Schneure Fox 40s etc .

Did it come with a blurb sheet , recomendations / instructions ?? . Any chance of a look . WImake generous size Toungue Mufflers for my ringed S Tigres ,
Tryn get the heat away from the port a little more than the smaller ones . A few inches of Du Bro stack .
Long enough to get the outlets clear of the fuse , so it dosnt scorch .
8 or 10 2.4 mm holes , or Leonards 13 or 15 2 mm holes.
Cut ( Big File ) the Fr. & rear beveled to streamline & losse a few grammes . Rubbing across 80 / 100 Wt wet & dry gets a smooth finish .  :P

Been thinking youll need to take care as the G 51 is three ounces up on the 21/46 . Tho longer so the cylinders further back . The quite muffler might be a bit heavy .

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Al figreglasses the flaps , the cowl , the cat escaped , or he mayve done that , too . Could be worth a chat with him , as he had a hand in the Spitfire at the time .

Offline Dennis Saydak

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #29 on: February 15, 2020, 04:52:52 PM »
Well, there ain't no plywood doublers not wood motor mounts on the plan. Saving weight is pretty much top priority according to the article. Freeman suggested using a Tatone aluminum MM according to the plan for his version III Spitfire.

Once I'm ready to roll with the wood mold I intend to get in touch with Al Rabe for his thoughts. I haven't yet seen Al's YouTube vids but I have access to some of his videos locally.

I don't know what Lew did to me engine and I don't recall any documentation arriving with it. I ran two tanks through it when I first got is and I was actually VERY surprised at how smooth it ran, especially compared to the Tiger .60. There should be no vibration worries.

I have a tongue muffler from Windy for my .51. I will need to make an extension to clear the cowl. Picture is attached. It has top & bottom slots instead of holes.



Just when you think you're getting ahead in the rat race.....you find the rats just get faster!

Offline FLOYD CARTER

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #30 on: February 15, 2020, 05:47:55 PM »
My own version of Spitfire uses conventional construction.  Slab-sides, maple engine bearers and 1/32" ply doublers which go back past the wing flaps.  That is the simplest and probably the strongest.  RO-Jett 61 for power.  Plans drawn from 3-views.
91 years, but still going
AMA #796  SAM #188  LSF #020

Offline phil c

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #31 on: February 15, 2020, 06:35:39 PM »
Robert, I use "bulletproof" hardware ala Windy & Tom Morris.

I am leaning towards the Freeman version for a couple of reasons - it's a more manageable size (still impressive) & I do like the bubble canopy version (not often seen). It's certainly scale-like in appearance.The major problem I have is finding two - 2" X8" X 39" clear wood blocks for carving the fuselage molds. The retailers around here want a few arms & legs for decent wood. I'm also thinking about using rigid  blue foam instead, which I hope can solve that dilemma.  I have tons of good balsa that I've accumulated over the years to use up and either version would help use it up.

Check with the nearest manufacturer of white styrofoam bead board.  They all make foam with densities from .9-5lb.  3lb. is a good simulation of medium balsa, all the way to the scads of fluff it generates.  A 2in x3ft x8ft probably runs around $60 these days.  They might have cut off scrap for free.  I'd use a simple hot wire to size a block and then trace the top and bottom, bandsaw them off, the trace the sideview and bandsaw out the rectangular shape.  A wood rasp for rough shaping, then 80,120, 220 sandpaper.
phil Cartier

Offline M Spencer

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #32 on: February 15, 2020, 09:42:13 PM »
Found the artical , last night. dug out the Jules Fernandez ?? detroiter Seafire 47 artical, as I couldnt find Freemans .
And remembered Id seen it at the magazines at model store .  :P But it fell out of the Folder .

Your Right . ! The WING falls off , Not the NOSE . !

Aluminum Tatone ? Mtr Mount . Nylon wing bolts . HIS weighed 58 OUNCE . ! ( recomends 48 )

One picture shows plus over his ( larger ) plan . with differantly positioned parts / layout . Not that that necesarilly means something .

wing seems to be built with vertical sheet , F & R , As JIG . , then cut bact to LE & TE depth . 2 3/4 Spinner . And other things .

The photo of your injun , See the liners definately lowered a mm or so , theres Lew S Fox 40 info in the Engine Dept.
Similar treatment, Id guess . Get it to be a tourquer , rather than the rever , stock .

Might photo the artical . May be legable . libray shuts now .

 H^^

Offline Dennis Saydak

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #33 on: February 16, 2020, 09:20:14 AM »
I have the magazine containing Freeman's article. The way I read it freeman built only two Spitfires. The plan is for a third version, which contains his refinements to achieve a projected weight of 48 - 50 oz. He doesn't mention fiberglassing the nose and the plan shows some fiberglass around the stab to fuse joint.
Just when you think you're getting ahead in the rat race.....you find the rats just get faster!

Offline M Spencer

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #34 on: February 16, 2020, 06:40:50 PM »
/////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Offline M Spencer

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #35 on: February 16, 2020, 06:44:25 PM »
##################################################################################################

Offline M Spencer

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #36 on: February 17, 2020, 08:44:49 PM »
If you were keen to do a ' Spitfire 4 "  the airfoil development went ,

https://www.airplanesandrockets.com/airplanes/images2/sea-fury-al-rabe-aam-march-1973-12.jpg

https://stunthanger.com/images/airfoils.jpg

The Last , " Mustang 5 " Airfoil , carried 5 ton on the Martin Baker M B 3 , or 2 Kilo anyway . at 51 inch span !
Very consistant bottoms despite the pilot . So building in some extra strength , youve got the power to haul it .

With a 4 " bellcrank , it should have the CONTROL AUTHORITY , which is the 1st prerequiette .

Some of the Later ships , Als built moulded sides with Top & bottom - moulded seperate . 4 light longerons on  joins .
At shoulders & knees .  :-\



Click on the ARROW , bottom right , to shift the playlist over , theres 4 on the Bearcat , Which is about where youd be structurally,
developing the Spitfire , over that time . Money in he Bank, as it were .

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCIBHMob5suGwgE86rw7UMw

Offline Skip Chernoff

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #37 on: February 18, 2020, 05:44:01 AM »
At this moment Joe Adamusko is building a smaller version of 60 and 90 sized Spitfires for electric. Id be more than happy to get some info and pictures for you of this build. Give me a couple of days to get over to Joe's place. Cheers,PhillySkip

Offline Dennis Saydak

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #38 on: February 18, 2020, 03:28:58 PM »
At this moment Joe Adamusko is building a smaller version of 60 and 90 sized Spitfires for electric. Id be more than happy to get some info and pictures for you of this build. Give me a couple of days to get over to Joe's place. Cheers,PhillySkip

Skip, it would be great if you could do that.  H^^
Also ask what he does for making canopies.
Just when you think you're getting ahead in the rat race.....you find the rats just get faster!

Offline George Grossardt

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #39 on: February 18, 2020, 04:44:22 PM »
At this moment Joe Adamusko is building a smaller version of 60 and 90 sized Spitfires for electric. Id be more than happy to get some info and pictures for you of this build. Give me a couple of days to get over to Joe's place. Cheers,PhillySkip

I would also be interested in details of this version.

Offline M Spencer

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #40 on: February 18, 2020, 07:32:30 PM »
Yep , I see ' the big one . is actually 64 7/8 ' , or suchlike . Still - as a ' clipped wing ' at the end of the flaps there , it'd be 60 odd . A G -51 should pull that . Maybe not in hurricanes .

Link to ' actung Spifure ' tapes . I tend to skim throuh them . Dont listen to the ' Youll sand through at the ribs hundreds of times ' its not encourageing .
I got five coats on , glanced fine paper over it , and sprayed more . after ruining the Typhoon covering twice following that advice .

brents ' The Detroiters were notorious for twisting in the sun ' , is a wake up too . Definately masochist / perfectioist territory . Unless someone has a few answers , there .

As you said your keen on the ' bubble canopy ' version , Heres a Adamusko 90 version .



Thats presumeably a Seafire 17 . Which is almost a Spitfire 16 with a ' short ' ( Single Stage Supercharger  ) dropped in . So is a Mk XII ( First production Griffon version ) derivative .  :P

Like I said , that wings identical , bar 5/8 aft hinge line , to the blue / Stripes one . Scale Approach gets the divergent taper flaps . First 6 inches straight / parrallel to hinge .
Drawing I was given is nearer 63 " . Explains why the laser ribs are slightly broader . Gunna use it on a ' Speed Spitfire ' or maybe a Clipped Tip Mk 14 .We Hope .  :(

Adamusko would obviously know the source for the Laser Ribs . Sounds like he already has a smaller item sorted out . Saves a lot of aggro with the elliptical . Ribs being crucial .



Nuther thing worth glareing at is canopies . Multitudeious variations again . 14, 18 , 22-24 . seafire 17 , 46-47 in the bubble / teardrop canopys , being seperate entities
Most bulge aft of the front frame , and broader than the rails about eye level . but some have a hard front crease , sides , to the bulge . Some flow from/ into frame .

If pedantic about minuate ,

As we said , loose the eliptical tips . Built light it'd give a relaxing pace . Youd only need the 500 horsepower RoJett for flying in a gale .



Offline M Spencer

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #41 on: February 18, 2020, 07:37:21 PM »
At this moment Joe Adamusko is building a smaller version of 60 and 90 sized Spitfires for electric. Id be more than happy to get some info and pictures for you of this build. Give me a couple of days to get over to Joe's place. Cheers,PhillySkip

Would you ask him the source of the ribs , please .  H^^ ( maybe a photo of the plan , too .  ;D )

Offline Skip Chernoff

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #42 on: February 19, 2020, 04:11:32 PM »
Guys, I spoke with Joe briefly last night and he said that his plane wasn't far enough along to want to share pics.He said that when it begins to look like a Spit he'll share it all. He did say this : The wing area will be 490 sq,inches with the stab and elevator at 22%, It will be powered by an Eflight 15 size motor,2800 4 cell batteries,Hubin timer. It will be a MkV with Malcolm hood. Flying weight 40 oz. (hopefully) He said that the wing will not be in the scale location or have any dihedral. That's about all I could get. Cheers,Skip

Offline George Grossardt

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #43 on: February 19, 2020, 08:40:54 PM »
Guys, I spoke with Joe briefly last night and he said that his plane wasn't far enough along to want to share pics.He said that when it begins to look like a Spit he'll share it all. He did say this : The wing area will be 490 sq,inches with the stab and elevator at 22%, It will be powered by an Eflight 15 size motor,2800 4 cell batteries,Hubin timer. It will be a MkV with Malcolm hood. Flying weight 40 oz. (hopefully) He said that the wing will not be in the scale location or have any dihedral. That's about all I could get. Cheers,Skip

Keep us posted please. 

Offline Skip Chernoff

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #44 on: February 20, 2020, 05:29:11 AM »
Joe sent me some stuff I'll post up today

Offline M Spencer

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Re: Spitfire Revisited
« Reply #45 on: February 21, 2020, 06:15:53 PM »
Beat Ya !  VD~ LL~ S?P Though iit IS Skips PICTURE , Via anuther site ,



Be intrested in Joe's evaluation of the ' wide chord outside prop disc ' flaps , As He has flown them a lot . Suggests He might not be unhappy with this set up ? .
can be seen airborn on several ' Windy U Master ' tapes . inc. Joes initial flights of one of his .  H^^

Thanks Skip . Got a bit of a jump when I saw it there . Got any others of it, thanks .


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