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Homebuilt Spitfire

merlinnmerlinn Member Posts: 1,549 ✭✭✭✭✭
edited July 2015 in General Discussion
All you aircraft buffs who might be going to Oshkosh, be sure to look for the full-scale Spitfire that I built. It will be in the Homebuilt -Experimental section of the fly-in, not the warbird section. Bob was going to fly his Champ to Oshkosh but decided at the last minute to take the Spit instead. Wish I were there parked next to him in my XP-TALON.
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Comments

  • bpostbpost Member Posts: 32,669 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
  • merlinnmerlinn Member Posts: 1,549 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by bpost
    Is this yours?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wWi7zCGm8A


    Yes. That is me! It is for sale if you are interested.
    Make you a helluva deal!
  • fishkiller41fishkiller41 Member Posts: 50,608
    edited November -1
    Is the Talon powered by an Automotive engine?
  • merlinnmerlinn Member Posts: 1,549 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by forgemonkey
    So, yer middle name is PV-12 !!!! [8D][:D]


    Not sure where you get PV-12...'splain it to me. My guys in Prescott gave me the call sign "Merlin" because they think I do magic with metal and such.
    I also appreciate the work you are capable of, Mr. Forgemonkey.
  • merlinnmerlinn Member Posts: 1,549 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by fishkiller41
    Is the Talon powered by an Automotive engine?


    It is powered by a 400 cu. in. V-8 Rodeck aluminum block racing engine.
    Dyno'ed at 420 HP.
    Don't ya just love the sound??
  • fishkiller41fishkiller41 Member Posts: 50,608
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by merlinn
    quote:Originally posted by fishkiller41
    Is the Talon powered by an Automotive engine?


    It is powered by a 400 cu. in. V-8 Rodeck aluminum block racing engine.
    Dyno'ed at 420 HP.
    Don't ya just love the sound??


    AWESOME noises emanating from that plane![^][^]
  • perry shooterperry shooter Member Posts: 17,105 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Damn that is sweet another man of vast talent on GunBroker
    thanks for the heads up and vid.
  • bpostbpost Member Posts: 32,669 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by merlinn
    quote:Originally posted by bpost
    Is this yours?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wWi7zCGm8A


    Yes. That is me! It is for sale if you are interested.
    Make you a helluva deal!





    Thanks, that is a BEAUTIFUL airplane! But at my current skill level a ground loop is almost guaranteed before I get to the active runway. Maybe after I get a few more hours in the allegro I can give her a go. [:)]
  • allen griggsallen griggs Member Posts: 35,690 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    You built a Spitfire? What do you mean? You built that airplane from scratch?
    Who paid for it?

    I wish you would build one for me.
    What is your day job?
  • merlinnmerlinn Member Posts: 1,549 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Fquote:Originally posted by forgemonkey
    quote:Originally posted by merlinn
    quote:Originally posted by forgemonkey
    So, yer middle name is PV-12 !!!! [8D][:D]


    Not sure where you get PV-12...'splain it to me. My guys in Prescott gave me the call sign "Merlin" because they think I do magic with metal and such.
    I also appreciate the work you are capable of, Mr. Forgemonkey








    Sans one 'n'

    The PV-12 first ran in 1933 and, after several modifications, the first production variants were built in 1936. The first operational aircraft to enter service using the Merlin were the Fairey Battle, Hawker Hurricane and Supermarine Spitfire. More Merlins were made for the four-engined Avro Lancaster heavy bomber than for any other aircraft; however, the engine is most closely associated with the Spitfire, starting with the Spitfire's maiden flight in 1936. A series of rapidly applied developments, brought about by wartime needs, markedly improved the engine's performance and durability.
  • bpostbpost Member Posts: 32,669 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by merlinn
    quote:Originally posted by bpost
    Is this yours?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-wWi7zCGm8A


    Yes. That is me! It is for sale if you are interested.
    Make you a helluva deal!





    What are the specs?
    Cruise speed?
    Vne?
    gal per hour?
  • merlinnmerlinn Member Posts: 1,549 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by allen griggs
    You built a Spitfire? What do you mean? You built that airplane from scratch?
    Who paid for it?

    I wish you would build one for me.
    What is your day job?


    I built it from very crude plans by a Frenchman, Marcel Jurca.
    All from scratch and I was paid by the man who wanted a Spitfire. He did some of the work as well. It took 8 1/2 years and created a friendship that is incredible.
    My day job is building, restoring and improving antique, classic and experimental aircraft. I work at home with no employees, simpler that way.
    You can visit my website and learn more at mrmerlinn.com.
  • merlinnmerlinn Member Posts: 1,549 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Forgemonkey, sorry. I was having trouble responding after our back and forth.

    I had to use 2 n's at the end because Merlin with one n was already taken.
    Also, this Spitfire is powered by the Allison V-1710 engine. More reliable and easier to come by than the Merlin-Rolls Royce or Packard engines.
  • Ditch-RunnerDitch-Runner Member Posts: 25,365 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    very nice and tip of the hat to your craftsman shift and abilities
  • merlinnmerlinn Member Posts: 1,549 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Ditch-Runner
    very nice and tip of the hat to your craftsman shift and abilities


    Thanks D-R
  • Don McManusDon McManus Member Posts: 23,690 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Newsletter from the EEA had an article on this, and it is impressive.

    What was involved in marrying the DC 3 propeller with the Allison?

    I would have thought a P-38 or P-40 prop would have been the obvious choice.
    Freedom and a submissive populace cannot co-exist.

    Brad Steele
  • merlinnmerlinn Member Posts: 1,549 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Don McManus
    Newsletter from the EEA had an article on this, and it is impressive.

    What was involved in marrying the DC 3 propeller with the Allison?

    I would have thought a P-38 or P-40 prop would have been the obvious choice.


    The splines on the output shaft were a perfect match to the DC-3 prop. No machining or adapters involved, and they are reasonably cheap and plentiful.
  • NeoBlackdogNeoBlackdog Member Posts: 17,267 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Was the video of your Talon taken at the Prineville airport? Sure looks familiar...
    Cool plane!
  • Don McManusDon McManus Member Posts: 23,690 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by merlinn
    quote:Originally posted by Don McManus
    Newsletter from the EEA had an article on this, and it is impressive.

    What was involved in marrying the DC 3 propeller with the Allison?

    I would have thought a P-38 or P-40 prop would have been the obvious choice.


    The splines on the output shaft were a perfect match to the DC-3 prop. No machining or adapters involved, and they are reasonably cheap and plentiful.




    Beautiful bird, merlinn.

    Quite a few years ago, someone built a 4/5 scale P 51 if I remember correctly.

    Yours is in a different league.
    Freedom and a submissive populace cannot co-exist.

    Brad Steele
  • merlinnmerlinn Member Posts: 1,549 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by NeoBlackdog
    Was the video of your Talon taken at the Prineville airport? Sure looks familiar...
    Cool plane!


    You have a good eye Blackdog. Yes, it is hangared in Prineville.
  • wiplashwiplash Member Posts: 7,145 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Now for the important question, Do the Guns work!
    There is no such thing as Liberal Men, only Liberal Women with Penises.'
  • merlinnmerlinn Member Posts: 1,549 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by wiplash
    Now for the important question, Do the Guns work!


    Of course they work!
    Their job is to make guys like you to ask the obvious question.
    If you look down them you will see a Minion looking back at you! Bob's idea..
  • wiplashwiplash Member Posts: 7,145 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by merlinn
    quote:Originally posted by wiplash
    Now for the important question, Do the Guns work!


    Of course they work!
    Their job is to make guys like you to ask the obvious question.
    If you look down them you will see a Minion looking back at you! Bob's idea..




    Videos, or it didn't happen![;)]
    There is no such thing as Liberal Men, only Liberal Women with Penises.'
  • merlinnmerlinn Member Posts: 1,549 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by wiplash
    quote:Originally posted by merlinn
    quote:Originally posted by wiplash
    Now for the important question, Do the Guns work!


    Of course they work!
    Their job is to make guys like you to ask the obvious question.
    If you look down them you will see a Minion looking back at you! Bob's idea..






    Videos, or it didn't happen![;)]

    I'm trying to download a pic from photobucket but forgot how.
  • merlinnmerlinn Member Posts: 1,549 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by wiplash
    quote:Originally posted by merlinn
    quote:Originally posted by wiplash
    Now for the important question, Do the Guns work!


    Of course they work!
    Their job is to make guys like you to ask the obvious question.
    If you look down them you will see a Minion looking back at you! Bob's idea..



    f6f59d73-2db9-46c0-a30e-3203bd7893eb.jpg

    Videos, or it didn't happen![;)]

  • wiplashwiplash Member Posts: 7,145 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    Now I know you know I meant real bullets.[;)]
    There is no such thing as Liberal Men, only Liberal Women with Penises.'
  • MBKMBK Member Posts: 2,918 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    You have read about "degrees" of separation?

    I was Paul Poberzny's paperboy in Hales Corners (EAA founder)
    and my Son in Law owns the Thunder Mustang company.
    ( Maker of the scaled P-51 )

    Your plane is just exquisite. I am surprised how low your price is.
  • shilowarshilowar Member Posts: 38,811 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by perry shooter
    Damn that is sweet another man of vast talent on GunBroker
    thanks for the heads up and vid.


    It is amazing who you meet here.

    So is that to scale or is smaller? I don't know anything about Spitfires it just seemed smaller than what I would expect a WWII fighter to be.
  • allen griggsallen griggs Member Posts: 35,690 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Yes it looks a little smaller than a WW2 Spitfire to me.
  • bullshotbullshot Member Posts: 14,718 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    [/quote]

    What are the specs?
    Cruise speed?
    Vne?
    gal per hour?
    [/quote]




    SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE TALON


    Wingspan-- 24 ft.
    Length-- 21ft.-5in.
    Empty Weight-- 1928 lb.
    Gross weight-- 2600 lb.
    Useful load-- 672 lb.
    Fuel capacity-- 60 gal.
    Water capacity-- 3.5 gal.
    Oil capacity-- 3 gal.

    FLIGHT CHARACTERISTICS
    Stall speed-- 80 mph
    * and gear-- 75 mph
    Cruise speed-- 210 mph
    Max. speed-- 300 mph



    EQUIPMENT

    Icom IC-A200
    Narco encoder
    KT 76A transponder
    Ameri-King ELT
    Electric/hydraulic ldg. gear pump
    Parking brakes
    MAC 3 Axis trim system
    Dual MSD ignition w/single plugs
    Aux. ign. Battery
    Whelen 3-strobe system
    "Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get you"
  • merlinnmerlinn Member Posts: 1,549 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by allen griggs
    Yes it looks a little smaller than a WW2 Spitfire to me.


    Sorry. It is full-scale!
  • steve45steve45 Member Posts: 2,940 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    There is a Spitfire replica at the airport in Coolidge AZ. If you built that it is a beautiful plane.
  • merlinnmerlinn Member Posts: 1,549 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by steve45
    There is a Spitfire replica at the airport in Coolidge AZ. If you built that it is a beautiful plane.

    Yes, that is the one. He also keeps it is Prescott sometimes.
  • SGSG Member Posts: 7,548
    edited November -1
    Simply awesome! You are a talented man[^]
  • moonshinemoonshine Member Posts: 8,471
    edited November -1
    My hat is off to you Sir.
  • Rocky RaabRocky Raab Member Posts: 14,493 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Beautiful job, sir. Am I mistaken or is that a different wing than the real Spit? It didn't look to be as elliptical, especially at the tips.
    I may be a bit crazy - but I didn't drive myself.
  • merlinnmerlinn Member Posts: 1,549 ✭✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by Rocky Raab
    Beautiful job, sir. Am I mistaken or is that a different wing than the real Spit? It didn't look to be as elliptical, especially at the tips.


    Rocky, it is as close as it can be. I did lengthen the chord of the rudder and the nose is a little longer but the wings are near perfect.
    This pic was taken before I added the 20mm cannons.
    image-2.jpg
  • fishkiller41fishkiller41 Member Posts: 50,608
    edited November -1
    quote:Originally posted by merlinn
    quote:Originally posted by Rocky Raab
    Beautiful job, sir. Am I mistaken or is that a different wing than the real Spit? It didn't look to be as elliptical, especially at the tips.


    Rocky, it is as close as it can be. I did lengthen the chord of the rudder and the nose is a little longer but the wings are near perfect.
    This pic was taken before I added the 20mm cannons.
    image-2.jpg






    THIS photo is my new Background... AMAZING war bird.Hand made too.[^]
  • allen griggsallen griggs Member Posts: 35,690 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I thought I was the King of Do-It-Yourself. I have built log cabins by hand, I built my own stone fireplace all by myself, out of two books. Doesn't smoke and heats great.
    I built a Goldwing ultralight from a kit, foam and fiberglass composite construction, and flew it to 6,000 feet above the hard, red Georgia clay, and lived to tell about it.

    But you built a Spitfire. Damn.
  • MVPMVP Member Posts: 23,453 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    That is awesome Merlin[8D][^]
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