Hi there folks

I have decided to scratch build a Spitfire. The size must be a minimum of 1: 5. I was planning on using a ZG38 on it. My kriterias are not scale to perfection. Id rather pay a reasonable compromize to scale and obtain good flying qualities.

My interest has fallen on the Dave Platt Spitfire 1 : 5. Could any one please give me some hints about this model?


Thanks


Martin Boie/ Denmark

If you don't care about scale and just want a good flier, try Meister's Spitfire (www.meister-scale.com). Dave Platt's designs are pure, serious scale...you'ld probably piss him off if you built one of his designs as a Sunday flier!

Don´t get me wrong here. I am not looking for a high winged Spitfire. Wat I meant was that I can accept that the fin or other stabilisers are larger than on the original, or a non scale aero foil section is used. All in all features in the favour of flight characteristics. Stuff you really would´nt be able to tell from the ground. I am still planning on putting alot of details into it.

But thanks anyway

It's kinda of a shame that you ruled out Brian Taylor's Spit. His is an 83 inch wingspan vs an 88 inch wingspan and probably the MOST Scale on the planet. At least in that size.

Hi Bob

I have heard so many good things about the BT Spitfire. But Id really like it no less than 88". I still am considering your mentioned option. By the way... how do you think a ZG38 would fit in the BT Spitfire.

But I would still like to hear some opinions about the Dave Platt Spit


Thanks so far guys

The Platt Spit does not have, nor does it need, any changes to the outlines or airfoils. It looks the part and flies like a big trainer. Platt's plans are quite old but still good and the airplane appears to be fairly simple to build by Spitfire standards. (I owned and flew one but did not build it, only rebuilt it!) Platt does not include much in the way of instructions so you will definitely be on your own there. Platt's glass accessories are generally useable but not really up to modern standards. Same for his retract units. They will work in the Spit but not without some mods to the retract angles. I'd go with the Yellow retracts were it me. If you want a true 1/5 size Spitfire that is built up, flies good, and is accurate then the Platt is about the only game in town.

PS - The G-38 would surely fly it fine but I don't know how it would fit in the nose.

I have a Moki 1.8 in my Yellow spit and it flies it fine. I know that a similar engine would work in the BT spit. and in the Platt one as well. The problem with ALL Spits and Mustangs is the slender nose and trying to hide a gas engine. If you don't mind the carb sticking out, a G-38 will work just fine.

I am building the platt spit of platt plans I acquired. I plan to use a US 41. It will be built for every weekend flying so it won't have any scale detail to keep the weight off and lessen the number of snags. I have a set of roabrt gear that will adapt for use.

The one Platt Spit I have seen fly flew beautifully on a ST2500, an engine flameout and off field hard landing busted it up after it was in service for about 10 years.
cheers - ken

I had a Dave Platt Spitfire. Built great but didn't have any flaps probably didn't need them. It had the largest wing surface of anything I ever built. Didn't get to fly it.

If you can find one, the PICA 1/5 Spitfire was designed by Platt. I built one over on RCScalebuilder.com under the PICA forum. I lightened the fuse and tail. I've yet to weigh it, balance, or fly it. I fit a ZDZ 50 RV under the cowl with only a small portion of the head and spark plug hanging out. This should help with cooling anyway. I've seen the PICA for sale on occasion. One recently sold on EBAY. Good luck.
Tim

Thanks guys

Nice to get your opinion. I often hear the PICA Spit mentioned, which I have also considered. It seems like it have been build by more people.

Thanks again, and more info about the Platt Spit is welcome. Thinks to consider when building, what not to do, modifications etc.



"Jawohl Herr Reichmarschall, geben Sie mir ein Staffel Spitfires"

Try DB sport & scale, they do a great Spitfire @ 88" www.dbsportandscale.com and www.scaleaircrewsupplies.co.uk for the pilot.

Mark

I have the highest regard for Dave Platt plans. You may build what your heart desires - sport or scale or detailed scale. I have yet to finish my Platt Zero but after looking at plans for my next build I wish Dave had done them.

Doug's Hobby shop in Waldorf Md has a Pica spit 1/5 and he does internet sales.

Carl

Sent Doug's Hobby shop an email on 24 December about the Pica Spitfire they had in stock. Guess they aren't in any hurry to sell as they never replied!

I talked with Dave over the phone concerning his engine suggestions. He said that if he were to build one for himself, he would use a Moki 1.8. Guess which engine I bought to power mine? I figure Dave knows more about this kit than anyone else alive. I'll take his advice to the bank!

Sure, you can mount a big gas engine on your Spit. You can also walk around with Billy Bob teeth in public. Frankly, I wouldn't do either and for the same reason.

Al

FYI: There's a Platt Spitfire on eBay as I write this with a "Buy Now" price of only $325. Better hurry 'cause that's a great price. And, no, it's not mine!

Use key search "Dave Platt".

Al

THANKS AL!!! I just bought it. It's amazing to me that it lasted a full day at that price...

Chilipecker,

I was suprised, too! To be honest, I thought about buying it to add to my other Platt Spitfire just because the price was so low.

Congratulations and keep us posted on your build.

I've been doing some light research on the Mk XII which Dave based his kit on and found that there aren't a whole lot of schemes to duplicate. However, I did find out that the Royal Canadian Navy utilized a derivative version of the Mk XII designated as the Mk XV. I think this is the aircraft I'm going to duplicate as one doesn't see too many of these. Anyone know the color codes for this or where I could find them?

Al

Al,
I think I would try Warbirdcolors or Vangard for the new acrylic paints. The color scheme is one that was standard post war and Korean war for both Canada and Britain naval planes, being extra dark sea gray over sky. There are plenty of sources for the correct color, I just think this new acrylic paint is the best.... Of course, that's just my opinion, I could be wrong.

Thanks again for the HEADS-UP on the Spit!!!!

Thank you, Chilipecker. I'll look into the paint sources.

Al

Nice choice Al, the Seafire XV is a favorite of mine as well and offers a much broader variety of schemes. It would probably be hard to locate but Scale R/C Modeler ran an article many, many years ago on a couple of gents who built Seafires out of the Platt kit. There are several Seafire XV survivors around the world so I'm sure somebody somewhere has done a walkaround type pictorial of one. I noticed that none of the Aero Details series of books on the Spit covered the Seafire variants so it is my hope that they will release a volume dedicated to them eventually. I know at least one of the plastic model companies, Hobbycraft I think, makes a 1:48 scale kit of the XV as well which may be a viable source for color documentation. Love to see a thread on it when you get started!

PS- This one is being restored to fly by Amjet at Anoka County Airport in Blaine, Minnesota.



More pics here: http://www.midwaysailor2.com/amjet/seafire.html

Don't know if this will help but this site (http://www.airwar.ru/other/draw_fw.html) has three views of a couple of Seafire variants.

I have some nice Seafire XV drawings in digital format also.

RAMFlyer,

I have that website, too. Comes in pretty handy at times! The two Seafires depicted are of the wrong Mark. Bummer! The Mk. XV is somewhere inbetween the Mk. III and the Mk. 47. Thank you, though.

Chad,

If you would want to share your Seafire views, I'd love to have a copy. They will definitely come in handy! Let me know if you want my e-mail address and I can send it to you via PM.

Al

Al, drop me a note at [email protected] and I'll respond with drawings attached. Probably be Monday as I think those particular drawings are on my work computer.