Warbird From Scratch: A Homebuilt Spitfire

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.

[hoagybob]

I am not easily impressed BUT this is beyond over-the-top amazing.

[bobphillips]

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?!

[HeavensGremlin]

That has to be about the best 'Homebuilt' on the it's 1:1 - AND it's got a warbird Well-done that man....!!!!

[madgeordie]

He built his own Spitfire? That is absolutely amazing!!

[MarsFKA]

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.

[preacherF-]

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

[dbaider]

"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.

[rigilchrist]

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!

[ml]

How on earth can anyone dislike this, thank goodness for guys like this. Respect and love from 🇬🇧

[aderrrt]

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!!

[myjizzureye]

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.

[TheRaptorXX]

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.

[markgilder]

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.

[GarySmythe]

I love this guy, he's a doer a getter done kind of guy! Fun to listen to!

[thomaseccles]

As much as it hurts to see a Spit without a Merlin engine, props to this guy. A cracking job indeed.

[loganpollock]

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!

[ShevillMathers]

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.😀

[thegrumpygenxer]

That's incredible, building a full scale WWII fighter from scratch! Beautiful workmanship.

[petergrove]

The quality of the build truly reflects your passion. Beautiful aircraft!

[andrewhorning]

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.