I must say that I have enjoyed reading (and contributing to) this thread.
I can understand that this project is not to the liking of some forum members but that, in my view, is not a reason to be unduly critical.
What Graham is attempting is a real engineering challenge, there are real problems to overcome and these problems must be solved within the budgets and time constraints available.
No, this is never going to be a real Spitfire, and yes, some of the engineering is a little crude but progress has been relatively rapid and there is nothing to prevent the design from being refined as time and funds allow.
To my mind it is closer to what R J Mitchell was doing when he created the Spitfire than, for example, somebody collecting and assembling a Spitfire from spare parts. I know that will probably draw criticism but what I am trying to say is that while one project will produce a ‘real’ Spitfire each project has a different aim but both have their merits.
I find it ironic that while in this country we bemoan the decline of our aviation and other industries and the loss of engineering skills yet as soon as somebody get off his behind and actually does something our natural instinct is to criticize rather than compliment. To me this is the worst British ‘disease’.
Some have raised their concerns about the safety of this project. I’m sure that if it is operated in a ‘public’ environment all reasonable steps will be taken to make it safe. When operated in a more ‘private’ environment I personally think that the responsibility is down to those taking the risk. How often have we on this forum criticized the current health and safety culture that seems to strangle almost every formerly safe activity with dire warnings of implausible and often ludicrous dangers?
So lets compliment achievement, forget the criticism and take a few of those risks that we all seem so nostalgic about! 🙂
Thankyou what an encouraging post I am sure the comment about the God of Spitfires the great R J Mitchel will raise some eye brows but what we Brits are good at is inovation and determination.
Yes our engineering is sometimes a little crude but safe. We do the best with the tools we have available the most advanced being a welder and a bunch of hand tools, but we are learning fast and have gone back over some fabricated parts improving their appearance and will continue to do so. The tail wheel will recieve particular attention along with the seat frame. We are constrained by the original design of the frame and this has affected the cockpit layout but I am quite pleased so far.
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