Not wanting to make a meal of this, but Ghengis looks right. The replicas are 25, and 26. The 26 being the 90% one, but with one seat and two seat variants.

Woud someone who actually owns one like to confirm???

I just Googled it

MK26B
 

A couple of points here.
I think the correct name for the 90% version is 'Supermarine MK26b'.
However the 90% bit seems a bit optimistic when you look at the actual dimensions.
The usual giveaway on most 'scale' versions of anything is the canopy set up, and has the effect of giving a caricature look to the finished item,which in itself usually spoils the 'classic' lines.
Nicks aircraft was not a data plate project but a well engineered rebuild (due to rivets needing to be replaced) of an aircraft that had an operational record before being converted by Vickers to two seat configeration.
It is unfair to compare the two machines and as such the customer will decide what he wants out of it.
Carolines comments may offend some people;but again they are only comments and as such not the bible of what everyone may think.
If a group of enthusiasts want to enjoy themselves with scale machines good luck to them,but you can never replicate the sight and sound of the real thing without a Merlin**.
**As an engineering project in its own right the mk26b has merit and certainly begs the question why not a true 100% version with a 4-500hp v8!!! we can then have a crop of BoB films without CGI. (Kenley still available)

Thank you Pobjoy - I would agree. But does it have one or two seats, the MK26B??? Or have I totally lost the plot?

I'm a member of one of the Enstone Mk26b syndicates, and I'm saddened by Carolyn Grace's comments.

I'm just an ordinary bloke with a PPL who has chosen to spend his own hard earned money to be able to build, part own and fly a kit aircraft.

This project is giving me (and others) an opportunity to do something a bit special. I'm not asking anyone else to fund my hobby and I'm not trying to kid anyone that these aircraft are anything other than what they are - a very good kit modelled on a Spitfire and designed for people like me, not the Carolyn Graces of this world.

Shaggy Sheep

I know what I prefer and it isn't made in Meriden!

1979 T140D
http://classic-motorbikes.net/images...1979-t140d.jpg

2011 T100 SE
http://www.jcsmotorcycles.com.au/wp-...n_534x3091.jpg

Mine was built in Hinckley and looks like a Bonnie, sounds like a Bonnie (with the aftermarket Triumph pipes) and has better performance than an old Bonnie.

Now I guess the Mk26b is a similar prospect to the argument - it looks like a Spit, doesn't sound much like a Spit (but given the right engine isn't bad) and is sh!t loads cheaper to run and own than a Spit.

I personally think Mrs Grace should apologise for her churlish outburst and she has seriously gone down in my respect for her as a fellow aviator of 40s vintage aircraft.

The B Word

MK26b (seats)
 

Maxred; the Mk 26b does have two seats, but it is not a replica of the original Spitfire Trainer (that had two 'bubble' hoods on separate cockpits) with the second seat higher than the front one so the instructor had some forward vision.Nicks aircraft does not use the original Vickers mod as in service with the Irish Air Corps,but has a hood similar to the front seat,and set in line.
The MK26b uses the space behind the front cockpit as a 'jump seat' for a passenger.

I actually would be very proud to own a Supermarine Mk25, Mk26 or a Mk26b. They certainly look much better than this!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...CroiseAC-1.jpg

:yuk:

CPL Clott

Given the nature of the LAA Magazine, I was surprised at Ms Grace's letter. After all what was she expecting in a magazine on amateur-built and vintage permit-to-fly aircraft?

The Mk26 Spit kit, seems to generate a lot of debate, unlike other Spitfire replicas (scale or otherwise). People tend to forget these replicas are generally constrained by the limitations that allow the oversight to be undertaken by the LAA, rather than the CAA.

I much prefer the T51 with the V6 - sounds and looks beautiful.

I've looked at both the Mk26 and the FW190 kits and the ones I have seen are impressive. Carolyn has not denigrated the skills of those who build these aircraft.

However I have also seen the rebuilds of the full-sized versions of classics at places like Duxford and that is in a different league. I'm not sure I'd turn my head to watch the new breed pass by, but appreciate the skills of the builder.

I would feel the Mk26, is like a 125cc version of a Triumph Daytona. Still a challenge, but .........

Unfortunately, the Light Aviation article gave a different impression. The caption to one of the photos is just an example: "AT will soon be joining Caroline Grace as one of the very few Spitfire pilots".

Quite so, Pato. Carolyn was objecting to the article in the magazine, which seemed to try to blur the difference between a real Spitfire and these replicas. She was right to do so. We should all oppose the re-writing of history Or did America really win the war single handed?

As for Carolyn herself, she is a very sweet person, but like all little 'uns, she can be fierce. You need to be if you are a female in aviation.

I think my Dad started at Supermarine (/Vickers Armstrong) as an apprentice about 1956, leaving sometime in the mid 1960s when they closed down the drawing office. They may have met

G

The V6 powered Mk 26b sounds pretty good too



And the looks, well, it looks like a Spitfire to me... ;)

Just to set the record straight the MK26 Spitfire is a two seater 80% replica, originally powered but the Jabiru 5100 flat 8 engine but some now being completed with a V6 engine. The MK26B is also a two seater but at 90% and powered by either a V6 or V8. For the people not convinced by the shape and sound try this,


As someone lucky enough to fly one, its awesome and shed loads of fun with great handling in the air at least. It is actually a very clever copy given the constraints of size, cost and engine availability and hats off to Mike Sullivan for persevering with the project.

As for Carolyn's comments, it's obviously upset a lot of people and was not the best thing to do. I wouldn't put down any bodies pride and joy.
Each to their own!.

I started as an Apprentice 1954/55 at Main Hangar, Eastleigh:8

Small world 'innit, although Genghis Sr was at South Marston. I think he worked mostly on the Attacker and the Scimitar.

He too is still doing well, although he drifted out of aviation in the late 60s into chemical engineering.

G

Kemblekid - what happened to the face-book builders page? I was enjoying that

Welcome to Pprune Mr H!

A real copy should have at least 1000 horsepower, so unless such an engine becomes available isn't it better to have an 80% aircraft with 400 hp engine, than a 100% version with 500?