Brian Taylor 1/5.33 Spitfire build
Kit Parts

Brian Taylor model parts have to be sourced from a number of places. I began my search for components early October 2005 and started to order 2 weeks later. The source of the parts are declared as they are reviewed below. Where possible links to the supplier are provided.

First parts to arrive were the primary ingredients.

Pic 1. the cowl is an all in one section which is very well finished and very rigid. The lower cowl will be extended to give deeper "chin" as seen on the PR version. I have not decided how I will achieve this yet!.

Pic 2. Inside the cowl is finished in course glass fibre which should give a good key when affixing to the wooden frame.

Pic 3. Canopy and Carb scoop, the canopy will only be half used as the front section will be replaced with a single lamination of plastic. The main bubble canopy was conventional for early 1945 PR MKXI Spitfires, later canopies had additional domes installed on the sides to improve visibility for the pilots. The pre molded carb air intake will save a lot of time. I remember the scoop on the Mick Reeves Spitfire took several days to sand to shape.

Pic 4. The aluminium spinner is nothing overly special but nicely shaped.

Pic 5. The all important plans. Brian supplies the plans on 3 sheets, one for each wing and the third larger sheet for the fuselage. Very nice looking plans on inspection, detailed to a similar level as the Reeves Spitfire plans. I am hoping that there are fewer inconsistencies between the plans and the laser cut parts as experienced with the CNC cut parts for the Mick Reeves model. All in all very these are nice parts.

The Laser 180 is simply a Laser 150 with a longer stroke so I understand. Basic stats are: Bore 33.5mm Stroke 33.3mm, Weight 1,200grams, Height from centre of crankshaft to top of rocker box cover 114mm. Width of crankcase between bearers 57.15mm Crankshaft thread M10 x 1.5. The engine stands 14mm taller than the Laser 150 (from the engine bearers). With any look this should fit in the cowl nicely, especially with the deeper chin of the PR MKXI.

Pic 1 - 4 general shots of the motor.

Pic 5 shows the difference in size to the Laser 150 (left). The 1.8 can turn a Classic Master 20 X 6 at 7,000 RPM according to Neil Tidy. Can't wait for the running in process.

Parts arrived from Vic in a well packed box.

Pic 1. The spinner is all glass and produced to a good standard. The shape appears to be very true to the spitfire cone from what I can see.

Pic 2. Props are 2 halves glass cast and joined together, much better construction compared to the plastic parts supplied with the Mick Reeves model.

Pic 3.The canopy will require heavy modification for the MKXI however, I purchased this canopy frame because I have to start somewhere! It's a tidy unit and should prove very useful in the project.

Pic 4. The radiator scoops are nicely shaped and constructed from just the right weight of glass and resin. I have seen many different methods for attaching and "decorating" these units, and it will prove to be an interesting part of the process. These components are very nice indeed!

Pic 1.  What was in the box, Retracts, door mounts, air nipples, and fixing screws. Everything looks nice and beefy with little movement from the oleo's in the down position.

Pic 2.  Close up of the push bar and bush. Very solid construction and very neat machining.

Pic 3 & 4.   in the up and down position.

Pic 5.  Compression of the spring is much easier then the Reeves oleo legs. With a firm grip I can push the leg all the way to the stop. With the Reeves Oleo's I can get about 1/4" to 1/2" at best! Certainly I thought the Reeves springs were too stiff, but these are much softer. I am not qualified to comment, but they will certainly give more that's for sure. Pic 6.  Wheel in fully down position at the required angle of 97°.

The tail wheel was a lucky catch from a thread I started on RC Universe. I had a great response (as you very regularly do) and several very good ideas came my way, including a design schematic - Thanks Dibble!.
Chad Veich, a well respected modeller in his own right, had a unit that was surplus to his requirements and offered the unit to me. Well a ready made unit for thirty squids is a good offer to me so I took him up on the deal. The unit was built by Nigel Tarvin in Canada. I have had a look round the net and this guy builds to very high standards indeed.

Pic 1. The unit produced from aluminium and steel, and construction is very tidy. The wheel is held in a central position with 2 small springs, visible in the middle of the unit. Having experience of a fully free tail wheel on MK923 I think this will be a great assistance.

Pic 2. In the up position (it will go further).

Pic 3. in the down position. This was a good buy in my opinion.