Build Project MO55 begins,,,,,
Discussion
By popular request:
Reading the recent Vantage magazine and the Soul Mates article (fascinating by the way) I am encourage to disclose my own admiration for those same two Britsh icons: Aston Martin and Supermarine Spitfire. Although I no longer fly, I managed to survive over a 1000 hours in the boss's seat flying piston single engine aircraft, the Spitfire sadly missing from my log.
So having that in mind, when looking at the dash board layout and various gauges of an original DBR1, I couldn't help but notice some WWII Air Ministry (AM) switches (simply hundreds of thousands of brand new AM parts were still on the shelves after the war and usually of good quality). Got me thinking, why not combine these two icons using only WWII Spitfire aircraft type gauges and switches on my 'instrument panel'. :
Andrew agreed he would be willing to incorporate them if at all possible.
All a bit temporary here, still more work to do but see below the stage we are at. Note: the fuel gauge is an actual Spitfire gauge, this particular type being fitted to no other aircraft, although the Hawker Hurricanes is similar.
Reading the recent Vantage magazine and the Soul Mates article (fascinating by the way) I am encourage to disclose my own admiration for those same two Britsh icons: Aston Martin and Supermarine Spitfire. Although I no longer fly, I managed to survive over a 1000 hours in the boss's seat flying piston single engine aircraft, the Spitfire sadly missing from my log.
So having that in mind, when looking at the dash board layout and various gauges of an original DBR1, I couldn't help but notice some WWII Air Ministry (AM) switches (simply hundreds of thousands of brand new AM parts were still on the shelves after the war and usually of good quality). Got me thinking, why not combine these two icons using only WWII Spitfire aircraft type gauges and switches on my 'instrument panel'. :
Andrew agreed he would be willing to incorporate them if at all possible.
All a bit temporary here, still more work to do but see below the stage we are at. Note: the fuel gauge is an actual Spitfire gauge, this particular type being fitted to no other aircraft, although the Hawker Hurricanes is similar.
RichB said:
I'll be very interested in the painting process because obviously there are machining marks on the ali'. I wonder if they smooth these out first to a fine finish or use a primer/filler and then flat that off.
Rich, this from the top today; The car will have the front clip, sills and all closing panels removed for paint. There are no 'machining' marks. The surface has been prepared for etch primer by dual action sander. Therefore there will be minimum filler used.Edited by Y100 on Thursday 22 December 18:27
Work on the DBS engine continues. We will be changing the sump for the lower profile version (so this one will be available if anyone needs one). Instead of a transaxle g/box, we are using a Toyota Supra conversion, good ratios, smooth gear change operation, quiet and fitted with a sensible externally mounted slave cylinder.
V8V Pete said:
Love the regular updates Bob. Keep 'em coming. Do you have an estimated completion date yet?
Peter hi, The answer to the "when" question somehow remains elusive. There have been several educated guesses that have come and gone, a forecast some months ago of " maybe the end of the year" being the latest to have fallen short. The truth is, no-one is sure. Not to bore you but because so much of each car that Andrew builds is to varying degrees different (customer options) predicting a completion date isn't easy. I have to admit, with MO55IE and my considerable mods list, there have been and remain considerable challenges, getting Spitfire gauges installed and servicable being the current focus!
Fortunately Andrew is both patient and flexible, for that I take my hat off to him.
A comparatively minor mod on my list see below shows a rear wing marker light which copies those installed on the original cars.
Gentlemen both, thank you for your encouraging comments.
As most WWII vintage aircraft gauges lack internal illumination and because I think they are just the most toe curlingly nostalgic pieces of cockpit equipment (painted brass slider case with aluminium internal lens cylinder) see here an original cockpit lamp. Amongst many other a/c types, they were used in fighters such as Spitfire, Hurricane and bombers such as the Lancaster.
As most WWII vintage aircraft gauges lack internal illumination and because I think they are just the most toe curlingly nostalgic pieces of cockpit equipment (painted brass slider case with aluminium internal lens cylinder) see here an original cockpit lamp. Amongst many other a/c types, they were used in fighters such as Spitfire, Hurricane and bombers such as the Lancaster.
so MO55IE back with Andrew for final engine fit. Trans tunnel back at fab shop to have gear change blister grafted on,,,back to spray shop Monday.
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Rob, jon, Mark, Glyn, Nick T and Graham (still lurking), thank you. Its great to share the build ideas and know others appreciate and have enjoyed the experience. It is my hope that I'll be able to organise a Snetterton Track day for ASM DBR Le Mans owners to come together to enjoy for the first time a massive group hug. When that will be I'll need to speak to the Track owners to see what dates are available.
David, thank you. Its great to see the appreciation for what I set out to achieve (3 years back). Andrew Soar, Mark and Terry at ASM take the podium step, they've dug deep, I'm sure have at times had to bite their lip as my next 'idea' arrived in the inbox.
Still some more work to do but almost there.
Still some more work to do but almost there. Lotto, Paddy, George, everyone, thanks again for your appreciative comments, just amazing. There is a strong possibilty that as a result of an invitation by the owner of The Historic Aviation company at Duxford, that there will be a MO55IE/Spitfire photo shoot later this summer. The Vantage magazine have expressed an interest, so we'll see.
Funny you should say that Rich:
Following many years residence at its current home of the Yorkshire Air Museum, Elvington, Tony Agar plans to move his de Havilland Mosquito NF.II HJ711 to a new home at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre based at the old war time East Kirkby airfield. The move will be taking place by November 2017.
I am a member of the Rivet Club at East Kirkby, which is restoring the "Just Jane" Avro Lancaster bomber to flying condition. So thank you for the suggestion Rich,,,nice one.
Following many years residence at its current home of the Yorkshire Air Museum, Elvington, Tony Agar plans to move his de Havilland Mosquito NF.II HJ711 to a new home at the Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre based at the old war time East Kirkby airfield. The move will be taking place by November 2017.
I am a member of the Rivet Club at East Kirkby, which is restoring the "Just Jane" Avro Lancaster bomber to flying condition. So thank you for the suggestion Rich,,,nice one.
Your Lordship thank you. Finishing touches include a couple of plates that appeal, at least to me they do:
This brass dash top plate echoes that which today is displayed on Adrian Beecrofts original car DBR 1/4 which declares his car as finishing 2nd Le Mans 1959. MO55IE's plate, pays homage to the number 7 car (DBR 1/2) which was driven to victory by Sir Stirling at the 1958 Goodwood RAC TT and then wearing number 5, driven by Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori to finish 1st Le Mans 1959.
Again in homage to our heroic forebears of whom we are all so proud, this second plate, an original RR Merlin cockpit engine data plate, will fit nicely onto the aluminium lid of the drivers side sill glove box. I've deliberately left a space between the 4 and the LTR, just in case I have her opened up .5 at some point in the future.
This brass dash top plate echoes that which today is displayed on Adrian Beecrofts original car DBR 1/4 which declares his car as finishing 2nd Le Mans 1959. MO55IE's plate, pays homage to the number 7 car (DBR 1/2) which was driven to victory by Sir Stirling at the 1958 Goodwood RAC TT and then wearing number 5, driven by Carroll Shelby and Roy Salvadori to finish 1st Le Mans 1959.
Again in homage to our heroic forebears of whom we are all so proud, this second plate, an original RR Merlin cockpit engine data plate, will fit nicely onto the aluminium lid of the drivers side sill glove box. I've deliberately left a space between the 4 and the LTR, just in case I have her opened up .5 at some point in the future.
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