MB5 Replica

Michel Lemieux · **Posted:** Fri Jun 19, 2009 3:02 pm

MB5 Replica

The aim is NOT to discuss the accuracy of the bird. It is a very complex task & a great achievement. I.E. A nicely done rendition of an MB5 in my humble opinion.

SO here's the question. How close are they to flight ?

I have been watching this & hearing bit's and pieces for years now.

Their web site latest news caries the month of April....but not the actual year.

http://johnmarlinsmb5replica.mysite.com/index.html

Quote:

GOOD NEWS!! John has finally found the bearing that will allow him to start running the engine again; a friend from Texas was able to find one in England and bring back for John to use. So, starting this weekend, (April 27th), John will have the props back on and will be running the engine and checking for any leaks in the system. John has now completed most of the outer skin work, the elevators and ailerons are comletely finished for the most part, with a few minor cosmetic jobs to still do. He also has solved the vibration of the engine at 1600 rpm.

Thanks

Paul, mechanic

Rossco · **Posted:** Fri Jun 19, 2009 7:35 pm

No matter the taste on the styling,it is a great achievement to get this far.Is it Merlin or Griffon powered?

Michel Lemieux · **Posted:** Fri Jun 19, 2009 8:00 pm

I would say Griffon......just for the prop(s) & related mechanical components available off the shelf........But it`s just a guess

Jim Beasley · **Posted:** Fri Jun 19, 2009 8:07 pm

It's a griffon -- when you go to the website you can see the magneto on the top of the engine. That's gonna be something to see. What a great project.

Michel Lemieux wrote:

I would say Griffon......just for the prop(s) & related mechanical components available off the shelf........But it`s just a guess

Dan K · **Posted:** Fri Jun 19, 2009 8:08 pm

Other sites reporting it's a Mk 57 Griffon off a Shackleton.

Jack Cook · **Posted:** Fri Jun 19, 2009 8:54 pm

Jim's right on that is COOL!
Correct me if I'm wrong but if it has contra-rotating props it has to be a Griffin. Can't do dat with a Merlin.......anyone...anyone?

richkolasa · **Posted:** Fri Jun 19, 2009 9:10 pm

My God, where's the rest of the wing! It looks like a prop-driven F-104...

Rich :lol:

bdk · **Joined:** Sun May 02, 2004 1:16 am **Posts:** 11336

It has a Griffon off of a Shackelton. The wings are P-51 with the extensions removed, just like many of the air racers. The thing that makes the wings look especially small is the size of the fuselage.

retroaviation · **Posted:** Fri Jun 19, 2009 10:03 pm

Does anyone have contact info for him? I have a fair amount of Griffon stuff that I'd like to turn into some house payments. ;-)

PM me if you'd rather not share his info publicly.

Thanks in advance,
Gary

262crew · **Joined:** Thu Nov 15, 2007 7:24 pm **Posts:** 877

That is friggen awesome! I wonder how it handles on landing with those short wings?

ZRX61 · **Joined:** Tue Jun 14, 2005 10:16 am **Posts:** 2309

richkolasa wrote:

My God, where's the rest of the wing! It looks like a prop-driven F-104...

Rich :lol:

Or a V12 Gannet.... :shock:

Chad Veich · **Posted:** Sat Jun 20, 2009 12:44 am

Jack Cook wrote:

Jim's right on that is COOL!
Correct me if I'm wrong but if it has contra-rotating props it has to be a Griffin. Can't do dat with a Merlin.......anyone...anyone?

Well, several Merlin powered Spits were tested with contra-prop set ups during the war so it has been done. This one says it's a Merlin, yes or no?

http://www.pbase.com/haunted_chipshop/image/48415025

dhfan · **Posted:** Sat Jun 20, 2009 5:45 am

I think it's a Griffon, but unlike some I can't tell the difference at a glance.

avenger2504 · **Posted:** Sun Jun 28, 2009 11:41 pm

You are correct dhfan its a Griffon

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