I'm English , 73 years old , and my dad was in the RAF during the war , so these things mean a great deal to me . All I can say is your spitfire is magnificent. 😊😊😊
@@ro19gat I have friend who’s dad was in lancs , did his however many missions, never got a scratch , my dad was in a balloon barrage unit in Dover and was injured in a bombing raid .
I had the honor and privilege of flying, as his co-pilot, with Captain Deford at the airline where we were both employed. Bob was one on the finest gentlemen and a consummate “Stick and Rudder” pilot I ever flew with. When Bob flew an airplane he didn’t get in the seat - he put the airplane on like a tailor made suit and flew it like he was a part of all those nuts and bolts. Sheer poetry and smooth as a baby’s behind. I was sorry to see him retire. All airline pilots always have a story about a guy like Bob that they flew with. We called them 5-strippers or legends. I have one Deford story I’ll share. One trip Bob and I were flying the 727 and descending to land. There were towering cumulus clouds between us and the runway we were using. Bob looked at me and asked if I wanted to do something fun. I was hesitant and skepitcal at first. Was he going to roll the airplane or shut the engines off and dead stick it in? Don’t laugh that happened at an airline. I prepared myself and said, “sure.” Bob ever so gently began to weave his way between the towering clouds like he was dancing with a beautiful woman holding her ever so genteelly. So smooth you barely felt a thing. Then he turned to me again and said, “Steve, now you do it.” I did. He was laughing and smiling the whole time, hell, we both were. When we broke out the bottom he looked again and said, “ Steve, when you’re doing this flying you just have to have fun. You just have to.” When the passengers got off no one said a thing. It was a testament I guess to how smooth he was. I miss flying with Bob. I’d like to say to Bob, Bob, Right here, right now, “I’d pull up the gear for you, Captain Deford, anytime, anyplace and anyhow” just for the privilege. Well done Captain Deford, well done.
An awsome story! Thank you for sharing! It reminds me of one of my Dad's stories from when he worked for Air Canada out of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia as Ticket Agent and Cargo Agent, back when Air Canada flew DC-9's. He was headed to an Air Canada course being held in Halifax, Nova Scotia on a dead end flight back to Halifax. He got the ok from the flight crew and his boss to hop aboard that flight back to Halifax. About half way to Halifax, the pilot started doing steep baked turns and steep climbs and decents. Level off into straight and level flight for a bit. Then, repeat. (Mind you this was all done over unpopulated land, incase something happened with the airplane.) This continued on until arrival time into Halifax International Airport. My Dad was having a great time during that flight, since he also had his Private Pilots Licence. Dad was still wondering what was going on during the flight to Halifax when the DC_9 docked at its gate. When getting ready to disembark from the DC-9, Dad noticed the Captian getting out of his pilot seat and bent over to pick up his flight gear - seeing a huge split in the seat of the Captian's suit trousers. The Captian then noticed my Dad (whom the Captian forgot was on the aircraft) and applogized to my Dad for his flying actions to Halifax. The Captian explained one of the Stewardess' took and hid his suit jacket on him after he split open the seat of his suit trousers and would not give it back to him. The 'irregular flight maneuvers' was the Captian trying to convince the Stewardess to return his suit jacket back to him. He would ask the Stewardess if she would return the jacket when in straight and level flight. When she responded 'No!', the Captain would repeat the 'irregular flight maneuvers' over again, level out, then ask for his jacket back again. The Captain aplogized again and asked, hoping, Dad would not report on his 'irregular flight maneuvers' for it would cause trouble for the Captain. Dad replied laughingly to the Captain not to worry, that he really enjoyed the flight, and, that the Captain would get his suit jacket back before he got his aircraft.
And this is why we love you guys. My friend flew for United. He never failed to drop by on his down time to share some story. One time, he said he landed so smoothly that the squat switch failed to trip, and his copilot said, "Are we down?" Frank was as giddy as a school boy. Some of his life was pure chaos--but the cockpit was always the return embrace of a loved one.
As a retired RAF airframe technician I can appreciate the amount of skill and effort that it took to build this superb Spitfire replica - congratulations on such an achievement. Bob and Vern - what a team!
When this generation of men is gone, this world will be a little less valuable. God bless his honest, true spirit and soul. WOW ! = What an honor it was to watch/feel this video. THANK YOU author, kudos, and 1OO% well done sir. What a priceless passionate fantastic vision. Pure LOVE for his beautiful timeless mount. How can my life even compare as this gentleman's story, + this bird IS life's true success.
You are sadly so right. Although I feel that many of these men that made the ultimate sacrifice would cry at what our country & society has become. They dont make em like this anymore. This man is a legend!!!!
What a beautiful story! From the idea and making a dream come true to the friendship these men developed! And what a magnificent aircraft, love the sound and seeing it fly is amazing.
It’s ‘almost’ unbelievable what I am watching.. These 2 guys need to take a bow because this build is incredible.. & it flies!! 👏🏼👏🏼 As a huge Spitfire aficionado/nut, this is just amazing to me.. Just beautiful ❤🔥
I'm an English lass who loves Spitfire's and it's kinda in my blood, because one of my Grandma's (Dad's Mum) built Spitfire wings at Castle Bromwich during the war. She hardly talked about it, and passed on in 2002. How much I wish I could turn back time and talk to her about her experiences.
Used to live up the road from Castle Bromwich where they used to wheel the Spitfires across the road to the airfield to test them !. Learnt to drive on there too . Housing estate now 😢
I feel so sorry you have to sell this beautiful Spitfire you created. I sure hope it finds a home where it will be as loved and cared for as much as you have. You didn't just build "a plane" here, you created, and cared for, history. Best wishes to you, Bob. I wish there were more people in this world like you. ❤
Bob, simply amazing! I was on the Homebuilt Aircraft parking crew that helped you park at Oshkosh. I've been parking homebuilts there for over 30 years, and I've seen 'em all. I remember thinking "This is the most amazing homebuilt I've ever seen, or maybe will ever see". "Nuff said". Agree it should be worth $1M...... cheers!
What a delightful man possibly the best 28 minutes I have spent on youtube in years. As an Australian aviation enthusiast that remembers the many Australians that fought in Spitfires in WW2 and the love those men had for their aircraft his enthusiasm for his beloved, beautiful aircraft is a pleasure to watch. Such a shame age has taken its toll on him and he has to sell her. A fine aircraft and a fine man.
Wow, Bob. I'm blown away. We all are. And when you said that you're 87? Well, that blew me away, too. You look great. Congrats on an amazing achievement, and for delivering a little happiness to us all.
Respect, Sir. Your love and passion for the Spitfire was so warming to see. If I had the money, I would buy straight away. I hope you have and it has gone to a good home. Remembering and committing to something many with have forgotten or don't understand the significance of something so important in world history is sad.😢 So thank you for keeping the Spitfire alive. It maybe a copy, and a bloody good one. But that doesn't detract for what is a beautiful salute to the past. 🫡 🏴 🇬🇧
Great story Sir. I'm a navy veteran and love everything about the planes. I was attached to VA-34 BLUEBLASTERS A6 INTRUDERS OUT OF OCEANA, Va. Back in the '70's. Your spitfire is absolutely beautiful. Well done.😊
This is obviously not a real Spitfire. The "real" Spitfires were built as quickly as possible for military use. This is a work of art! No "real" Spitfire ever had this much love and time invested. Absolutely beautiful, and one of a kind.
Another 70+ English guy here. I thought when I found this, that I would be watching the story of building this replica. What I found I was watching was a love story, and it was beautiful. Following the fall of the Iron Curtain Spitfires became available from those that were sent east. But I think all that has dried up now. Beautiful story, beautiful aeroplane. Thanks & Bye!
My God the passion in this guy’s voice and his face. I would almost pay as much as I would for the plane just to be a companion for a while and listen to his stories and pass them on keep this genre of aviation going because without it none of us would be here not in this capacity anyway. Thank you for sharing this wonderful wonderful hobby
Bought back memories of a time gone by. Not only the airframe but the human spirit, dedication and passion that bought it to life. Congratulations and many thanks to you Captain DeFord.
This delightful few minutes just came up on TH-cam. A very special Man, just talking about 18 years of His life. He stroked the plane like touching a much loved pet. He and a Master engineer, built a dream. I just sat in a chair, in my home in England, and smiled all the to the end. Im lucky, because in the summer I will hear the magical sound of a Merlin overhead. Our local airfield flies a pair of original Spitfires, in the same skies that they flew in, during the Battle of Britain of WW2.
This gentleman reminds me of my father, who was an engineer with Lockheed and loved airplanes his entire life... Built models growing up, and built a Sonerai 2 when I was growing up... It was wonderful to be raised by a man who fulfilled his dreams, and I can still feel my father's joy for his own homebuilt in this man's love for his own...
This guy reminds me so much of my grandfather. WWII Luftwaffe pilot with 27 air to air victories. If you wanted to question him about his combat experience, he went silent, all he would say, human beings perished because of me and that is not something you brag about. If you wanted to know about aircraft and flying, he could talk your ears off and he would talk like this guy. After the war, he became an airline pilot, some of his close friends were the very people he flew against and he admired many planes on all sides. I wish more people would do what this guy did and build perfect replicas and this thing is gorgeous.
What a lifetime’s achievement to build your own full scale Spitfire, absolutely incredible. That one piece wing makes it incredibly strong and the lovely low revving Allison 1710 V12 is the icing on the cake. Looks like a Spitfire, sounds like a Spitfire and goes like a Spitfire. Bravo sir!😃
Building a remarkable Spitfire replica is truly a labor of love and dedication to aviation heritage. It takes immense passion, skill, and likely years of meticulous effort to bring such a legendary aircraft back to life. Hats off to the craftsmanship and patriotism behind such a grand accomplishment-bravo!
If I could afford it, I would buy it and leave it with the guy until he passes. I would only request to fly it and take full delivery by contract only when he is no longer with us. He deserves it. What an amazing guy and amazing story.
What a nice chap to see & listen to. So pleased he has found his end product in his twilight years..Hope that i achieve similar with my quest over a historic race car.
Speaking as a builder of a Van's RV8, THIS project is off-the-charts....absolutely unimaginable the amount of work involved. Building ANY airplane is a massive undertaking but this one is on another level completely. Absolutely stunning!
My father, during WW2, was an RAF mechanic who worked on the Spitfires. If he were still here, he would want to see your plane, and I bet you could talk for hours about the plane. I know that he loved what he did and was proud of his service. In 1947, he and his new bride came to the US because of the gratefulness he felt for the impact that this country made on the direction of that war. He taught me that we (British) owe this country a debt of thanks. Thank you for your enthusiasm for the Spitfire.
Was it 28 mins, it felt like 5 🙂 I often kick myself for the amount of time I spend on TH-cam, but not this time... Bob is even better than his aeroplane, and his aeroplane is magnificent! I salute you sir.
If you see this Bob - My name is Russell Martin, Bob Martin’s son. I grew up as a little hangar rat in Prescott and always admired you so much! You, and all the guys from The First Composite Pursuit Squadron were my hero’s. Thank you for being so kind and good to see the old Ford. If it’s the same one, that’s how I learned to drive stick lol.
I recently retired from Rolls Royce motorcars after 21 years at Goodwood UK and I'd regulary hear and see the two 2 seat Spits that are stationed at Goodwood aerodrome,it;s a dream that I would one day take a flight in one,your tribute Spitfire is a testiment to the builder and to your vision,well done!
Congratulations, by the way. Do you retire earlier in the UK or this was just the place you worked for the past 21 years? We generally do around 30 in the USA, some more, some less, depending on the job. Cops and government workers can retire in 20. Me, I'll die at my desk lol..... No social security for my generation! I'll be glad if my folks can collect for a handful more years before it all goes "tits up".
@ workimg since I was sixteen,retired at 62 .5 RR being my last job,I’ll be living on my savings till 65 when I get my 4 company pensions then at 67 will get my state pension,my personal circumstances have given me the opportunity to retire early and enjoy my freedom.
Bob DeFord is a hell of a guy. He flew with my grandad in the airlines. I had the privilege of seeing the airplane in person at his hanger in Prescott. But my favorite part of the day was eating lunch with Bob at the airport cafe talking and spending time with him.
What a beautiful story. The passion for this magnificent aircraft is absolutely obvious. As a mechanic by trade and an artisan by destiny, I really resonate with your journey. Thank you for your joy. Awesome..Simon, Australia 🎉
Amazing story !! So emotional to listen the story of the building this plane, his friend always pushing forwards to find a solution, the mirror story is so nice and shows that for every issue there'll be not only one solution. Would love to have the money to buy this great replica, it's worth more the amount he wants for. The stories behind are unpayable !👍👍
Geez, and I feel good if I get my lawn mowed and my mountain bike tuned. Some people are just high achievers. So glad I watched this video. It's motivated me to reach for more.
What a fantastic project. When I painted my car, I painted it in cockpit green, the same shade has this cockpit. Also fitted it with a clock from a mk9 spitfire and a panel light from a Lancaster bomber. Would love to build something like this.
I've had the privilege of knowing Bob for many years. I think I met him when I was just a kid, and that was over 60 or so years ago. He's a true gentleman and a great airman to boot.
2 years ago ,i went up in a 1944 Spit from Biggin Hill .It was a late in the day flight ( October) the pilot did the Barrel roll ,the loop the loop and i had the dual controls joy stick for about 8 mins.So i banked the plane and i dived it .We flew back into the setting sun.Was amazing to think in 1944 when that spitfire came out the Birminghsm factory,i was 3 years old.And 80 years later i was actually ( for a very short time ) flying it . The flights go over my house quite regular and i (when i hear that engine ) dash outside to see them go over . Will never forget it .Plus i took my Dads medal up with me ( Legion d Honneuer ) Awarded to him for his service to France in WW2.
I dont comment often but have to say this guy is a legend, I would love to just sit down and listen to him talk about this plane all day and I bet he has many other stories to share!
Beautiful aircraft and an amazing replica. The enthusiasm that Bob has for his aircraft is infectious, and he seems the consummate pilot. I wish him luck in finding a new caretaker for this beautiful Spitfire replica!
Where I live in the UK, I am lucky enough to have two of these bad boys fly over most days in the summer, one of which is a restoration and the other is a "new build", both sound absolutely fabulous.
To hear the story about someone who did what a lot would say isn't possible is heart warming.Wish you many years to enjoy your creation with good skies and fair winds.
That is true craftmansship ! To build such a race plane with nearly the same Power and Spezifications out of a bunch of other planes......it works. Awesome Job ! And these two Men build this Thing by Hand...👍👍👍
Beautiful aircraft. Amazing job building this. Something you can be proud of for the rest of your life. I heard through an acquaintance in the film industry that Tom Cruise is looking for a Spitfire. Maybe someone should contact his agent and get information to him. Thank you for sharing the story of this great project.
Bob is a true treasure! We met in Coolidge the first time and spent many hours enjoying his stories at OSH. We had planned to have him park with us, and when he landed they marshaled his Wooden Warbird / Faux fighter right to a place of prominence. He entertained thousands that year and I know he enjoyed every moment of it. Ask him about the time his Eastern Airlines Jet iced up the tail. He is a true American hero, and any time you can spend with him will forever be unforgettable! Pat Schmitz / C27
I love this guy! Deford replicates a Mk. IX but it has a three-blade prop, and I thought, "That is not right. Those had four blades." He anticipates and explains the wonderful origins of his three-blade prop! Deford does whatever it takes to get the job done, and then communicates exactly what happened. Respect. I mean, this is the way my brain works. I assumed I was alone, a square peg in a round world. The humble soul and grit of his character shine between every line he speaks.
Amazing build and guy! Im quite lucky i live near the battle of Britain base in the UK, regularly see the old WW2 planes overhead. Never gets boring. My mother is still alive and lived in London during the war, she recalls the times she watched the dogfights, cheering for a British win and booing when other way around. Also recalls them crashing the doodlebugs with wing tip srikes. I could go on and on.....
So wonderful to listen to someone who loves the results of his efforts, totally shares the credit and infects us with his awe of what they accomplished. If I had the money that airplane would be mine. Someone tell me where all the real men have gone.
This was absolutely great. I can identify with some of his feelings. He is 87 and just now, within just the last couple of years of having to hang it up. He has been blessed. I'm 72 and had to hang pretty much all of my extra enjoyment of cars and motorcycles, etc. up. We have to accept it, but it sure ain't fun. Flying with a Lancaster and a Mossy; Wow! Thanks.
As a brit and a millennial thank you for honoring a piece of our history shame it doesn't have a merlin in it cos the sound of a merlin WOW and though I'm biased I think the spitfire it very good looking aircraft! And never fails to bring tears to my eye thinking of the guys we lost and guys that survived flying the spitfire THANK YOU SIR
What a beautiful airplane! I went to the RAF museum back in 1981 and they let me into the archive library. All of the original Spitfire mechanical drawings were on microfiche. At the time, I was a B-52 crew chief and had grand ideas of building a Spitfire replica. This gentleman actually built one! Amazing!👍
At RAF Museum in London you can sit in a Spitfire (mk XVIe). When I was sitting in it I kept looking all around; wife asked ‘’What are you doing?’ I replied ‘Scanning for Heinkels’.
What a magnificent build. I have always loved the Spitfire. As a kid I built many models of them, read everything I could about them, dreamed of seeing a real Spitfire one day. As an adult I still admire what these planes did during the war. It was very interesting watching this video and you are a great gentleman.
![[MV] A leap of faith...ความเชื่อใจครั้งสุดท้าย (From "Petrichor the series")](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/U1piZH2CNXA/mqdefault.jpg)
What an honor being invited to form up his beautiful Bird with a Lancaster and a Mosquito!
Thank you for sharing, Captain Deford. 🤎🇺🇲👍👋😎
@@barrysimmons5489 Yes. A big honor!!!
My word what an amazing replica, But what's more amazing is the gentleman himself. What a great guy isn't he.
Fully agree. The guy is fantastic.
He is
A gentleman and a true friend....the way "Merlin" pops out in the the narration is testament of a gtreat friendship...
Amazing falls short.
How do you know he’s a great guy?
I'm English , 73 years old , and my dad was in the RAF during the war , so these things mean a great deal to me . All I can say is your spitfire is magnificent. 😊😊😊
Thank you!!!
A true labor of love awesome
I'm right beside you Rugby, my father was the same, middle east 6 years WW2 Spitfire pilot.
@@ro19gat
I have friend who’s dad was in lancs , did his however many missions, never got a scratch , my dad was in a balloon barrage unit in Dover and was injured in a bombing raid .
@@Rugbyman269 VERY COOL
This guy is still, after 28 years, lost for words about his plane and the friend who built it with him. Such passion, living the dream. What a life.
I had the honor and privilege of flying, as his co-pilot, with Captain Deford at the airline where we were both employed. Bob was one on the finest gentlemen and a consummate “Stick and Rudder” pilot I ever flew with. When Bob flew an airplane he didn’t get in the seat - he put the airplane on like a tailor made suit and flew it like he was a part of all those nuts and bolts. Sheer poetry and smooth as a baby’s behind. I was sorry to see him retire. All airline pilots always have a story about a guy like Bob that they flew with. We called them 5-strippers or legends. I have one Deford story I’ll share. One trip Bob and I were flying the 727 and descending to land. There were towering cumulus clouds between us and the runway we were using. Bob looked at me and asked if I wanted to do something fun. I was hesitant and skepitcal at first. Was he going to roll the airplane or shut the engines off and dead stick it in? Don’t laugh that happened at an airline. I prepared myself and said, “sure.” Bob ever so gently began to weave his way between the towering clouds like he was dancing with a beautiful woman holding her ever so genteelly. So smooth you barely felt a thing. Then he turned to me again and said, “Steve, now you do it.” I did. He was laughing and smiling the whole time, hell, we both were. When we broke out the bottom he looked again and said, “ Steve, when you’re doing this flying you just have to have fun. You just have to.” When the passengers got off no one said a thing. It was a testament I guess to how smooth he was. I miss flying with Bob. I’d like to say to Bob, Bob, Right here, right now, “I’d pull up the gear for you, Captain Deford, anytime, anyplace and anyhow” just for the privilege. Well done Captain Deford, well done.
Such a beautiful comment!
An awsome story! Thank you for sharing! It reminds me of one of my Dad's stories from when he worked for Air Canada out of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia as Ticket Agent and Cargo Agent, back when Air Canada flew DC-9's. He was headed to an Air Canada course being held in Halifax, Nova Scotia on a dead end flight back to Halifax. He got the ok from the flight crew and his boss to hop aboard that flight back to Halifax. About half way to Halifax, the pilot started doing steep baked turns and steep climbs and decents. Level off into straight and level flight for a bit. Then, repeat. (Mind you this was all done over unpopulated land, incase something happened with the airplane.) This continued on until arrival time into Halifax International Airport. My Dad was having a great time during that flight, since he also had his Private Pilots Licence. Dad was still wondering what was going on during the flight to Halifax when the DC_9 docked at its gate. When getting ready to disembark from the DC-9, Dad noticed the Captian getting out of his pilot seat and bent over to pick up his flight gear - seeing a huge split in the seat of the Captian's suit trousers. The Captian then noticed my Dad (whom the Captian forgot was on the aircraft) and applogized to my Dad for his flying actions to Halifax. The Captian explained one of the Stewardess' took and hid his suit jacket on him after he split open the seat of his suit trousers and would not give it back to him. The 'irregular flight maneuvers' was the Captian trying to convince the Stewardess to return his suit jacket back to him. He would ask the Stewardess if she would return the jacket when in straight and level flight. When she responded 'No!', the Captain would repeat the 'irregular flight maneuvers' over again, level out, then ask for his jacket back again. The Captain aplogized again and asked, hoping, Dad would not report on his 'irregular flight maneuvers' for it would cause trouble for the Captain. Dad replied laughingly to the Captain not to worry, that he really enjoyed the flight, and, that the Captain would get his suit jacket back before he got his aircraft.
And this is why we love you guys. My friend flew for United. He never failed to drop by on his down time to share some story. One time, he said he landed so smoothly that the squat switch failed to trip, and his copilot said, "Are we down?" Frank was as giddy as a school boy. Some of his life was pure chaos--but the cockpit was always the return embrace of a loved one.
@@busterdee8228I’ve experienced the same thing many times. I’m shocked you know what a “Squat Switch is and what it does.” Thank you.
@@Steve757-fl1hd Lol. Frank made sure I knew (actually, I did know before but have no clue why). Hats off to your skills.
As a retired RAF airframe technician I can appreciate the amount of skill and effort that it took to build this superb Spitfire replica - congratulations on such an achievement. Bob and Vern - what a team!
@@dabrab Yes they are the dream team.
When this generation of men is gone, this world will be a little less valuable. God bless his honest, true spirit and soul. WOW ! = What an honor it was to watch/feel this video. THANK YOU author, kudos, and 1OO% well done sir. What a priceless passionate fantastic vision. Pure LOVE for his beautiful timeless mount. How can my life even compare as this gentleman's story, + this bird IS life's true success.
I can not agree more.
Yes! Wonderful story, beautiful Spitfire replica, and an absolutely charming man! My father owned a T28. Thanks for posting ❤️
You are sadly so right. Although I feel that many of these men that made the ultimate sacrifice would cry at what our country & society has become. They dont make em like this anymore. This man is a legend!!!!
It Won't. They actually left plenty of Sons and Daughters, there are plenty of Incredible folks among them.
When we lose a legend, I always think: 'Argh! Now we'll have to live what they taught us.'
What a beautiful story! From the idea and making a dream come true to the friendship these men developed! And what a magnificent aircraft, love the sound and seeing it fly is amazing.
@@silkjamfpv Thank you!!!
*BRAVO ZULU!* *Sir, you have a one-of-a-kind Spitfire, found a one-of-a-kind friendship, and have one-of-a-kind and true braggin' rights.*
Well said!
It’s ‘almost’ unbelievable what I am watching.. These 2 guys need to take a bow because this build is incredible.. & it flies!! 👏🏼👏🏼
As a huge Spitfire aficionado/nut, this is just amazing to me.. Just beautiful ❤🔥
Couldn't agree more!
I think we should make you an honorary Brit! You are a true gentleman!!
👍
Hear hear! A thing of true grace and elegance.
I'm an English lass who loves Spitfire's and it's kinda in my blood, because one of my Grandma's (Dad's Mum) built Spitfire wings at Castle Bromwich during the war. She hardly talked about it, and passed on in 2002. How much I wish I could turn back time and talk to her about her experiences.
Used to live up the road from Castle Bromwich where they used to wheel the Spitfires across the road to the airfield to test them !. Learnt to drive on there too . Housing estate now 😢
My Grandfather built the glass canopies at StHelens ( pilks), wish he was still here.
WOW! Great stories!!!
I feel so sorry you have to sell this beautiful Spitfire you created. I sure hope it finds a home where it will be as loved and cared for as much as you have. You didn't just build "a plane" here, you created, and cared for, history. Best wishes to you, Bob. I wish there were more people in this world like you. ❤
You and me both!
Bob, simply amazing! I was on the Homebuilt Aircraft parking crew that helped you park at Oshkosh. I've been parking homebuilts there for over 30 years, and I've seen 'em all. I remember thinking "This is the most amazing homebuilt I've ever seen, or maybe will ever see". "Nuff said". Agree it should be worth $1M...... cheers!
Good afternoon 🥰
Thanks for that story!!!
What a delightful man possibly the best 28 minutes I have spent on youtube in years. As an Australian aviation enthusiast that remembers the many Australians that fought in Spitfires in WW2 and the love those men had for their aircraft his enthusiasm for his beloved, beautiful aircraft is a pleasure to watch. Such a shame age has taken its toll on him and he has to sell her. A fine aircraft and a fine man.
I couldn’t agree more. Thank you!
To have the money to bring this fine machine here
Wow, Bob. I'm blown away. We all are. And when you said that you're 87? Well, that blew me away, too. You look great. Congrats on an amazing achievement, and for delivering a little happiness to us all.
@@JimmyTheBoomer Bob definitely is delivering happiness to all. 😎
I'm English too .... this was a delight. HUGE credit to you sir, may many more Spits be built like this to perpetuate their memory.
@@mikehvirdis 👍
I had the pleasure of flying with Bob back in the 70’s in his St Louis Streetcar. He’s a good friend of a good friend.
Thanks for sharing.
Unbelievable. Well done. Its people like you that make America great. Dont let anyone steel it from you.
Great guy!!!
@@AviationAZRancherwhat an amazing gentleman. I could spend hours listening to his stories and just hanging out with him. ❤❤
As opposed to steal…
I wooden think of it!
@@CASHSEC it's aluminium actually 😆
Respect, Sir.
Your love and passion for the Spitfire was so warming to see.
If I had the money, I would buy straight away.
I hope you have and it has gone to a good home.
Remembering and committing to something many with have forgotten or don't understand the significance of something so important in world history is sad.😢
So thank you for keeping the Spitfire alive.
It maybe a copy, and a bloody good one.
But that doesn't detract for what is a beautiful salute to the past. 🫡 🏴 🇬🇧
@@andrewtaylor3330 Thank you
Great story Sir.
I'm a navy veteran and love everything about the planes. I was attached to VA-34 BLUEBLASTERS A6 INTRUDERS OUT OF OCEANA, Va. Back in the '70's. Your spitfire is absolutely beautiful. Well done.😊
Thank you!
So much respect for this gentleman. He realized his dream. Wish I could buy this and assure it's future.
@@foivosapostolos1211 Yes.
Story like this restores my faith in humanity. Brilliant - thank you
@@RoryInside You are welcome.
This is obviously not a real Spitfire. The "real" Spitfires were built as quickly as possible for military use. This is a work of art! No "real" Spitfire ever had this much love and time invested. Absolutely beautiful, and one of a kind.
@@DannyNeal-g8y 👍 Yes
Words fail me. What a wonderful gentleman, and a wonderful video. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it
I’m really glad you enjoyed it. Thanks
Another 70+ English guy here. I thought when I found this, that I would be watching the story of building this replica. What I found I was watching was a love story, and it was beautiful. Following the fall of the Iron Curtain Spitfires became available from those that were sent east. But I think all that has dried up now. Beautiful story, beautiful aeroplane. Thanks & Bye!
@@davidberesford7009 Glad you liked the video. 👍
My God the passion in this guy’s voice and his face. I would almost pay as much as I would for the plane just to be a companion for a while and listen to his stories and pass them on keep this genre of aviation going because without it none of us would be here not in this capacity anyway. Thank you for sharing this wonderful wonderful hobby
@@jnmwtkns Thank you for watching!!!
Bought back memories of a time gone by. Not only the airframe but the human spirit, dedication and passion that bought it to life.
Congratulations and many thanks to you Captain DeFord.
@@mikewilkinson7987 Thanks for the comment.
This delightful few minutes just came up on TH-cam. A very special Man, just talking about 18 years of His life. He stroked the plane like touching a much loved pet. He and a Master engineer, built a dream. I just sat in a chair, in my home in England, and smiled all the to the end. Im lucky, because in the summer I will hear the magical sound of a Merlin overhead. Our local airfield flies a pair of original Spitfires, in the same skies that they flew in, during the Battle of Britain of WW2.
@@jonathanryan933 Wow! You are truly blessed to get to see that at home. I can’t get enough of those V12s flying by. Thanks for the comment.
I don't know what is more magnificent. the owner or the airplane. What a story and what a life. To Bob, my very best of wishes!
@@432b86ed Great airplane. Great man.
@@AviationAZRancher ... and you are apparently not so bad yourself. 🙂Thanks for sharing that interview.
This gentleman reminds me of my father, who was an engineer with Lockheed and loved airplanes his entire life... Built models growing up, and built a Sonerai 2 when I was growing up... It was wonderful to be raised by a man who fulfilled his dreams, and I can still feel my father's joy for his own homebuilt in this man's love for his own...
This guy reminds me so much of my grandfather.
WWII Luftwaffe pilot with 27 air to air victories.
If you wanted to question him about his combat experience, he went silent, all he would say, human beings perished because of me and that is not something you brag about.
If you wanted to know about aircraft and flying, he could talk your ears off and he would talk like this guy.
After the war, he became an airline pilot, some of his close friends were the very people he flew against and he admired many planes on all sides.
I wish more people would do what this guy did and build perfect replicas and this thing is gorgeous.
@@Diemerstein Thank you for watching and liking the video!
What a lifetime’s achievement to build your own full scale Spitfire, absolutely incredible. That one piece wing makes it incredibly strong and the lovely low revving Allison 1710 V12 is the icing on the cake. Looks like a Spitfire, sounds like a Spitfire and goes like a Spitfire. Bravo sir!😃
Couldn't agree more!
Building a remarkable Spitfire replica is truly a labor of love and dedication to aviation heritage. It takes immense passion, skill, and likely years of meticulous effort to bring such a legendary aircraft back to life. Hats off to the craftsmanship and patriotism behind such a grand accomplishment-bravo!
@@fighterbomberMiG27 Thank you.
@@AviationAZRancher Absolutely
If I could afford it, I would buy it and leave it with the guy until he passes. I would only request to fly it and take full delivery by contract only when he is no longer with us. He deserves it. What an amazing guy and amazing story.
He is an amazing man and an inspiration.
I’m so amazed. What a story. This story should become a documentary movie.
@@CraigOppedal That’s a good idea!!!
The world is a better place because of people like you and your mechanic friend. Thank you.
@@williamjames9515 Yes it is. Thank you.
Great video, interesting. Godspeed Bob! It's great to see someone who is passionate about his life's work
Well said!
What a nice chap to see & listen to.
So pleased he has found his end product in his twilight years..Hope that i achieve similar with my quest over a historic race car.
@@limjamrace Yes!
I really hope this guy gets $900000 for this magnificent piece of aviation.
$900000 would be a bargain!!!
Just wonderful. A masterpiece in its own right. Such skill and dedication what an amazing retirement project.
@@55peterf It truly is.
Speaking as a builder of a Van's RV8, THIS project is off-the-charts....absolutely unimaginable the amount of work involved. Building ANY airplane is a massive undertaking but this one is on another level completely. Absolutely stunning!
As an owner of a RV8, could not agree more Brian.
They did a massive amount of work and an excellent job!!!
I've never been so 'in awe' of a You Tube video as I was watching this. Absolutely brilliant !
@@nearlypastit2385 Thank you!
My father, during WW2, was an RAF mechanic who worked on the Spitfires. If he were still here, he would want to see your plane, and I bet you could talk for hours about the plane. I know that he loved what he did and was proud of his service. In 1947, he and his new bride came to the US because of the gratefulness he felt for the impact that this country made on the direction of that war. He taught me that we (British) owe this country a debt of thanks. Thank you for your enthusiasm for the Spitfire.
@@CaseyEff Thanks for watching. Glad you enjoyed the video. 👍
by far the best 28 min. 11 seconds i spent all week, thank you for that :)
Thanks!
@@AviationAZRancher I'll second that. What an amazing guy & a great accomplishment.
Thanks for letting us see this.
Was it 28 mins, it felt like 5 🙂
I often kick myself for the amount of time I spend on TH-cam, but not this time...
Bob is even better than his aeroplane, and his aeroplane is magnificent!
I salute you sir.
Ubetcha! I was expecting a scaled version but full size?
If you see this Bob - My name is Russell Martin, Bob Martin’s son. I grew up as a little hangar rat in Prescott and always admired you so much! You, and all the guys from The First Composite Pursuit Squadron were my hero’s. Thank you for being so kind and good to see the old Ford. If it’s the same one, that’s how I learned to drive stick lol.
Hey Russ! I hope you and Corrine are doing well. It has been a long time since last we spoke. The FCPS is still going strong here!
Thanks for that!!!
Big congratulations !!! You followed your dream to the finished . The world now has now beautiful Spitfire
Yes! Thank you!
Wonderful! My uncle Ludec was a Spitfire pilot in the Polish Eagle 303 squadron. They were the BEST! He would love to see this.😊
@@zakstev Glad you liked it.
passion,vision,determination a little cash and a true aviator......he is a member of a very small and exclusive club...respect..!!!!
Exactly!!!
What a fabulous story. Your Spitfire is definitely a labor of love. Your hangar is a place I could spend hours in. A nice tribute to your friend Vern.
I could listen to the gentleman for hours , Much admiration for you Bob from an RC builder !
@@Codge5 Yes.
I recently retired from Rolls Royce motorcars after 21 years at Goodwood UK and I'd regulary hear and see the two 2 seat Spits that are stationed at Goodwood aerodrome,it;s a dream that I would one day take a flight in one,your tribute Spitfire is a testiment to the builder and to your vision,well done!
Congratulations, by the way. Do you retire earlier in the UK or this was just the place you worked for the past 21 years? We generally do around 30 in the USA, some more, some less, depending on the job. Cops and government workers can retire in 20. Me, I'll die at my desk lol..... No social security for my generation! I'll be glad if my folks can collect for a handful more years before it all goes "tits up".
@ workimg since I was sixteen,retired at 62 .5 RR being my last job,I’ll be living on my savings till 65 when I get my 4 company pensions then at 67 will get my state pension,my personal circumstances have given me the opportunity to retire early and enjoy my freedom.
Bob DeFord is a hell of a guy. He flew with my grandad in the airlines. I had the privilege of seeing the airplane in person at his hanger in Prescott. But my favorite part of the day was eating lunch with Bob at the airport cafe talking and spending time with him.
@@rdspeedfab You were very fortunate to be able to do that!!!
What a beautiful story. The passion for this magnificent aircraft is absolutely obvious. As a mechanic by trade and an artisan by destiny, I really resonate with your journey. Thank you for your joy. Awesome..Simon, Australia 🎉
@@simonomallon9035 Thanks for the lovely comment Simon.
28 years to honour those airmen that defended our skies and RAF. Such a beautiful full-scale replica and incredible build story
@@AW-ServicesEverything about it is amazing to me and get to look at it almost every day.
Amazing story !! So emotional to listen the story of the building this plane, his friend always pushing forwards to find a solution, the mirror story is so nice and shows that for every issue there'll be not only one solution. Would love to have the money to buy this great replica, it's worth more the amount he wants for. The stories behind are unpayable !👍👍
@@boogie153 Yes.
Geez, and I feel good if I get my lawn mowed and my mountain bike tuned. Some people are just high achievers. So glad I watched this video. It's motivated me to reach for more.
@@georgemallory797 Thank you. I think we are all capable of doing so much than we do. 👍
To be able to build something incredible like this, first you need an incredible man like him !! So much respect for him and his partner !!!!!
@@JenoMeszaros-t5b Yes 👍
Building an airplane is cool. Building a Spitfire... What's beyond cool? Because that's what this is.
@@wyanddubs 👍
To be able to create something like this is unbelievable, what a machine, what a man
@@Graham_lee Yes.
`If you can dream it, you can make it`. Made by two amazing people. What a beauty!
Yes
What a fantastic project. When I painted my car, I painted it in cockpit green, the same shade has this cockpit. Also fitted it with a clock from a mk9 spitfire and a panel light from a Lancaster bomber. Would love to build something like this.
@@deanmilward3917 Go for it. Build it. 👍
That it is homebuilt makes it the most beautiful Spitfire ever built! Just a super-human, magnificent accomplishment!
I've had the privilege of knowing Bob for many years. I think I met him when I was just a kid, and that was over 60 or so years ago. He's a true gentleman and a great airman to boot.
Fantastic achievement and a great story. Thanks for sharing your Spitfire with us.
Glad you enjoyed it!
2 years ago ,i went up in a 1944 Spit from Biggin Hill .It was a late in the day flight ( October) the pilot did the Barrel roll ,the loop the loop and i had the dual controls joy stick for about 8 mins.So i banked the plane and i dived it .We flew back into the setting sun.Was amazing to think in 1944 when that spitfire came out the Birminghsm factory,i was 3 years old.And 80 years later i was actually ( for a very short time ) flying it .
The flights go over my house quite regular and i (when i hear that engine ) dash outside to see them go over .
Will never forget it .Plus i took my Dads medal up with me ( Legion d Honneuer )
Awarded to him for his service to France in WW2.
@@John-ob7dh Great story.
Thanks so much for your wonderful video I’m English and it means a great deal to me , God bless America 🇺🇸
@@metalman4141 Thank you for that.
airplanes are part of him and its very nice to witness...great work
Yes!
I dont comment often but have to say this guy is a legend, I would love to just sit down and listen to him talk about this plane all day and I bet he has many other stories to share!
@@martinnilsson1594 Yes. He is amazing to just sit and listen to.
Beautiful aircraft and an amazing replica. The enthusiasm that Bob has for his aircraft is infectious, and he seems the consummate pilot. I wish him luck in finding a new caretaker for this beautiful Spitfire replica!
Thank you!
Where I live in the UK, I am lucky enough to have two of these bad boys fly over most days in the summer, one of which is a restoration and the other is a "new build", both sound absolutely fabulous.
Yes, like you I probably see two or three a week in the summer. 👍
I know Vern from another forum. He is a laid back very nice man.
Very good. Thanks.
Great fantastic amazing wonderful magnificent beauriful inspiring cheered me up no end. From Terry retired engineer from northern ireland u.k.
Glad you enjoyed it
awesome build and awesome plane such a beauty.
Couldn't agree more!
To hear the story about someone who did what a lot would say isn't possible is heart warming.Wish you many years to enjoy your creation with good skies and fair winds.
Thank you so much!
Wow! Mr. Deford what a beauty. I am a pilot, sure would love to fly an airplane like your Spitfire!
Many thanks!
We need more of these kinds of guytt "I'm gonna build an spitfire, I don't know how" That's magnificent
we don't need more of these guys, we need to be more like him
Mr Mitchell the original designer he probably said the same thing😊
@@blackcountryme I’m sure glad he tried. And succeeded!!!
I played a game called Battlefield 1942 in the 2000s. The spitfire in the game had the best turn radius out of the planes you could fly
Sounds fun!!!
That is true craftmansship ! To build such a race plane with nearly the same Power and Spezifications out of a bunch of other planes......it works. Awesome Job ! And these two Men build this Thing by Hand...👍👍👍
@@Rudi-Mhz It’s a work of art.
Beautiful aircraft. Amazing job building this. Something you can be proud of for the rest of your life. I heard through an acquaintance in the film industry that Tom Cruise is looking for a Spitfire. Maybe someone should contact his agent and get information to him. Thank you for sharing the story of this great project.
Tom Cruise was living ,close to Biggin Hill for quite a while.
👍
Wow! What more can I say? I was wiping tears from my eyes throughout the video.
Cut back on the amount of soy in your diet...
@@alanparkinson549 I am really glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching.
Wow what a incredible journey to build your own replica spitfire is just a awesome achievement, the Aircraft looks stunning 🇺🇸👏👏👏👏
Couldn't agree more!
You built a beautiful Spitfire Bob, I too would hug the prop every chance I could.
Thanks for sharing.
@@sniddley Yes indeed. ❤️
28 years of your life 🙂 very very well spent !!!! 🙂🙂🙂 Fantastic !!!!
My feelings exactly!!
Lovely story about a lovely man and his passion. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it
Living your passion is the best life there is!
What A Cool Story And Men Behind It.🤠
Thank you!
@AviationAZRancher You're welcome Sir.🙂
Bob is a true treasure! We met in Coolidge the first time and spent many hours enjoying his stories at OSH. We had planned to have him park with us, and when he landed they marshaled his Wooden Warbird / Faux fighter right to a place of prominence. He entertained thousands that year and I know he enjoyed every moment of it. Ask him about the time his Eastern Airlines Jet iced up the tail. He is a true American hero, and any time you can spend with him will forever be unforgettable! Pat Schmitz / C27
th-cam.com/video/pzkoTulqA1U/w-d-xo.htmlsi=BsQGsxp-65tSa46M
This is the reason I’m making these videos. I’m trying to preserve these stories they deserve it and the world needs it. Oh yeah…and I love it. 😀
Coolidge AZ?
@@jcheck6- Yes, he had a ‘winter’ hangar there for quite a while in the quonset hut hangars.
I love this guy! Deford replicates a Mk. IX but it has a three-blade prop, and I thought, "That is not right. Those had four blades." He anticipates and explains the wonderful origins of his three-blade prop! Deford does whatever it takes to get the job done, and then communicates exactly what happened. Respect. I mean, this is the way my brain works. I assumed I was alone, a square peg in a round world. The humble soul and grit of his character shine between every line he speaks.
Yes!
He's justifiably proud. Beautiful aircraft.
Beautiful aircraft. Great stories.
Bob ,that is magnificent . Much love and respect from England . What a beauty !
@@ilikezappa3268 Thank you!
Amazing build and guy! Im quite lucky i live near the battle of Britain base in the UK, regularly see the old WW2 planes overhead. Never gets boring. My mother is still alive and lived in London during the war, she recalls the times she watched the dogfights, cheering for a British win and booing when other way around. Also recalls them crashing the doodlebugs with wing tip srikes. I could go on and on.....
@@MrSpergen Amazing history. Thanks
Keeping History.. More important is your passion. Love it!!!!!!!
Yes!
Yes!
So wonderful to listen to someone who loves the results of his efforts, totally shares the credit and infects us with his awe of what they accomplished. If I had the money that airplane would be mine. Someone tell me where all the real men have gone.
I don’t know where the real men have gone Bob is definitely one of them!!!
Nice video.Spitfire is the most beautiful plane .Huge respect for building this beautiful plane.👌
@@UNIONSTEVEMUSIC Bob and Vern did a wonderful job!!!
This was absolutely great. I can identify with some of his feelings. He is 87 and just now, within just the last couple of years of having to hang it up. He has been blessed. I'm 72 and had to hang pretty much all of my extra enjoyment of cars and motorcycles, etc. up. We have to accept it, but it sure ain't fun. Flying with a Lancaster and a Mossy; Wow! Thanks.
Bummer wmden. I am 75 and still flying but did give up motorcycles years ago due to increased traffic.
@@wmden1 Age catches up with us all.
As a brit and a millennial thank you for honoring a piece of our history shame it doesn't have a merlin in it cos the sound of a merlin WOW and though I'm biased I think the spitfire it very good looking aircraft! And never fails to bring tears to my eye thinking of the guys we lost and guys that survived flying the spitfire THANK YOU SIR
@@Retrofordguy Spitfire is an iconic aircraft to say the least.
Such dedication deserves utmost respect.
Great story of even greater men.
Few and hard to find.
Couldn't agree more!
Beautiful plane! Thanks for sharing your story.
Thanks for watching!
What a beautiful airplane!
I went to the RAF museum back in 1981 and they let me into the archive library. All of the original Spitfire mechanical drawings were on microfiche. At the time, I was a B-52 crew chief and had grand ideas of building a Spitfire replica. This gentleman actually built one! Amazing!👍
❤
At RAF Museum in London you can sit in a Spitfire (mk XVIe). When I was sitting in it I kept looking all around; wife asked ‘’What are you doing?’ I replied ‘Scanning for Heinkels’.
@@alanholck7995 Lol. C'mon folks, give this guy some 'likes'
@@alanholck7995 ❤️👍
What a magnificent build. I have always loved the Spitfire. As a kid I built many models of them, read everything I could about them, dreamed of seeing a real Spitfire one day. As an adult I still admire what these planes did during the war. It was very interesting watching this video and you are a great gentleman.
Thank you!!!