Tally-Ho Enterprises Inc.

Tally-Ho Enterprises Inc. Design and building of a airworthy 80% scaled replica of the WWII Spitfire.

To replicate the look, feel, exterior and interior of the Spitfire as a categorized amateur built/experimental aircraft.

Continuing on with the general description of the Spitfire MKI-V rudder fabric covering process. Using the Polyfiber sys...
07/31/2026

Continuing on with the general description of the Spitfire MKI-V rudder fabric covering process. Using the Polyfiber system, we used Poly-Tak to attach the fabric on one side of the rudder and secure with clamps until dry, to the trailing edge, this includes wrapping the fabric around the edge as can be seen in the photos below. This provides a solid bonding of the fabric to the rudder structure, allows to align the fabric and fold it around the leading edge of the rudder, thus eliminating a seam, while continuing the fabric back again to the other sides trailing edge. To secure the fabric you will apply the Poly-Tak to complete the rough laid fabric covering and let the glue dry. You will also notice it is not necessary to pull the fabric tight, but you will want take out any folds and minimize creases as you lay the fabric down on each rudder side, since this will avoid big problems down the road. The fabric itself will be later heated and shrunk bringing the fabric to its proper level of tightness in later posts, so stay tuned and enjoy!
Just for fun I also included a shot of the Spitfire rudder showing the fabric with some pretty serious creases...not to do...but it will show to the level of what you can work out down the road if a mistake is made, and not have a panic attach!

Next with the Spitfire Rudder covering, we needed to balance the rudder using lead shot. The lead shot (using the smalle...
06/26/2026

Next with the Spitfire Rudder covering, we needed to balance the rudder using lead shot. The lead shot (using the smallest you can get in order to use all the interior space as far forward as possible) is placed inside of the rudder horn by means of a cut out opening. The opening is on the under side of the horn and will be eventually covered by the fabric covering. This also allows, if required, for balance adjustments by cutting into the fabric for access, being resealed, and yet not be seen on the finish product. The shot is epoxied in place, sealed and secured into the leading edge portion of the Spitfire rudder horn. Next comes the fun part, measuring and cutting out the "Medium" grade/weight Polyfiber fabric. We want to take into consideration of using one large piece to cover both sides and minimize the number of seams. More to come, enjoy!

We will start with the completion/construction of the Spitfire MKI rudder structure. The last item to be added to the ru...
06/05/2026

We will start with the completion/construction of the Spitfire MKI rudder structure. The last item to be added to the rudder was the tail nav light structure. These spruce blocks were roughly shaped to size, glued in place with T88 epoxy. Once cured, final sanding to shape and drilling the hole to size to insert/mount the tail nav light component. You will also note in the same photos the trim tab hinge installation and the lamination of the rudder trailing edge, giving the structure increased strength and durability. With this necessary work completed we can now move forward with initiating the fabric work on the Spitfire rudder. Enjoy!

So its time to move out of the Spitfire cockpit section and head to the tail for our next series of updates. The goal is...
05/01/2026

So its time to move out of the Spitfire cockpit section and head to the tail for our next series of updates. The goal is to get the fabric on the control surfaces, elevator and rudder, documenting that process in the next series of photos and descriptions coming. Here are some top view photos of Prototype #2's elevator structure, the early mark Spitfire, showing off its ribs, newly installed cross braces and hinge points to the horizontal stabilizer. Next will be the removal of the elevator (its all one piece) from the tail section, surface cleanup (needs to be a very smooth surface otherwise it will show through the fabric work) and the trim tab nut plates to be installed permanently, tough to do with the fabric in place. Enjoy the photos!

Address

18799 Airport Way
Pitt Meadows, BC
V3Y2B4

Telephone

+16047904472

Website

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