I picked up a mostly completed top flite spit that I plan to make into a mkV trop version.
Still not sure on the trop due to the cowl build. Has different exhaust stubbs and large chin scoop. Not sure if I cut up the fiberglass cowl, or try and make my own.
First thing was to finish glassing the tail. One side of the bottom was not done but controls were epoxied in already.
The bottom halves of the cannon covers were glued onto the top so they were removed and will be added to the bottom soon.
Mk5 has a torpedo shaped cooler on the bottom in place of one of the square coolers. I am just getting ready to make that.

Marc

Great choice of subject material.  It will present a striking profile.

Good to know about being tail heavy.
I will be using my Evolution 15cc gasser and I just ordered a Jtec wrap around muffle that should fit under the hood. So hope that helps with balance.

I committed to a US spitfire scheme. The picture referenced it as 'the only ugly spit' 
Ordered the graphics from Callie Graphics and should be here late next week. 

Took a look at the plans and what I need to do to finish the build.
I see why the 2nd cannon bulge was added to the top of the wing... plans show it. don't know why they did that. All info I've seen the early marks had single large bulges to cover both cannons when fitted. The late spits had the small separate cannon covers.

I made the 'round' cooler and while looking at pics noticed the 'square oil cooler' was rounded on the sides. So i made a new one for that too.

I will make new ailerons as the spit5 and later had aluminium skinned, not fabric.

I have a fiberglass cowl but adding the scoop and changing the exhaust pipes means too much hacking.
Going to try and build a 2 part cowl. Top will be fixed to fuse and the chin will be removable. (that is the plan at least)

Hi Mark,
It's so nice to see someone working on a classic scale subject.

Be different...........

North Africa scheme?

nice

Would have to look in my books to be sure. 52nd FG flew out of Borgo and Calvie airfields on Corsica island.

Finally got back to this project.
Decided to use the existing cowl and build up the chin scoop. Still fine tuning and filling but I think it looks the part. When done shaping I will glass and hollow.
Spit5 had 3 large exhaust stacks so spent the afternoon making them. Need to fill and glass them before attempting to install over the existing stacks.

Great job Mark.

If it is at all helpful, I have attached a copy of a pic I took of a Mk 1 Spitfire with the same exhaust ejectors as were on the Mk V.  As far as I can tell your replicas are a good representation of the real thing.

Thanks Mike,
I was going to cheat and go with the mk2 staight pipes but I decided to give a go at the fluted exhaust pipes.

The ones I did up are a bit too sharp on the curve but I can live with them. Did a test fit and I am happy so they are ready for glassing.

Little more shaping to do on the chin scoop but it's coming along.