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Spitfire MkVIII by Geoff Pentland for 29 – 35 engines from Aero Modeller December 1960. Near-scale model of the famous WWII fighter will complete the

most complicated stunt schedule with ease. 53 ½” span gives 540 sq. in. area Like most stunt models, the Spitfire is built around the all important wing. As an aid to assembly, a 1/4-in. sheet jig is pinned over the bottom spar position. Mount on this, the bottom spar (built from two laminations of 1/8 x 1/4-in. strip), by laying down one lamination and then butting the other onto it with a slow drying (PVA) glue. This method of laminating the spar will ensure that the spar accurately follows the section of the wing. Now cut the 1 1/4 in. wide strip from 1/4 in, sheet, and set on edge over the drawing at wing trailing edge to support the1/4 in. square strip T.E. Cement the wing ribs at appropriate positions. Add top spar and the leading edge, then the top 1/16 in. sheet T.E. strip and vertical grain webs between ribs at spars. The bellcrank assembly should be securely seated as detailed, with extra stress supports at first rib bay. Lead-out wires are best made from bicycle 3-speed cable and joined to the control plate (bellcrank) with piano wire, the 14 swg push rod is fitted after bending and the bearings greased before adding top sheet and the leading edge sheet. The tip assemblies are built over the profiles and the leading edge block shaped last. Shape tailplane from soft 1/2 in. by 4 in. sheet and sand to section, inserting ribs TI to T4, and El to E6. Fit elevator connecting rod with horn soldered securely in place and tape hinge the elevator to the tailplane. When the wing has set, remove from jigs, cement the u/c spar in position complete with u/c legs and add bottom 1/16 in. sheet T.E. Cover lower L.E. and centre section bottom with 1/16 in. sheet, fit the cap strips, then tape hinge the flaps in position, making sure they move freely, an essential for smooth flying. At the same time secure the flap connector and solder the horn so that flaps are neutral when bellcrank is neutral. Cut out the fuselage parts, and lay one 3/16 in. sheet basic side over the plan. Cement or PVA glue the 3/16 in. sheet doubler, the bearer doubler and the1/2 in. by 1/2 in. bearer. Repeat for the other basic side. Cement F2 then fit the fuel tank, add tank shelves, then F3 and F4. Fit the other side, draw the sides together at the stern, and fit formers F5 to F9. Drill holes in the bearer, and bolt engine in position. Next cement fuselage to wing, connecting push rod to flap horn and elevator horn through the slot in the side. Ensure that flaps and elevator are neutral to one other by sliding tail back and forth before cementing. Next position the 3/16 in. sheet top and chamfer to take upper rear fuselage sides, repeating this for the bottom, complete with tail wheel u/c leg, and lower sides. Position top and bottom blocks, carve and sand to shape.

Add the fin, wing fairings, tail wheel doors, exhaust stacks, airscoops, tinplate main u/c doors, radio mast and canopy with pilot if desired. Sand to achieve a fine surface, and cover the model with silk or heavyweight tissue. Finish as required, but do not apply dope too thickly, since weight impairs the aerobatic qualities of the machine. For true scale details, see our Spitfire VII and VIII drawings. One last word, keep the wind on your back when trying those first square loops! Notes on Royal Aust. Air Force Spitfires by Geoff Pentland: The basic scheme for Australian Mk. VIII Spitfires was as follows: Upper surfaces shadow shaded in dark green and med.

sea grey with light sea grey undersurfaces (the standard British scheme for the period). To this many variations such as treatment with matt white and Australian “foliage green” paints were added according to squadron and locality. By far the most colourful scheme was that used by the famous

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“Grey Nurse” squadron, No. 457 R.A.A.F. code letters ZP, who painted a replica of the business end of the grey nurse shark on their machines. This shark is common in Australian waters and claimed the lives of many shot down fliers during the war. The squadron motif appeared in black, white and red on the nose of the Spitfires and a black and white “ace of spades” on the rudder, with code letters in white or in pale grey. A wing L.E. band three inches wide on the top surface and nine inches wide on the bottom surface was carried for head-on identification. (Some months later these same aircraft were treated with matt white on the complete empennage and spinner’ e.g. based at Morotai, N.E.I.). See photographs on previous page. Roundels were of the 32 in. type both on wings and fuselage in all positions in white and dark blue, and on early machines a blue and white fin flash was carried (deleted when tails were painted white) 8 in. high serial numbers in med. sea grey were usual, but sometimes in “night” or matt black, and white squadron letters (differing in layout in many cases) were added to the fuselage sides. The words “Grey Nurse” were written in script just forward of the cockpit, Finally an evil looking “eye” just behind the grey or white spinner completed the expression of the shark.

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