Visual differences
The main difference between the earlier Spits up to Mk. V, and the later variants before the Griffon engined versions, is not so much in blades and smoke stacks, but in the lenght of the nose. The Mk. V is powered by the Merlin 45-50 variants, whereas the mk. VIII and IX used the improved Merlin 61-66. To house this engine the nose was lengthened a couple of inches, and got a much sleeker profile. The spinner has a much longer pointed shape. it is indeed often seen that earlier versions sport single stacks instead of the older double ones. Good example is the unique BBMF Mk. IIa. This was originally built with double stacks as well.
Martin.
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