What do you folks use to shape the nose area to the spinner? I am having a hard time with a sanding block,

My self, I use a small low angle block plane that I sharpen and tune, ie the blade will shave my arm hair. I rough it with that, then I have a block with 80 grit NOrton autobody long board paper. (Its blue in color and open coat) then I have a peice of 120 or 150 that comes off a roll, about 16 inchs long or so, sometimes shorter, I put two inch tape on teh back side to strengthen it, then I use it like a shoe shine boy polishing shoes. really helps to round off the shape. It is a two person job though, someone needs to hold the thing unless you are really creative.Your looking nice there.

I have a peice of 120 or 150 that comes off a roll, about 16 inchs long or so, sometimes shorter, I put two inch tape on teh back side to strengthen it, then I use it like a shoe shine boy polishing shoes. really helps to round off the shape. It is a two person job though, someone needs to hold the thing unless you are really creative.Your looking nice there.

AMEN! THAT IS A GREAT WAY.....AND I HAVE USED THAT MANY MANY MANY TIMES.....during my years at the Wind Tunnel.
With this method...care making sure that you "stay sanding  in one spot for too long and try to keep "CANDLING WITH A STRONG SINGLE LIGHT SOURCE, which will reveal any errors in your contouring.

Nice looking model...but try to really flow that cockpit into the pattern...(Is that canopy a tad on the large side?) Go with your gut on that,however.

Hi Walter:  My technique: Master Airscrew Razor plane - haven't found one I like better and they are cheap.  This for the rough cut.  For sanding a rounded surface I like to use a sanding block made of styrofoam or packing foam.  I use an old spinner as a guide for blending in the nose.  Other than that, it's just an eyeball thing.   

Here's the original. Such an elegant design as opposed to those bulky piped ships.
This was at the WCh 1990, Blenod, France.

Thanks for all the replies guys !