There are three distinct versions of thr "T-Bird" .  Two kitted by Veco.  The forst was an upright mounted engine with a P-40 type of canopy.  It was 595 sq in wing. My plans for this kit show two different noses -- one fully cowled and the other with the "skinny" nose  (engine still upright but the cylinder sticking out in the breeze un cowled)  The second was kitted by Veco as the "New Thunderbird"  and had inverted engine, P-51 type canopy, differential flaps and "over/under leadout guide positioning.  This version had 608 or  610 Sq In wing area.  The "T-Bird II  kitted by either RSM or perhaps Control line Classics   was a different breed all in it's own.  Somewhere around 590 Sq in wing area,  inverted engine, P-51 type canopy,  standard leadout guide orientation, standard flap controls (Not Differential).  I have been told that the third one listed here was the last version that Bob Palmer designed and flew of the T-Birds.  I think that All three are shown as Classic legal.

  Bigiron

Both Marvin and Steve are on the money.

It is interesting that people were modifying the "T-Bird" I to bubble canopies, before the "T-Bird II"was kitted.

Here are two from the East coast.

The first is a beautiful orange, white and black "T-bird I" by John Bonono, at Union NJ, 1960. Also note that is John D'Ottavio's last standard "JD Falcon" is behind the T-Bird, with Larry Scarinzi's "Blitz" under the "JD Falcon " wing.

The second is Henry Weeks with his blue "T-Bird I" at the Mirror meet, 1961. This was the last Mirror Meet.

Also note that both of these early "T-Birds" used the military style bubbles, ala P-47, P-51, that are much more appealing than the round front canopies, in this case. Both airplanes have wheel pants added.

So many current airplanes use the round front canopies, but without proper trimming, they just look like they were stuck on the top block, with no attention to pleasing lines and eye appeal.

These two "T-Birds" are a good example of mods made to airplanes in order to garner "originality" and "detail" points".

Back in the day, all of the NE contests drew about 70-80% orange stunters.  Most of mine are still that magic color.  Nothing looks as good up against a clear blue sky.  Check the engine, looks (in silhouette) like a Johnson.  Tom H.