Nicknamed the Rhubarb, British Royal Air Force (RAF) Supermarine Spitfire was a premier WW2 fighter interceptor. Model depicts Spitfire Mark II flown by Pilot Officer Colin Gray in plane KL-N of No. 54 Squadron defending the Dunkirk beachhead evacuation in late May 1940. Bulge on front windshield is extra layer of laminated glass to prevent penetration of enemy munition. Air of Authority : No 51 - 55 Squadron Histories - http://www.rafweb.org/Sqn051-55.htm

Word Rhubarb refers to Asian plant used in various cuisines, its leaves can possess toxic effects if used in large quantities. Via British and American-slang, it denotes a loud argument, general commotion, or something that bypasses all superfluous talk and delivers right to the point (like a sharp jab). In postwar era, this word faded from common American slang. Rhubarb - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhubarb

Rollover : Model upper surface hand-painted in TESTOR Medium Tan and Dark Olive Drab, camouflage pattern was RAF Scheme A. Propeller hand painted Flat Black with Yellow edge markers. RAF was the first to use 3-letter nomenclature for aircraft identification in late-1930s, first two letters referred to squadron, last letter referred to individual plane. No. 54 Squadron evolved through a series of 2-letter codes through its career, with DL assigned in 1939, then KL from 1939 - 1942, DL again from 1944 - 1945, HF from 1945 - 1948, finally GA & GZ on modern Jaguar jet fighter-bombers. No 54  Squadron Aircraft & Markings 1916 - 1945 - www.rafweb.org/SqnMark054.htm

Inset : Upper wing insignia of Blue-Red roundel is RAF Type B. A series of British roundel designs were introduced during war years, Type B roundel was usually painted on upper wings, but some RAF Spitfires operating in Malta had Type B roundels also painted on fuselage. RAF Roundels 1939 - 1945 - www.homepages.mcb.net/bones/01UKAV/roundels/RAF_ROUNDELS.htm