Spitfire I.D. HELP!!!

[spanner570]

I made this model a few years ago, I know a little bit of the actual aircraft's history but I wondered if anyone can fill in the gaps?

The spit has the name 'Queen Salote' on it and I know this lady ruled in one of the South Sea islands (Don't know which) during WW2 and her people sponsored this aircraft.

The markings are as follows.. LO W identification letters / what looks like a brown shamrock, and a rampant red lion on a white shield. Unfortunately there is no small i.d. under the tail section.

The kit itself is 1/44? and is the VB variant? again not sure as tanks are more my bag!!

Any help would be most welcome.

Thanks,

Ron

[ATTACH]19154.IPB[/ATTACH]

[ATTACH]19155.IPB[/ATTACH]

[stona]

the Tongan Queen Salote and the Tongan people were the most loyal allies. The Queen placed all Tonga's resources at Britains disposal in 1939. The Tongans raised money for three Spitfires named Queen Salote, Prince Tungi and King Tupou 1.

Firstly I'm definitely not a Spitfire expert!

The model looks like a VB ( B wing = 2 cannons+2 machine guns).

Not sure about the squadron code. The only squadron flying spitfires with the code LO should be 602 (city of Glasgow) squadron. Their emblem was a crowned wreath with a red lion rampant inside.

Are you sure this is based on a real aircraft? the lack of a serial ( on the fuselage sides, under and infront of the tail plane is a bit odd)

Also the colour scheme does not match with the yellow leading edges which were introduced after this colour combination was discontinued on fighters.

I'm just wondering, given the Tongan connection if this might be representing an Australian machine.

Of course I may be completely wrong - hopefuly someone will chip in.

I suggest that you post the pictures and question on Britmodeller, there are some serious Spitfire buffs there who will be able to give you a better answer.

Steve

[spanner570]

Thank you for taking the trouble to reply Steve, it made interesting reading. I made this model so long ago that I recall nothing of the build, or what make of kit (probably Airfix as I don't think there were many other makes around at the time) I guess I followed the painting instructions although I might have used a bit of 'painters licence' and obviously used the decals contained in the kit...I have had a closer look at the model and it is a rampant red lion on a white shield. Thanks to you I now have the 1st part of the jigsaw so I will keep you posted if I find out anymore.

Ron