Gloster Gladiator Mk.I

by Peter Nebulung

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The Gladiator was the last operational biplane fighter to be used by the RAF. Brought into service a few years prior to the start of WWII (early 1937 for the Mk I, mid 1938 for the Mk II), it saw action with 607 and 617 squadrons in France as well as limited use during the Battle of Britain as a point defense fighter with 247 squadron at Rodborough.

In addition, Gladiators served in Norway, Malta, and the Middle East before being replaced with more advanced aircraft. The Sea Gladiators used in the Defense of Malta won a special place in the hearts of the Maltese, being ever outnumbered, but never running from the fight. Named Faith, Hope and Charity, these three were constantly in the thick of it, until the RAF could get Hurricanes on the island to take over the defences.

Eventually replaced by Hurricanes and Spitfires, the remaining Gladiators went on to auxiliary squadrons and weather duties.

The Heller kit is very detailed for its age, with fine raised panel lines, and nicely rendered fabric surfaces. It provides parts to do the Mk 1 and II, as well as skis for a Finnish aircraft. In order to simplify the construction process, the interplane struts are molded onto the fuselage. This allows the builder to glue the upper wing on square without too much difficulty.

Once that is done the outer struts are more or less a drop in place deal. Hellers’ instructions give a detailed sequence for rigging the model and holes are predrilled in the various parts. My only problem here was that the holes were much too large for the 2 lb test monofilament I used. Each hole needed to be filled with white glue and touched up.

Detail in the cockpit consists of a floor with rudder pedals molded on, joystick, a seat, and instrument panel. Also included is a gun sight. Addition of masking tape seatbelts adds a bit to the interior, but since the 3 part canopy is too thick to pose open, there really isn’t much to see through the tiny opening. The engine looks ok, especially if painted, washed and dry brushed. For some who really wants to go to town, plug wires could be added, improving the look even more.




 

I painted this model with Gunze Sangyo paints, in the “Shadow”scheme as noted in Scale Aircraft Monographs, Camoflage and Markings No 2. This is an interesting scheme of Dark Earth/Dark Green on the upper wing, taiplanes and fuselage upper area. The lower wing, lower fuselage and vertical fin are painted in Light Earth/Light Green.

The idea here was to lighten the areas in shadow to better blend in the the camouflage pattern. The model was painted with the upper wing separate, and in the order of darkest to lightest. Masking was done with blue tac, rolled out to about 1/16 and pressed in place as close to the drawings as possible. Larger areas were then masked with Maskol. This allows a nice tight pattern, yet with a visible soft edge. Believe me, it took some doing to get it right.

The bottom was painted black/white, and then the model was gloss coated, decaled, sealed and flat coated.

Final assembly was the last thing done, which is a departure from my usual method. Looking at the results, it was worth the effort.

Enjoy!

Model, Images and Text Copyright © 2003 by Peter Nebelung
Page Created 19 June, 2003
Last Updated 17 March, 2004

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