Gladiator Mk I. 1/48 Roden

In the early 1930s the majority of RAF fighter squadrons were equipped with obsolete Bristol Bulldog and Gloster Gauntlet types. Gloster’s chief designer H.P. Folland conducted a detailed examination of the Gauntlet design with the purpose of improving main performances. The Gauntlet’s wings, with two-bay units, were changed into single-bay units with strengthened main spars. The landing gear was also redesigned with internally-sprung wheel assemblies mounted on cantilever struts. The new plane was equipped with a more powerful Bristol Mercury VIS engine and the armament increased up to four machine guns (two-in fuselage, two-under the lower wings). The Air Ministry issued Specification F.14/35 and ordered 23 aircrafts of this type, which soon received its own name – Gladiator. Mass-production fighters had a more powerful Mercury IX engine, enclosed cockpit, and revised tail unit. In total, 231 Gladiator Mk I were delivered to the RAF.

Please see the paint guide below for the manufacturer’s recommended colors.

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Product Details:

Scale: 1/48

Skill Level: 3

– Molded in high quality plastic

– Clear parts

– Illustrated instructions

– Includes decals for five versions:

1. Gloster Gladiator Mk.I, K8036, 33 Sqn RAF, Sqt. Bill Vale, Ramleh, Palestine, early 1939.
2. Gloster Gladiator Mk.I (trop), L8009, No 80 Sqn RAF, Flg off Peter Wykeham-Barnes, Sidi Barrani, Egypt, August 1940.
3. Gloster Gladiator Mk.I, K7995, 607 “County of Durham” Sqn RAF, Flt Lt John Sample, Acklington, October 1939.
4. Gloster Gladiator Mk.I, K6134, 112 Sqn RAF, “K” Flight, Flt Lt J.Scoular, Sudan, Late 1940.
5. Gloster Gladiator Mk.I (trop), L8011, No 80 Sqn RAF, flown by Flt Lt M.T.St.J. Pattle, Amriya, Egypt, early 1940.

*Cement is recommended for polystyrene plastic*

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Paint Guide:

Trainer Yellow

Silver

Matte Dark Earth

Matte Dark Green

Matte Black

Matte White

Gunmetal

Bronze

Metallic Aluminum

Matte Leather

Matte Cockpit Green

Matte Natural Wood

Matte Rust

Red

Green

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