Gloster Gladiator Mk.1 Build

[PhoenixPiper]

My first build for the xmas competition is a Gloster Gladiator Mk.1. This model is a Revell 1:72 scale plastic kit with an RRP of £5.99. Product code 04683 and a skill level of 3.
I haven't decided whether or not to do any modifications yet but as soon as I do, updates will be made.

I am a big fan of building aircraft, especially older ones that are biplanes. This is because they can have so much intricacy, overall look and they often have an amazing background, with many stories to tell:

The first Gladiator prototype first flew in September 1934 as an updated version of the Gloster Gauntlet. It would become the new fighter of to Air Ministry after winning a competition. 23 were then built in July 1935. This was also the first RAF aircraft to be fitted with an enclosed cockpit. 72 and 3 sqn were to use the Gladiators before an order of 180 more to be produced had been placed in September that year. They were all delivered by December 1937 when a total of 30 sqns were flying the aircraft. However, very few survived the Battle of Britain. After this the aircraft saw more action overseas. It's maximum speed was 407km/h and had a range of 688km. Wing span: 9.83m, Length: 8.35m, Height 3.15m

Can't wait to get my paints over this week so I can make a proper start.
Kit photos to come soon

[PhoenixPiper]

[chill]

Looking forward to this.

[royjess]

A nice kit and a great choice, the rigging is going to be tricky.

Dad x

[chill]

Is string allowed for the rigging?

[Mark]

Great choice ! It's a great looking aircraft. Looking forward to your build diary

[royjess]

Is string allowed for the rigging?

Yes string is allowed

3. You can add extra details using common items such as wire, plasticard, wood, etc.

[PhoenixPiper]

Been busy painting the pilot and his seat tonight. Hopefully will get to start the fuselage too.

[royjess]

A great start

You sat and painted these all by hand using enamel paints and without using an air brush. I did offer to lend you my airbrush and show you how to use it, but you did decline.

The photos don't do it any justice, I must say I'm well impress with your painting. If you get a chance, you might want to take some photos of these out in the natural sunlight outside.

Keep up the good work.

Dad x

[PhoenixPiper]

Thanks Dad

You sat and painted these all by hand using enamel paints and without using an air brush.

I should get used to putting all details into description haha . I am thankful for the offer (you can still show me if you wish), however I enjoy the tranquility of painting by hand.

I've already started fuselage so pilot is in, but will try to get some good photos in natural light where possible.

[steve131]

Great painting better than mine .K awarded

[PhoenixPiper]

Great painting better than mine .K awarded

Aww thank you. It took a lot of patience. Over an hour and a halfs work

[PhoenixPiper]

Starting to get modelling fever. Once you start you just cant stop!

So i continued with the fuselage and managed to get quite a lot done.

First thing that I did was to glue it together and placing the pilot in.




I then went on to file the joins on the top and bottom and paint it. For this I had to two colours. Once i had a nice coat on i left it to dry.





Finally, I added some shading detail between what would have been separate panels. To do this i used a darker colour than the main body and finely filled in the indentations with it. I then neatened the edges before dabbing the original colour over it to make it less defined and more of a shaded look. I admit that one of the sides hasn't gone as well as the other and i plan to correct it when i next work on the model.

[royjess]

The build is looking great and better quality photos this time.

[casper]

Great start
I really like your pilot and panel shading
casp

[Mark]

Nice job on the shading and panel lines It makes a big difference to the finished model

[PhoenixPiper]

Been busy again tonight. Now have almost half of my build done.

I started off with the engine panel glueing the two pieces together.



I then had to cut small sections out so the next piece could fit in place, and paint it.


Whilst I waited for that to dry, I painted the tail pieces as well as shading them.


These were then glued in place along with the canopy. I had one that wasnt quite a tight fit so I ended up having to hold the piece in place to make sure it was level. Was tempted to get the spirit level out


Now that the paint had dried on the engine panel I could add shading. On the main line I used the same technique as before. For the corrugated panel I used a dry brush instead as the previous technique would have been too bold. (photo of this will come when I an get natural lighting as I can't get an effective picture of it now). I also took this as an opportunity to paint the wing struts that go with this piece. They are metallic aluminium in colour.


Again I had a lot of time to wait whilst pieces dried to I glued the lower wings into place. Some paint had blocked the joining hole so I to cut a small smidge of it so it could fit.




Finally, the two pieces (engine panel and struts) could be glued together and attached to the fuselage.



I must admit that not much interesting things have happened with the build tonight, but I can't wait to be able to do a bit more with it (like the rigging) and really make it my own (I have several ideas up my sleeve waiting to be put into action).

[steve131]

You say you cant wait to do some more work on it ,that's why modders have a stash ,get Roy and Jess to fill it up for you at Christmas . Great work, you got talent

[royjess]

I've got to admit, I'm impressed, I really wasn't expecting this standard of work, well done!

[Mark]

I'm very impressed too ! Perfectly straight tail feathers
Nice paint job too