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:
- Gloster Gladiator Mk.I, K8036, 33 Sqn RAF, Sqt. Bill Vale, Ramleh, Palestine, early 1939.
- Gloster Gladiator Mk.I (trop), L8009, No 80 Sqn RAF, Flg off Peter Wykeham-Barnes, Sidi Barrani, Egypt, August 1940.
- Gloster Gladiator Mk.I, K7995, 607 "County of Durham" Sqn RAF, Flt Lt John Sample, Acklington, October 1939.
- Gloster Gladiator Mk.I, K6134, 112 Sqn RAF, "K" Flight, Flt Lt J.Scoular, Sudan, Late 1940.
- 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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