Airfix Gloster Gladiator 1/72

[@ModelWingsForever]

I just wanted to say you’re my favourite model builder as you have a great selection of interesting kits and I am a big fan. I like how you are quite calm in your videos even if something bad happens, I’ve started a model channel because of you. Thanks for all the great videos

[@garyjust.johnson1436]

Haven't seen this kit yet. I would enjoy building one like this. Good job, great video!

[@michaeltait1495]

Nice build there. Airfix also did a Blenheim with a choice of Finnish, Free French or RAF markings from about the same period. Your videos making me nostalgic.

[@modelmeltdown359]

We all like a bit of nostalgia. I wonder if I've got a Blenheim in my stash?

[@VikingModeller]

Now that I have binge watched all your videos I feel excited to see more. Keep up the good work my man.

[@modelmeltdown359]

Cheers mate. I keep plodding away.

[@brianartillery]

Don't underestimate the Gladiator - it was quite fast, and very manoeuvrable in combat. Many German and Italian pilots, in more advanced aircraft came to grief thinking: "It's only a biplane." The camouflage - imagine trying to follow a fast moving, small silver and green aircraft over a snowfield or a snow covered pine forest - I'd imagine it being nigh on impossible with the glare from the sky and snow. You might find a set of precision side or sprue cutters useful. Failing that, a pair of pincer type nail cutters will do the job well.

[@mrjockt]

The two different windscreens are supplied because early Gladiators didn’t have armoured glass whereas the later ones did that’s why they are different thicknesses.

[@modelmeltdown359]

I love it when someone has these detailed bits of information. That's brilliant, thanks. MM.

[@ragnar82]

Nice work takes me back to the late seventies.

[@modelmeltdown359]

Me too, it's an eerie experience!

[@fabriziocoletti5956]

The Gladiator with skis ought to be one serving with the Finns

[@dougtraceyvandevere5593]

Pilots usually took off and landed with the canopy pushed back. Even in Hurricanes and Spitfires.

[@modelmeltdown359]

I'd forgotten about that. I remember seeing old film and photos of them comming down with the canopy back. Thanks for the reminder. Cheers. MM.

[@richardgreathouse9702]

That paint scheme and the insignia are from the Soviet--Finnish winter war of 1939--1940. Some were flown by Swedish volunteers. Wing insignia would have been a medium blue swastika on a white circular background. Several decal makers should have those in 1/72 scale. Note: when the Swedish volunteers went home at the end of the conflict they left the planes, which had come from Sweden as well. Some Gladiators were still in tbe Finnish inventory at the start of what the Finns call The "Continuation War" in June of 1941, also the start of Operation Barbarosa, the invasion of the Soviet Union by Nazi Germany. Some Gladiators might have seen action in the early stages of the Continuation War, but I am not positive. If one chose a career as a Finnish fighter pilot from the outset of the conflict while playing the Il-2 Sturmovik computer game, one started out flying a Gladiator.

[@modelmeltdown359]

Thanks for the info. I feel the conflict in Finland is overshadowed by all the other stuff. I do need to brush up on this, The Italian Campaign and The Spanish Civil War. A lot of good people made a lot of sacrifices in these.

[@groovechampion1462]

Swedes actually flew some home after the war. and they painted over the swastikas with what they sort of felt like...i believe the marking in this kit was one of them.

[@rudidedog243]

The Gladiator's finest hour was the defence of Malta, during the early stages of the siege the RAF were down to three fighters, they were called Faith, Hope and Charity and they were Gladiators. One of them can still be seen in the museum in Valetta, Malta. Thanks for the content.

[@funguseater40]

Purchasing a pair of Xuron 410a ultra flush cutters would help you a lot. They make removing parts from the sprue (and those "X" parts on the wing spars!) a lot easier. www.heamar.co.uk/cutters/43915-xuron-410a-shear-cutter-with-full-flush-615265901940.html