Dogfight double pt. 2: Gladiator

[stillp]

Well, the Stuka is finished, the Mossie GB doesn't start until next month, so I need something fairly simple to keep me busy for the rest of the month. I did look at that 144th Fairey Battle I picked up a while ago, but that looks as if I could finish it in a week, so what better than the other half of the Dogfight Double! Let's hope it's as good a kit as the Stuka.
Here's the sprue shots:

And the clear parts:

There is an open canopy option as well as two different closed canopies, only one of which is referenced in the instructions.
More later - first job is to sort out what paint colours to use. I'm thinking Dark Earth/Dark Green/Sky, as suggested by Airfix for a 112 squadron aircraft in Crete, 1941. A chance to dig out a Hataka BoB set that I've had for ages.
Pete

 

[Tim Marlow]

Interesting choice for a “simple” build Peter, a biplane Looks good on the sprue though….
As to colours, I think, but I might be wrong, that RAF biplanes of the period had lighter versions of the Earth/Green colours on the lower wings.

 

[stillp]

I did wonder just how simple a biplane could be Tim, but the cabane struts are moulded as part of a plate that fits into the upper fuselage, and the interplane struts between the wings have a cross-brace moulded on between them, that is removed after joining the wings, so the worst part of biplane building should be somewhat simplified. There's also not a great deal of rigging on a Gladiator, so that should be doable with some of the EZ-line that Mick kindly sent me.
Pete

 

[Tim Marlow]

I saw that with the interplane struts. Really good design idea I think. EZ line is my go to for both rigging and aerial wires. It’s great stuff…..

 

[Geoffers]

I’ve been thinking of adding one of these to the stash so will be watching with interest.

Good luck with the build Pete

Geoff.

 

[stillp]

Started, as usual, with the cockpit, and pretty soon found the first problem:

The pilot sits several millimetres higher than his seat! Some surgery required, so off with his legs!

I would have preferred to cut him at the knees, but he has his hands on his knees, presumably controlling the aircraft by psychokinesis.
Glued the pilot to the seat, then shaved down the detached legs until they fitted in between his truncated legs and the rudder pedals:

Not perfect, but you won't see much through the canopy anyway.
Here's where I've got to so far:

I'll take a break while that's drying.
Pete

 

[Tim Marlow]

Moving along swiftly Pete. Weird about the pilot, but perhaps he’s a standard moulding for all their aircraft?

 

[stillp]

Probably Tim, made to fit all known aircraft equally badly!
Pete

 

[stillp]

Moved on a little; the upper part of the forward fuselage, that includes the cabane struts, assembled and the IP decalled. Have a good look as I don't think it'll be visible later!

Masked the canopy, that upper fuselage part fitted after a small amount of trimming of the fuselage, then added the canopy.

Looks brutal but there's not much force on the clamp, it's just to hold the canopy while the Gator's Grip dries.
My plan is to paint as much as I can before I add any more parts, particularly the upper wing, so sometime very soon the undersides should get painted, then I'll mask up for camo on the upper surfaces and fuselage sides.
Thanks for watching,
Pete

 

[Allen Dewire]

Off and running again with this one Pete??? Looks real good so far.....The pilot figure is a little mystery, but when you showed the problem with him, in the second pic, I thought maybe he had just farted in his seat......What do I know about wing thingy pilots...........

Seriously, this build shouldn't take that long and I think this is just the 'quickie' you needed Sir!!!...

Prost
Allen

 

[Tim Marlow]

Very nice……

 

[adt70hk]

Coming on nicely Pete!

 

[Lee Drennen]

Looks good Pete. Surgery on the fig looks like a success

 

[stillp]

Thanks folks. Any hints on rigging?
Pete

 

[Tim Marlow]

Apart from use ezyline and drill the holes before you put the wings on, nope…..good luck

 

[Geoffers]

No sorry Pete I’ve never tackled rigging before. I was hoping you were going to show how it’s done

Geoff.

 

[Lee Drennen]

Pete on this scale the Rigging would be so small I never mess with it but some do try Ship Rigging if your going to or very thin wire and glue it but if was me I wouldn’t bother with it.

 

[stillp]

I was hoping someone was going to show me a step-by-step guide to rigging biplanes!
MickC kindly sent me some EZline, so I should at least try, even if I only add the most visible lines, the X-shape between the wings. Not sure if I'll bother with the more-or-less vertical wires nearer the fuselage.
Here's a photo I took at the Shuttleworth Collection:

Speaking of which, I haven't been to the Shuttleworth yet this year, must get back there soon.
Pete

 

[stillp]

Undersides are now painted, using Mr Hobby lacquer. I normally use water-based paints but the lacquer is much more robust and will better withstand handling during the rest of the build. Also I had it there, and it gives a lovely finish, thinned with Mr Levelling Thinner.

Also started painting the wheels and the engine parts, although I'll leave the engine off until the fuselage is painted.
Pete

 

[stillp]

Got the Dark Earth on (Mr Hobby).

I'll mask that later and throw some Dark Green on. Probably Hataka as I don't have that colour in Mr Hobby.
Pete