ICM Gloster Gladiator Mk.I (32040) - ICM 1:32

[Julien]

 Gloster Gladiator Mk.I (32040)

1:32 ICM

 

 

The Gladiator was the last biplane fighter used by the RAF due to the introduction of more modern monoplanes.  The Gladiator was designed in response to an Air Ministry requirements for an aircraft capable of 250mph armed with at least four machines guns.  Gloster decided that rather than developing a brand new fighter they could capitalise on their Gauntlet design. This modified design would dispense with a pair of interplane struts to reduce drag and follow a wing design developed by Hawkers. The "new" aircraft would use the 700 hp Bristol Mercury engine.  The prototype flew in 1934, with the first production aircraft being delivered in 1937. The Gladiator was probably the pinnacle of biplane design with its streamlining, closed cockpit and heavier armament, 

 

While the RAF ordered 180 aircraft the biplane design was really at the end of its life with more modern types being introduced.  The type saw service in France in 1940, and on the home front in the Orkneys. Overseas they were used in Norway and most famously in the defence of Malta.  Here these aircraft managed to defend the Island against superior Italian forces.  Gladiators also saw service in North and East Africa as well as in Greece and the Middle East.  Gladiators would also see combat service in Belgium, China and lastly Finland.   By 1941 the aircraft had been retired from front line service, though continued to serve in communications and weather research roles. 

 

 

The Kit

This is a new tool from ICM who really do seem to be giving us kits we want at the moment. On initial inspection the kit looks very good. There is plenty of detail and the moulding is first class. The fabric effects are not over done and the sprue gates are quite fine. This is the Mark I aircraft however be assured a Mark II and Sea Gladiator are scheduled by ICM.  Construction starts with the cockpit and interior. Framework sides are added into each fuselage half with appropriate control systems and additional parts being added. Into the each side the fuselage mounted guns are also added at this stage. The cockpit itself with the seat, rudder controls, and the pilots compass is constructed and added into the left fuselage, The coaming around the cockpit is then added along with the main instrument panel and its coaming.  Behind the cockpit the rear decking and bulkhead are added in. After the addition of the tail wheel to the rear of the fuselage, the two halves are then ready to go together. Once this is done the gun sight can be put in place.

 

 

We now move toe the rear tail surfaces with the rudder and tail planes being constructed and added on. All of the moveable surfaces are separate parts. Back onto the front of the fuselage the pilots entry doors at each side are added along with the prominent side mounted oil cooler. Its worth noting here that the surface moulding of this part seems to accurately match the real thing. The canopies can now be added. The instructions show the front and rear being added first with the main canopy going over these. 

 

 

Next the lower main wing is assembled and added. There is a one part lower section to this with left and right uppers. The lower main wing part form the bottom of the fuselage in that area.  Separate ailerons are then added. To the aft lower fuselage a plug section is added, this would appear to be in the area the arrestor hook will be on the Sea Gladiator version. 

 

 

Next up the top wing is assembled. This is in upper and lower parts with the ailerons as separate parts.  Once together this can be joined to the lower wing with the outer struts and the inner ones attaching to the fuselage. There are positive locating points for all the struts. Next up the main gear is added. These seem quite strong with an inner part for the axle being sandwiched between the parts for the gear legs.  The gun pods also need to go under the wings at this point.

 

 

We now move to the front of the aircraft and the engine. Given the scale the engine is as detailed as the plastic parts can make it and it looks to be a good representation of the real thing. To the front is added the exhausts and collector ring. A three part cowling then goes over the engine. The front machine guns are then added along with the lower exhaust parts. The prop can then be added to the engine and the whole assembly mounted to the front of the fuselage. To finish up rigging diagrams are provided for the modeller to correctly rig the aircraft. 

 

 

Markings

There are markings for four aircraft in this boxing

 

• No. 72 Sqn RAF, UK 1938 - Aluminium Dope / NMF overall.
• No. 607 Sqn RAF, UK Aug 1938 - Camo
• No. 112 Sqn RAF, Egypt 1940 - Camo
• No. 80 Sqn RAF. Egypt early 1940 - Camo

 

 

Decals are printed by ICM, with good registration, sharpness and colour density, with a thin gloss carrier film cut close to the printed areas. 

 

 

Conclusion

It is good to see a new kit of this important RAF type being released. Even in 1/32 this is not overly large. ICM have done a great job with this kit.

 

Very highly recommended.

 

 

 

Review sample courtesy of