270 - Gloster Gladiator Mk I/II— Shot Down!!

[RC Boater Bill]

Started to paint the markings today.   That’s the white circle background for the fuselage and the yellow F for the rudder…..

 

My goal is to finish the model in time for Friday’s club meeting…..

 

 

[RC Boater Bill]

Masks removed….

 

 

 

 

Edited March 31 by RC Boater Bill

[RC Boater Bill]

One thing I don’t like about this kit is the way there are over-sized holes all over the airframe for anchoring the rigging.  The kit instructions have you using thread, which just wouldn’t look right.  ( I do give them credit for having addressed the need for adding rigging, and the clever little “forks” at the ends of the wing struts for anchoring the rigging.)

 

I thought I’d try using pieces of fine diameter stainless steel wire instead of thread.  After much thought and analysis,  I used .012 inch diameter hard wire— because it was the only size I have on hand. 😎

 

I tried a test on the tail.   It wasn’t hard to trim them to fit, and secure them with a dab of glue.   They are shiny and metal-looking, which is a plus, and will look even better after a light coat of satin clear.   They are a little bigger than fine nylon thread,  but not as big as the glare from my work light makes them appear in the photo!  I think are “OK” for tge tail, but will be too big for the wing’s rigging.  (Something about 2/3 the diameter might be perfect.)

 

On the plus side, I am happy with how my masked and painted Finnish markings came out!   

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 1 by RC Boater Bill
fixed link

[PeterB]

These days I mostly use 0.2mm wire for rigging - 0.1mm would perhaps be more accurate but is too prone to bending I think. If my maths is right then you are using 0.3mm wire so your calculation is not that far out I guess.

 

Pete

Edited April 1 by PeterB

[2996 Victor]

Looking splendid, Bill, the camo and markings have come out a treat!

 

Cheers,

Mark

[PattheCat]

It's looking just great. The painted markings look way better than many decals. Wish I could put more than one like for each of your posts 🥰

[RC Boater Bill]

7 hours ago, PattheCat said:

It's looking just great. The painted marking look way better than many decals. Wish I could put more than one like for each of your posts 🥰

Thanks - I try to use paint whenever possible.  Nothing looks more like painted on markings than painted on markings!

 

[RC Boater Bill]

Well, this one is over!

 

Had a major accident shortly after the last post-  managed to knock the model off the bench, onto the cement floor!  Parts went everywhere, multiple fragile parts broken/lost.  

 

TBH, I wasn’t really enjoying the kit as much as I typically do when building, and have zero interest in spending more  time trying to make replacement struts and such, so I tossed it in the bin.  (Cut my losses!)

 

I have been keeping an eye out throughout the month for another (different)  Heller kit to build, haven’t found any that appealed to me yet…

 

Edited April 30 by RC Boater Bill
fixed typo

[hakkikt]

Sorry to hear about the accident, but agree with you about cutting your losses. The next kit is sitting in the (in my case: oversized) stash, waiting for you to start it.

[2996 Victor]

Hi Bill,

 

sorry I haven't checked in recently - very sad to hear about the Gladiator's demise, but totally understandable after a catastrophic landing. We've still got a month left, so if you did find an alternative, well, you know what to do  

 

All the best,

Mark

[PattheCat]

Hi,

Sorry to hear about the fate of your so nice looking Gladiator.

Wishing you more luck with your next builds.

 

Pat.