Roden

1/48 Gloster Gladiator "Meteorological Reconnaissance & Foreign Service"

Kit Number: 438

Reviewed by  Paul Bradley, IPMS# 35554

MSRP: $29 This is the fourth of Roden's Gladiator series and this boxing deals with two different aspects of Gladiator history. Firstly, there are two options for RAF Meteorological Reconnaissance aircraft. The Gladiator was chosen for the task of taking weather observations over the western parts of the British Isles, as well as in Africa and the Middle East, freeing other, more modern aircraft for combat tasking. The missions consisted of a climb to altitude as various instruments attached to the aircraft took measurements. The last Gladiators in this role were not retired until 1945, when surplus Mosquitoes took over the task. Also covered in this kit are aircraft from some of the many nations that used Gladiators from 1937 onwards. Hence, decal options are included for Latvia, Lithuania, the Soviet Union, Belgium, Sweden and even a German-operated machine. This highlights an interesting aspect of Gladiator history. The aircraft operated by Latvia and Lithuania were taken over by the Soviets following their occupation of the Baltic States in 1940. Operated by the Red Air Force in those nations on internal security, they were captured by the Germans during the invasion of Russia in 1941. Incorporated into the Luftwaffe, some of these were used for training and as glider tugs, until destroyed or recaptured by the Soviets in 1944. In theory, you could produce three models of the same airframe as operated by three different air forces - would this "close relationship" be worthy of a "Collections" entry at the Nationals? As I have already completed a review of the Roden Gladiator in RAF markings, I decided to finish this one as a Latvian machine. My comments regarding construction of this kit are basically the same as in my first build - this is not the easiest of kits to assemble correctly, but forewarned is forearmed and I didn't have quite the same niggles this time around. I also gave the parts a thorough washing to remove mold release grease, in an effort to avoid the issues I had last time. It must have worked, as I didn't have any paint pulling up this time around. I did have a little trouble with the engine this time around, and I think this was more due to my heavy handedness with some of the smaller parts than a fault of the kit; though I am not necessarily pleased with what I would characterize as "over-engineering" of some areas of the kit - the breakdown of sub assemblies into many small parts where one would suffice. When it came to the choice of markings, I was able to do a little research based on the excellent Mushroom Models Publications' Gloster Gladiator book. I had already decided on the Latvian markings and found a couple of errors with Roden's marking instructions. Firstly, the engine cowling should be painted split green over aluminium like the rest of the airframe. Not green only. Secondly, the top wing national markings should have a white background, as seen on numerous photos of Latvian Gladiators. Roden's error appears to be based on faulty interpretation of a single pre-delivery photo. As for the decals themselves, I was not looking forward to using them based on past experience with Roden decals. However, I was pleasantly surprised that these decals were thin, pliable and settled down well. Naturally though there is a downside: they are off register and translucent, and I had to back each roundel with white decal to prevent see-through. Frankly, Roden really must do something about their decals; I have had nothing but problems with them. Oh, and I decided not to rig this model - life is too short, and I dislike it - but Roden do provide a partial rigging diagram, though reference to photos is recommended. Looking at the model, it certainly has the air of the Gladiator, and dimensionally, it squares up well. There are no major errors of outline or detail. Interior detail is adequate for the scale and in general the surface detail is nice, though a little heavy in places for my liking. Construction was relatively easy, but awkward engineering, especially the engine and cowl, left me scratching my head sometimes - what were they thinking?? Overall, this is a nice kit that I can recommend to those with a couple of biplanes under their belts.

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