Gloster Gladiator – Norway, April 1940
This is the old but very nice Heller kit of the Gloster Gladiator, with the markings of the Norwegian Air Force as they tried to defend their country against the German invasion in April 1940.
I build this kit years ago, but didn't add rigging at the time. A little while ago I decided to use it for a 'how to' on using steel wire for rigging, then added weathering as well, and all of a sudden it looked the part.
Even though there is now a brand new Gladiator from Airfix on the market, I love the Heller Gladiator for their ease of assembly. It only has a few panel lines, so if you want them engraved, it would take just a little while to rectify.
Enjoy!
Peter
4 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Beautiful - the Heller company produced some really good kits during its "golden age".
And the Norwegian Air Force markings are really cool on this metal biplane.
Sharp looking Gladiator, I really like the Norwegian marking on the silver dope finish.
Sharp! Love the Gladiator, so many marking choices. Nice, subtle weathering. I used Chinese markings for the Airfix kit.
1 attached image. Click to enlarge.
Nice one, I may have to add one in Chinese markings to my collection as well 🙂
Excellent work, my friend...good lookin' build.
Looks great! The nice simple weathering you did makes a simple build really pop. I enjoy building these old, simple kits. I've got a bunch of Hellers in my stash - going to have to pull one out and take a stab at it.
Lovely looking model.
Looks good Peter, well done.
Lovely work Peter. Very nice markings in this Norwegian version. Like you mention I also like the old Heller kits for their subjects and the usual good shapes, and find myself adding older second hand boxes to the stash which you can find at the modelshows.
Looks great!
Thank you all for your kind comments.