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John Healy
161 articles

1/48 Folland Gnat T.1

May 6, 2022 · in Aviation · · 22 · 1.4K

This is the kit which was released in 2014. This kit features some unique engineering that I honestly thought was over complicated for such a small plane at first glance. Once I started building it, I realized the genius of it all. The design includes full intakes that require minimal effort to paint, and a very nicely detailed cockpit. The only downsides to this kit were translucent whites in the decals and a warped upper wing. I fixed the decals by using blank white decal underneath the roundels and fin flashes. The wing was made sort of straight with brute force and weight while it's glue set up. I painted it with Tamiya LP-11 silver and Mr. Color #173 fluorescent Orange over a Tamiya white primer base. Interior and details were all Humbrol enamels. This was a fun kit that fit so well, that I think I could've used zero filler had the wing not been warped. The kit has been released at least three times since 2014. If I were to do it again, I'd make sure to get the latest boxing as Airfix QC and decals have been outstanding for the last few years.

Reader reactions:
16  Awesome

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22 responses

  1. Wow! What a wonderful result out of the good Airfix kit, John!
    I love the chosen scheme a lot: pays good justice to the distinctive Gnat lines.
    Your build thread was also a joy to follow.
    Thanks for all kit details!

  2. Very nice build - came out great!

  3. Nice´n shiny!
    Yes, Airfix decals improved over the last years, thanks to Cartograf.

  4. Fully agree on the already given comments, John @j-healy
    The chosen scheme is fantastic and your applied it superbly.
    Well done.

  5. Well done, John. For me, amongst the overall quality, that canopy really "shines"... it's almost crystal clear.

  6. Sharp work John. I really like the color scheme.

  7. I’ve heard a lot of good things about this kit, and your Gnat proves them to be true! Good selection on the fluorescent orange.

  8. That's a handsome model John @j_healy! And a damned good looking aircraft; your model has given me a whole new appreciation for the type! ?

  9. John, Very nice looking Gnat, really nice paint work and love the scheme !

  10. I like your Gnat build. It is one of my favorite planes.

    I built/fought the Aeroclub version with a similar scheme.

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