Glad all over
ICM's 1/32 Gloster Gladiator is a very nice addition to their large scale range, of which I have built a few. This one gave me an opportunity to add number 8 to my Republic of China Air Force Collection. The ROC was actually first to fly the Glad in combat, with the usual combo of initial success, followed by being worn down by numbers and bad infrastructure. Several American trained aces flew Gladiators, including "Buffalo" Wong and "Art" Chin.
The ICM kit goes together nicely, the only real problem I recall was dicey top wing to cabane strut fit. The fit of the clear parts was some of the best I've dealt with. Tamiya lacquer "Dark Green 2" was used with pre and post shading of differing shades. Radu Briznan (OOP) etched flat wire was used for rigging, and Master Barrel brass machine guns installed. ICM released a set of additional decals for the Glad, this variation was exactly what I was looking for. That NEVER happens. I beat this one up more than usual with chipping, oil paint shading and bullet hole patches.
So for now the ROC Fighters collection is filled. ICM will release a Henschel HS123 soon, I need that one. The ROC used them too, but it will be too late as I plan on lugging all 8 models to the IPMS Nationals in Virginia, for the "Collections" category. Can't wait.
I like the weathering on this a lot. It contributes to an overall final result that's really excellent.
Why thank you Tomas. Borrowed some touches from the armor side.
Excellent Gladiator, Bill! Painting and weathering rock!
Very tasty finish on this one.
I share your interest in thibgs exotic.
Do you have any recommendations for books on Chinese Nationalist Air Force? I have an Osprey aces book but have found little else. AVG yes but Chinese no.
Thanks
Brian
Yeah info is scarce on this subject. You have Osprey 126 right? Believe it or not it's probably the best reference I have found. Anything else is bits and pieces. 'Haakans Aviation Page" was a website about biplane aces, some Chinese history was involved. Check this out...
http://worldatwar.net/chandelle/v2/v2n2/china30s.html
Google History of ROC air force and some sites come up.
Superb looking Gladiator, Bill @billkoppos
The weathering does look very realistic.
Well done, Bill
Nice one,Bill, good luck at the finals.
Absolutely love the paint and weathering work! What a beauty!``
Excellent work on that one - love the paintwork! Top bad the RB flat wire is OOP, been using it for a long time.
Fantastic build with amazing weathering and an interesting&unusual scheme!
Excellent work particularly on the rigging. If you need a replacement company for the flat wire SBS is well worth a look.
Love it Bill 😊 wonderful subtle weathering on the Gloster. Good luck and enjoy your Nationals.
Great looking build, thanks for sharing.
Rod
Danke, men, for all responses.
Well, it's damned cool, Bill. And done just right! 👍
Very good work. I'm not a fan of heavy weathering, but the surface and damage is great.