Gloster "Gladiator" Mk.I - the British/ Finish fighter

Gloster "Gladiator" - a mixed construction fighter-biplane, built before the Second World War and used in the initial phase of the war. The first flight of the prototype took place in 1934, serial production began in 1937. Depending on the version, Bristol "Mercury" Mk.IX ("Gladiator" Mk.I) or Bristol "Mercury" Mk VIIIA ("Gladiator" Mk.II and "Sea Gladiator") engines were installed. A total of 747 Gloster "Gladiator" fighters were produced. During the Second World War this type of aircraft fought over Norway (Squadron 263), France (Squadrons 607 and 615) and North Africa and the Middle East (Squadrons 33, 80, 94 and 112). It is interesting, that in 1940 only one squadron, armed with "Gladiator" fighters (the 247th), fought in the "Battle of Britain". The aircraft is most famous for its heroic defense of Malta in the 1940s in June against the overwhelming Italian forces. Despite its quality construction and durability, after 1940 the "Gladiator" was sent to training and meteorological units. The Gloster "Gladiator" was in service until 1953, the last being retired from the Portuguese Air Force. By the way, these planes were also used by the Lituanian Military Aviation. During the Winter War, Finland purchased 20 fighters and received another 10 as a gift. The first air battle of the Finnish "Gladiators" took place in February 2, 1940. Finland lost 13 "Gladiator"s during the Winter War. The Finnish AF "Gladiator" was used until 1945, but already in 1941, after the appearance of more modern aircraft of the strengthened AF of the USSR (I-153 bis, I-16), these planes were assigned secondary, mainly reconnaissance and training missions.

Although a small, well designed and richly detailed and simple looking model, it is not. The rather complex design of the biplane, the round fuselage of variable cross-section and the highly detailed interior of the cockpit and engine make it too difficult even for an advanced beginner modeler (even working under the supervision of a more experienced colleague). The tail control plates are only separated from the main plates, the ailerons are both together with the wing plates and separated, the exterior details are perfectly restored, the silver camouflage color is printed with "Metallic" type paint. There is no color stock, but it wouldn't help much in this case. The model recreates the appearance of a Finnish AF fighter, that fought in the Winter War with the USSR in 1940.