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1/32 ICM Gloster Gladiator MkI

Paulw

Paulw

Well-known member
I don't usually build bi-planes but since I have been on an interwar kick lately I thought I would get this one going and see what kind of damage I can to to it. I guess we all should know of ICM's hit or miss kits, well that is what I thought before I built their 48 scale Chaika. That really wasn't that bad a kit to begin with but the one thing that I had difficulty with was the exact location where the rigging should begin and end. I just went ahead and built the kit with out wires just to get something done.
I did some research about two ICM kits that I have been wanting to build. One was the Buker which I bought as the Revell of Germany's repop and the other was the Mk I Gladiator. As heavy handed and shaky I have become of late I really thought I I would make a big mess of this as time went on. There were only around 8 or 10 parts to the cockpit assembly and the instrument decals went on with out a fuss which made me pleases with my self just a tad. Since I didn't have the seat belt for this kit I used my spare Swordfish belts which worked in a pinch. The fuselage went together and only required just a tiny bit of filling and filing. The engine assembled nicely with the cowling support brackets the only issue that I had. They are quite fiddly.
As for the rigging, that comes with the wing assemblies tomorrow. I had a heck of a time trying to get my bearings on ending locations so I went and did my research and found that the clevises are not exposed so just finding the correct location in the wings and fuse will be the big hurdle tomorrow. As it stands right now I have a pretty good idea where and how they will be installed.

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Looking good. How did you do the exhaust pipes? I really like that effect. I'm really thinking I would like to get one of these.
BTW AIMS does the flat wire for this kit. They're good to order from and quality stuff.
James
 
jknaus said:
Looking good. How did you do the exhaust pipes? I really like that effect. I'm really thinking I would like to get one of these.
BTW AIMS does the flat wire for this kit. They're good to order from and quality stuff.
James
Click to expand...
I mixed some pigment powder with some Decal Fix. Made a paste and applied it. I then used Tamiya panel line wash to darken it more.
 
I had drilled the holes for the rigging, over 30 and I got the lower wing with the line I am using all set.

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Then I added the struts and the lower half of the top wing. The only problem up to this point was the cabane struts as they were really fiddly to get lined up.

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I then rolled my chair back to admire my handiwork and heard a terrible sound.

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So, one third of the canopy is not going to be installed. However, I will try to either figure out something or see if I can get a replacement from the Ukraine the latter of which I highly doubt because the shipping would be more than the part by many times. I am going to finish because I need the practice on the rigging.
 
Ouch. Call them up or email. They sent me the replacement strut for my auto gyro free. They are also sending another part for my truck but I think its lost in Canada post. Looks very nice. Really want to get one now.
James
 
Thanks all. I appreciate it. I finally got all the rigging ran last night and secured the upper wing half. After a bit I noticed that I forgot the cabane wires and there were some lines that didn't pull taut enough but no big deal.
The black stretchy cord that I used was .5mm black and shiny enough to take on the AK xtreme metal aluminum that I shot the entire plane with. While this kit was enjoyable to build the issues I had were of my doing and after I had my fill of them I just went ahead and painted. All that I need to do next is add a few tidbits and decals. One of the most enjoyable parts of this build was assembling the cowling. It fit all together rather nicely. Some builds I do with round engines just become a nightmare when I get this far.

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The white aluminum was a bit specular so I shot some Tamiya smoke to tone down the brightness. Ill get this mostly done tomorrow and have decals on by evening. I really enjoyed this kit and I think some of you may also.
 
Great Work, Paul!

There should be a cottage industry just for those of us who loose or break canopies. I just found a1/32 Hurricane windscreen that I lost 5 years ago!
 
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