Dogfight double pt. 2: Gladiator

[Geoffers]

No sorry Pete I’ve never tackled rigging before. I was hoping you were going to show how it’s done :smiling5:

Geoff.

[Lee Drennen]

Pete on this scale the Rigging would be so small I never mess with it but some do try Ship Rigging if your going to or very thin wire and glue it but if was me I wouldn’t bother with it.

[stillp]

I was hoping someone was going to show me a step-by-step guide to rigging biplanes!
MickC kindly sent me some EZline, so I should at least try, even if I only add the most visible lines, the X-shape between the wings. Not sure if I'll bother with the more-or-less vertical wires nearer the fuselage.
Here's a photo I took at the Shuttleworth Collection:

Speaking of which, I haven't been to the Shuttleworth yet this year, must get back there soon.
Pete

[stillp]

Undersides are now painted, using Mr Hobby lacquer. I normally use water-based paints but the lacquer is much more robust and will better withstand handling during the rest of the build. Also I had it there, and it gives a lovely finish, thinned with Mr Levelling Thinner.

Also started painting the wheels and the engine parts, although I'll leave the engine off until the fuselage is painted.
Pete

[stillp]

Got the Dark Earth on (Mr Hobby).

I'll mask that later and throw some Dark Green on. Probably Hataka as I don't have that colour in Mr Hobby.
Pete

[Geoffers]

It’s coming together very nicely Pete.

Geoff.

[BarryW]

Interesting choice for a “simple” build Peter, a biplane Looks good on the sprue though….
As to colours, I think, but I might be wrong, that RAF biplanes of the period had lighter versions of the Earth/Green colours on the lower wings.

That is correct. Called a shadow scheme, RAF Dark Green fuselage and upper wing with RAF Dark Earth. Lower wings RAF Light Earth and RAF Light Green.

[stillp]

That is correct. Called a shadow scheme, RAF Dark Green fuselage and upper wing with RAF Dark Earth. Lower wings RAF Light Earth and RAF Light Green.

Thanks Barry and Tim, but do you have any references for the use of that 'shadow scheme'? Air Ministry order A.926/40 para 6 (i), states that "The upper surfaces of all land planes... are to be camouflaged in the temperate land scheme". I can't find any reference to the shadow scheme in "British Aviation Colours of World War Two", published by the RAF Museum, Hendon.
Pete

[Tim Marlow]

Pretty comprehensive review of Gladiator Camo schemes here Pete….

https://www.ipmsstockholm.se/home/camouflage-and-markings-of-gloster-gladiator/

Looks like not all used the two tone scheme, but some had it on the lower sides as well as the lower wing. See the illustration of the 247 squadron aircraft for an example.

[stillp]

Comprehensive Tim, but is it correct? Call me a cynic, but I think the RAF museum is more likely to be correct than IPMS. The only 'official' reference I can find to the light earth/dark earth/light green/dark green is in Air Publication 2656A, published October 1944, which states "Biplane trainers and communication aircraft should be camouflaged as follows: (i) Upper surfaces (a) Top planes: Dark earth/Dark green, (b) Bottom planes: Light earth/Light green (ii) Undersurfaces: Yellow".
It then goes on the state that aircraft previously painted in any other approved scheme are not to be changed unless specific instructions are issued.

I note also that the IPMS document shows a Gladiator of 112 Squadron - like the one I'm modelling - in dark green/dark earth only.

Pete

[Tim Marlow]

You can be as cynical as you like Pete. It’s your model

[stillp]

Well, with apologies to Tim and Barry, here it is in dark earth/dark green
I used vinyl camo masks from Top Notch, which worked pretty well considering the number of lumps and bumps on this aircraft. I'll leave that to really cure for a day or two, then start trying to fit the upper wing and the interplane struts. Expect some bad language...
Pete

[adt70hk]

Coming on nicely Pete!

[Guest]

Rather you them me Pete. Looks to be very fiddly with the rigging, tend to agree with you about doing the main only . With it being so small it might become a real pain attempting it fully.
Should look great when done .:thumb2:

[Tim Marlow]

Looking good Peter. No need to apologise, by the way, your model, your rules! Might be worth fitting the rigging to the upper wing before you attach it? Working between the wings is awkward and that way you only have one end to fit in the small space.