Manufacturer: Roden
Kit Number: 405
Kit Number: 405
After Roden released their 1/48 Gloster Gladiator to rave reviews, I have been patiently waiting
for them to issue the Sea Gladiator variant. I am now happy to report my wait is over and it was
well worth the wait.
Contained within the box are four sprues moulded in Roden's usual light grey plastic and one clear sprue. Three of the sprues are in common with the earlier Gladiator release, while the new fourth sprue contains the parts dedicated to build the Sea Gladiator. All totaled, there are 94 grey parts and five clear pieces. Some parts are identified as 'not for use' and are unique to the earlier Mk. I. This means that aside from decals, one could build either a Mk. I, Mk. II, or Sea Gladiator from this kit.
The level of detail in this kit is commendable and starts with a 29 piece engine and engine cowl assembly, followed by a 14 part cockpit area. The instrument panel is moulded in clear, ala Accurate Miniatures and a decal is provided which is to be affixed to the rear to display the individual instrument faces. However, the seat is a bit crude looking and ranks as the biggest let down with the kit.
There are a few sink marks on the fuselage, opposite areas where Roden has moulded in detail. These are no worse than any other manufacturer and can be easily rectified with a dab of putty and a quick swipe with a sanding stick. There is a minimal amount of flash present on some parts, but overall, the mouldings are quite crisp. Interestingly, the main wings are moulded as single parts while the smaller tail planes are composed of separate upper and lower halves. All control surfaces are provided as separate parts while will the modeller to pose the model in a more candid appearance if desired. Roden has done a fine job replicating the gentle undulations of the fabric areas. Not too heavy and not too light.
A comprehensive decal sheet is included which has markings for no less than eight Sea Gladiators. All but one, are finished in FAA colours, with the one other example in flat black. Strangely, not one of the camouflage pattern profile drawings will correspond with the plan view drawings in regard to the camo pattern on the fuselage. You will need to consult some references to ensure you have the correct paint pattern. The decals are well printed, with a matt finish, but I feel that both the red and blue of the national insignia is too bright.
The choice of schemes is as follows:
1) Serial N5519/R, flown by Flt. Lt. George Burges in June 1940. This aircraft is finished in Extra Dark Sea Grey/Dark Slate Grey. The undersurface is Sky Grey, black and white. This Gladiator has a three bladed prop.
2) Serial N5520, flown by Flt. Lt. C G StJ Jeffries in September 1941. This aircraft is finished in Extra Dark Sea Grey/Dark Slate Grey over Sky Grey and also has a three bladed prop.
Review sample was generously donated by Sky Grid
Reviewed by Randy Lutz C4650
Contained within the box are four sprues moulded in Roden's usual light grey plastic and one clear sprue. Three of the sprues are in common with the earlier Gladiator release, while the new fourth sprue contains the parts dedicated to build the Sea Gladiator. All totaled, there are 94 grey parts and five clear pieces. Some parts are identified as 'not for use' and are unique to the earlier Mk. I. This means that aside from decals, one could build either a Mk. I, Mk. II, or Sea Gladiator from this kit.
The level of detail in this kit is commendable and starts with a 29 piece engine and engine cowl assembly, followed by a 14 part cockpit area. The instrument panel is moulded in clear, ala Accurate Miniatures and a decal is provided which is to be affixed to the rear to display the individual instrument faces. However, the seat is a bit crude looking and ranks as the biggest let down with the kit.
There are a few sink marks on the fuselage, opposite areas where Roden has moulded in detail. These are no worse than any other manufacturer and can be easily rectified with a dab of putty and a quick swipe with a sanding stick. There is a minimal amount of flash present on some parts, but overall, the mouldings are quite crisp. Interestingly, the main wings are moulded as single parts while the smaller tail planes are composed of separate upper and lower halves. All control surfaces are provided as separate parts while will the modeller to pose the model in a more candid appearance if desired. Roden has done a fine job replicating the gentle undulations of the fabric areas. Not too heavy and not too light.
A comprehensive decal sheet is included which has markings for no less than eight Sea Gladiators. All but one, are finished in FAA colours, with the one other example in flat black. Strangely, not one of the camouflage pattern profile drawings will correspond with the plan view drawings in regard to the camo pattern on the fuselage. You will need to consult some references to ensure you have the correct paint pattern. The decals are well printed, with a matt finish, but I feel that both the red and blue of the national insignia is too bright.
The choice of schemes is as follows:
1) Serial N5519/R, flown by Flt. Lt. George Burges in June 1940. This aircraft is finished in Extra Dark Sea Grey/Dark Slate Grey. The undersurface is Sky Grey, black and white. This Gladiator has a three bladed prop.
2) Serial N5520, flown by Flt. Lt. C G StJ Jeffries in September 1941. This aircraft is finished in Extra Dark Sea Grey/Dark Slate Grey over Sky Grey and also has a three bladed prop.
Review sample was generously donated by Sky Grid
Reviewed by Randy Lutz C4650