Gladiator

Malta - a bit of a hot rock. But still, a nice vacation destination, in particular if you like diving... Or need an unsinkable aircraft carrier. Protected by carrier aircraft, although without an arresting hook. 

Roden's kit is not bad, but I decided to push the envelope a bit, and grant it some resin goodies 

 

 

 

 

 

most notably the SBS engine and cowling and a number of Eduard and quick boost refinements 

 

In spite of Eduards PE, the cockpit still looks a bit meager 

 

Trying to add the flaps and some extra texture - messed up the wings... Had to buy a second kit... It was useful for painting trials... 

 

 

Surfacer - always useful 

 

 

 

The color suggestions from the kit unfortunately are useless... I went for the dedicated MRP paints. Stink like hell but work well 🙂 

 

 

 

 

 

Starting the weathering on the lower wing - after fitting the top wing, I thought there would be not enough space 

 

 

Alignment of the wings... Using the spruce contraption... useful, but far from perfect.  

A buddy pointed out that the fabric was coated with Iron oxide, and had a reddish hue. There was a layer of silver and then the actual paint on this. Not sure how it looked in reality, so improvising a bit... 

Started rigging - with AK's magnetic spaghetti... The three is fine and elastic, but very electrostatic which makes it a pain to work with, 

 

closing the rigging holes in the upper wing 

The SBS resin makes a nice job 

Sealing off the holes where the rising was mounted required some patience and Mr. Surfacer 

Nearly done...  

Well, the flaps... Court martial for my vanity 🙂 

 

The prop bearing is done from two syringes. Prop spins like crazy 🙂 

Decided to use the PR canopy in the end... I think it looks nicer.