Roden 1/48 Gloster Sea Gladiator |  | Background The Gloster Gladiator, and its Royal Navy counterpart, the Sea Gladiator, were advanced fighter aircraft in their time (mid-to-late 1930s). Unfortunately as the clouds of war loomed on the horizon, it was becoming clear to the Ministry that newer aircraft would be required to defend England. Nevertheless, as war broke out across Europe, the RAF and RN used everything available to defend themselves. In the battle for Malta, the Sea Gladiator placed itself into the anals of history as only three Sea Gladitors, named Faith, Hope & Charity, were the only air defense available for Malta. Nevertheless they opposed the Italian Air Force for two months until reinforcements in the form of Hurricanes arrived in theater. The Kit This is a follow-on to the Roden 1/48 Gloster Gladiator kit that was reviewed here in January. The kit not only contains the same parts as the earlier release, it also adds a five-part tree that includes a three-bladed propeller, tailhook. and a ventral 'bump' that is not used on all Sea Gladiators. Markings This decal sheet provides markings for eight examples: -
N5519/R, Malta, Flt Lt George Burges -
N5520, 261 Sqn (RAF), Malta, Flt Lt Jeffries -
N5567/6-C, 813 Sqn FAA, HMS Eagle -
N5517/6-A, 813 Sqn FAA, HMS Eagle -
N2272/G, 804 Sqn FAA, Hatston -
N2266/RTP, 804 Sqn FAA, Scapa Flow -
N2276/H, 804 Sqn FAA, HMS Furious -
N2274, 804 Sqn FAA, Hatston Conclusion While not necessarily the perfect kit for a new builder, this kit should be no problem for the average modeler and will build into a nice addition to your scale flightline. My sincere thanks to Squadron for this review sample! | 
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