A little question for you guys. I have Rodens Gladiator MkI & MkII, and I'm wondering what the differense is between these two versions, because I can't find any differences between the models.

The reason I'm asking is that I would like to build two MkII's. One in Swedish AF markings, and one aircraft from the Swedish volounteer wing in Finland.

Hi Thomas

Some photos show Mk IIs fitted with bulky filters on the carburettor intake but, as far as I know, the other main change was a different version of the Mercury engine, fitted with an automatic mixture control and electric starter.

Hope that helps

Rowan

But the differences wouldn't really be noticable if I tried to do a Mk.II of a Mk.I?

Hi Thomas

Not as far as I know, unless you added a tropical filter... but I'm no expert on Gladiators...

All the best

Rowan

Thomas:

Roden makes 3 kits -- the Mk.I, the Sea Glad, and the MK,II -- you know that. The good news is that with each new kit they just added on to the previous ones, so with the MK.II kit you have all the parts to build their MK.I, their Sea Glad, or their MK.II.

Differences.
-- Engine, but not visually different, so don't worry
-- 2-blade vs 3-blade prop, but watch reference photos as some swapping was done.
-- on 2-blade, check photo to see if spinner or not
-- windscreen: MK.I has 3 pieces, Sea & MK.II have 5 (look carefully at side panels).
-- filter, but again check refs & watch for desert variations.
-- antenna, but again check reference photos for variations.
-- instrument panel !!! The Roden Mk.I panel is not correct, it is the MK.II panel. There is an aftermarket MK.I interior by True Details which has a real MK.I panel. Note Roden has got a couple things about cockpit wrong, notably the "cover" ov er the instr panel which should not be there, but that depends on how much detail/work you want to put in it.
-- rearview mirror above wing or not ...
-- note their Sea Glad is really the Interim Sea Glad because the hook isn't recessed ...

That I think does it; again, you have to check your reference photos for the exact configuration of the prop, antenna, etc .... If building an export version, be sensitive to changes a country may have dictated to conform with their practices (ie, like Fr throttles). I can't really comment on some of them because I', only looking at RAF & FAA Gladiators for my builds.

If you can get the Mushrooom Magazine book on the Gladiator, or the Squadron Gladiator in Action you will be greatly assisted.

Hope this helps