Modell-Hobby has released a fine looking instrument panel for the Revell 1/72 Gloster Gladiator Mk.I. The single photo etched fret contains four parts to make up the instrument panel. The single acetate piece has the two part instrument faces printed on it.

Contents:

Inside the small resealable bag is:
-1 x small photo etched fret.
-1 x small printed acetate sheet.
-Painting and assembly instructions are located on the back of the packaging.

The small single photo etched fret contains the four part instrument panel featuring some exquisite low relief detail. The careful application of paint will emphasise the fine raised features. The PE instrument panel has holes where the instruments printed on the acetate can be seen. The instruments printed on the single piece of clear acetate have some very well defined dial details. The detail is sharp and very convincing particularly when held up to the light. A quick alignment of all the parts reveals that the instrument faces and the holes line up perfectly. The painting instructions suggest painting the back of the acetate white so that the clear areas show up more readily. But be careful you paint the correct side. The assembly instructions are very clear and the painting instructions for the photo etched part features an excellent full colour illustration of the instrument panel. Written paint references are in Czech and English.
As you can imagine the parts are very small and they will certainly test your painting skills highlighting the detail. But those lovely printed dials will save you some time and effort.
The Modell-Hobby instruments have a far superior look to the kits instrument panel.

Conclusions:

This release will certainly attract the modeler that is happy to fit out the cockpit with a well detailed instrument panel and is not too bothered about fully detailing the cockpit. The detail on both the PE fret and acetate sheet is very well done. The improved painting instructions go a long way to help the modeler achieve a more realistic look.