One of the only biplane fighters to have any measurable success in the Second World War, the Gloster Gladiator was the product of a bygone era combining with modernity for one last fling. The Gladiator was obsolete by September 1939, but it still had what it took to make a significant impact on history. Air Ministry specification F.7/30 realized (correctly) that future fighters were going to be faster and better armed.

Unfortunately, the delay in placing an order lasted 4 and a half years, by which time war was approaching, and it was realized that biplanes were soon to be judged obsolete. Folland created the S.S.37, which was the best design, and was accepted. It was really obsolete by the time of its first flight. However, since nothing else had arrived to replace the aging Bulldog fighter, the Gloster was readily accepted, and was the main fighter of the RAF until the Hawker Hurricane was delivered. By 1939, four squadrons were still operational with Gladiators.

Gladiators formed the core of the British Expeditionary Force's Advanced Striking Force in France in 1939. Many served in Belgium and the Netherlands, and many were present for the collapse of France. After 1940, most that still remained with the RAF worked as Meteorological Reconnaisance Aircraft.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale replica of a RAF Gloster Gladiator Mk. I fighter that was attached to 'A' Flight, 73 Squadron, then based at RAF Debden, Essex, during September 1937, and now part of the world famous Shuttleworth Collection. Sold Out!

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 5-1/4-inches
Length: 4-1/2-inches

Release Date: November 2008

Historical Account: "Trust Fund" - The Shuttleworth Collection is an aeronautical and automotive museum located at the Old Warden airfield in Bedfordshire, England. It is one of the most prestigious in the area, due to the variety of old and well preserved aircraft. The collection was founded in 1928 by aviator Richard Ormonde Shuttleworth. While flying a Fairey Battle at night on August 2, 1940, Shuttleworth fatally crashed. His mother, in 1944, formed the Richard Ormonde Shuttleworth Trust for the "Promotion of education and training in the science, practice and history of aviation and automotive transport."