Want an easy upgrade the new tool Airfix kits of the Gloster Gladiator? Step right up to the new Aires Gloster Gladiator horizontal control surface that provides a beautiful replacement to the kit parts. The Aires parts not only allow you to alter the position of the elevators, but the stabilizer hinges and the elevator torque tube really stand out. There are no supplied instructions; you simply swap out the kit provided plastic parts with the new Aires replacements.

Aires has molded the stabilizer and elevator perfectly in light grey resin with no apparent bubbles. The Aires stabilizer and elevator are supplied on a single resin sprue with thin resin attachments to the parts that should minimize any cleanup.

Although most paints will adhere to resin alone, I would recommend that you wash the parts to remove any remaining mold release and prime them first. They will need to be installed with your favorite CA (super glue) or epoxy, as the normal plastic glues or solvents will not react with the resin.

This set might be able to be used on previously kitted Gladiators in 1/72 (Airfix, Frog/Novo, Matchbox, Heller, Sword, and Pavla), but all would require modification to the stabilizer to mount properly. If your Gladiator is earthbound, this set allows you to easily droop the elevators as commonly seen in period photos. Highly recommended!

Thanks to Quickboost and IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review this set.