¹⁄32

Albatros Productions have released the latest of their Wingnut Wings “Build Specials”, this time tackling the Fokker D.VII in its various boxings. The 8 chapters are a real boon for anyone contemplating building WNW's superb models, as Ray Rimell gives detailed construction guides for 4 different versions, showing how to avoid possible pitfalls, while adding refinements and extra details along the way. Each build is followed by a selection of Ronny Bar profiles offering of interesting new paint schemes.

Backing up the builds are 3 vintage photo Folios by Greg VanWyngarden, Volker Koos and the late Harry Woodman, a Devil In The Detail section that covers easily missed points, plus an extensive walkaround section devoted to the superb reproduction by Mikael Carlson and a round-up of some of the aftermarket accessories available for the kits.

Richard Alexander and Jason McAdam of Wingnut Wings reveal some of the secrets behind the kits in a 2-page interview with Ray Rimell, and there's a tantalising mention of what we can look forward to in the “Special Edition” boxings; how about exclusive resin figures, 10 or more decal options and 300+ photo-etched details?!

Ray Rimell's guide will be of value to modellers tackling the Fokker D.VII in other scales too, but of course the focus is firmly on the fantastic WNW kits, and it's really inspired me to get back to my own stalled build as soon as I can. So, while I continue to read what a master builder like Ray can do with these kits, I'll leave you with Albatros Productions' press release for the publication:

"BUILDING THE WINGNUT WINGS FOKKER D.VII - WINDSOCK WWI Modelling Special No3!

For our third Modelling Special, Ray Rimell turns his attention to all four Wingnut Wings 1:32 scale Fokker D.VIIs in yet another truly comprehensive mix of modelling expertise, rare archive material, exclusive airframe colour close-ups and all-new Ronny Bar D.VII profiles!

Liberally illustrated with over 270 photos, this 68 page modellers’ guide includes intensive build logs of all four WNW kits - both early and late Fokker versions as well as the licenced OAW and Albatros D.VIIs. Each section features step-by-step coverage with large clear photos, all supported by contemporary photos and sketches to illustrate cockpits, armament, engines and myriad other areas for extra detailing. The author reveals how he modified all four kits both structurally, and in terms of finish, to create highly personal treatments of each: photos and colour profiles adding extra provenance to markings changes for both Fokker-built examples. The D.VIIF section even includes additional photos and detailed drawings for the BMW IIIa engine, including 1918 handbook illustrations. There are also plenty of super-detailing and painting tips throughout, as well as exhaustive coverage of ‘lozenge’ decal application employing the kit’s own sheets as well as commercially-available sets from Aviattic. Packed with unique material, the Special includes over 20 new Ronny Bar colour profiles, most with supportive wartime photos, along with three galleries of rare archive images and over 50 colour close-ups of Mike Carison’s superb airworthy D.Vll reproduction - all taken specially for this book. In addition to a bibliography and comprehensive listings of available 1:32 D.Vll accessories and decals, we also have an exclusive interview with Richard Alexander and Jason McAdam of Wingnut Wings who discuss the research and development required to bring their D.VII kits to fruition.

Whilst the modelling sections cover WNW kits, this big Special will prove equally invaluable to D.VII modellers working in scales from 1:144 up to 1:2, since 50% of the meaty content is pure documentation providing a fresh, in-depth resource for the classic WWI German fighter. Price of the new Specials at £26.00 (plus post and packing at cost) directly from the secure Albatros website as well as selected outlets Worldwide!

* For updates visit our blog at www.rayrimellswwlworld.com"

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE.