Ray Rimell has been lucky enough to build an early example of Wingnut Wings' exciting new Junkers D.1 and has prepared the latest Windsock Modelling Special to accompany its release, packed with a comprehensive mix of rare archive references to accompany the detailed building guide.

Ray Rimell has sent us new of a limited reprint of the original Wingnut Wings Modelling Special from Albatros Productions. As I found when I reviewed the first edition back in early 2011, the book contains a wealth of reference material and guidance for anyone tackling the classic WNW kit, but will also be of great value in building and detailing smaller scale kits.

Albatros Productions have published a new modelling guide devoted to Wingnut Wings' superb series of 1:32 Sopwith Camels. The book includes full step-by-step builds of two Camels by Ray Rimell, plus there's even a detailed look at the Duelists boxing's LVG C.VI., along with a generous helping of reference photos and historical data.

The latest Datafile from Albatros Productions concludes Greg VanWyngarden’s detailed study of the Pfalz D.III. It’s a real inspiration for anyone modelling the type, with scale drawings and spectacular colour profiles combining with the scores of period photos with comprehensive captions that accompany the informative text that includes fascinating Allied pilots’ accounts of the enemy fighter.

Albatros Productions see out 2016 with the winter issue of Windsock. As usual there’s plenty of reading to keep early aviation enthusiasts busy as the nights draw in. The conclusion of Harry Woodman’s update of his classic Modelling Vintage Aircraft In Plastic Card examines painting techniques and also brings back many happy memories for me as Harry recalls his introduction of photo-etching to the wider modelling world via the pages of Scale Models in the early 1970s. There are research articles, including colour features on the Pfalz D.III and Sopwith Camel, while Lance Krieg goes to town on Roden’s Nieuport 28. Wrapping everything up, Kitbag examines many of the latest kits and accessories, with a selection ranging from 1:720 Zeppelins right up to the SPAD XIII in 1:24.

This year’s Christmas card from Ray Rimell is accompanied by the shock news that Albatros Productions won’t be issuing any fresh titles for a while. However, the disappointment that all vintage aviation enthusiasts will inevitably feel is tempered somewhat by Ray informing me today that the next Modelling Special is planned for later next year - and it will certainly be worth waiting for, the subject being the forthcoming Wingnut Wings Sopwith Camel!

The evenings are already beginning to draw in, signalling the arrival of autumn - and with it, the latest edition of Windsock - Albatros Productions' leading quarterly WWI aviation modelling magazine. Highlights include the first proper look at Aviattic's new 1:32 Ansaldo A.1 with accompanying archive and walkaround photos, a selection of spectacular Camels to whet your appetite still further (as if needed!) for the forthcoming Wingnut Wings kit, plus the continuation of the late great Harry Woodman's revised Vintage Aircraft Modelling in Plastic Card.

New from Albatros Productions comes the first volume of a detailed study of the Pfalz D.IIIA. Featuring the classic Datafile combination of painstakingly reproduced and captioned period photos, specially commissioned scale drawings and colour profiles, this looks set to be essentially reading for anyone tackling a kit of arguably WWI's most attractive fighter.

Camel Fever is firmly upon us! With the long awaited release of the new Wingnut Wings kit getting closer, and Merit promising 1:24 versions, Windsock goes to town with a profiles and a detailed walkaround to whet our appetites for the models themselves. Meanwhile, the latest chapter of the late, great, Harry Woodman's expanded classic vintage modelling guide makes for essential reading in the new summer edition of Albatros Productions' quarterly WWI magazine.

Ray Rimell has sent us details of the latest Datafile from Albatros Productions. In No. 172, Paul Hare takes a detailed look at the BE2C, with vintage photos backed up by modern walkaround shots, colour profiles and detailed 1:48 and 1:72 scale drawings that will be a great help with the Roden and recently release Airfix kits.

New from Albatros Productions comes a 2-volume study of Britain's “first Blitz” and the fate of Zeppelins L31 and L32. Ray Rimell covers the events in painstaking and unparalleled detail – and the result is fascinating, tragic and macabre in equal measure. The ghastly deaths of the unfortunate crew-members (and the subsequent treatment of their bodies in the case of the L32) make for sobering reading.

Albatros Productions kick off 2016 with the spring issue of their quarterly WWI aviation modelling magazine. Along with feature articles and reviews of the latest kits and accessories, there's a special archive section devoted to the Albatros B.II to coincide with WNW's beautiful new kit. Star of the show for me is Part 3 of Harry Woodman's revised "Modelling Vintage Aircraft in Plastic Card" - every bit an essential read as the original classic book was back in the 1970s.

Albatros Productions' latest Datafile examines the Aviatik (Berg) D.I. Along with a detailed service history that's profusely illustrated with period photos, there are excellent scale drawings and colour profiles, plus a very helpful description of the highly distinctive camouflage schemes applied. Just the inspiration needed to dig out that Flashback kit that's been lurking in the Stash for the last few years!

Albatros Productions' latest Datafile examines the 2F.1 Camel. A perfect reference for existing kits, it's also bound to increase speculation as to what Wingnut Wings might have planned.

Highlights in the latest Windsock magazine include a sneak preview of Airfix's upcoming BE2c and Fokker Eindecker, along with the second instalment of Harry Woodman's revised classic "Vintage Aircraft In Plastic Card". And, if that inspires you to try your hand at scratch-building, there's a perfect subject straight after it in the Schütte-Lanz D.l

Part Two of Albatros Productions' detailed study of the Hannoverana family by Ray Rimell and Harry Woodman extends the coverage to include the Cl. IV and 'V. Once again there is a mass of well-chosen period photos and technical illustrations, high quality profiles and plans - plus a real boon for superdetailers with a close-up look at the 180 h.p. Opel Argus.

The latest issue of Windsock takes me right back to the point at which I really began to take modelling seriously. While the issue is packed with excellent articles, such David Hardie's fine build of the WNW Roland C.II and Lance Krieg's detailed look at the illusive Silbergrau, one stands above the rest in my eyes; the hitherto unpublished revision to the late-, great, Harry Woodman's seminal work - Scale Model Aircraft In Plastic Card. When I bought the original book back in the '70s, it introduced me to techniques techniques that have stood me in good stead ever since, and the new (colour!) edition promises to bring the groundbreaking book up to date with coverage of the many developments in our hobby that have followed since its release.

Albatros Productions have just published their latest Modelling Special. This time it's devoted to WingNut Wings stunning AEG.GIV (see our review HERE ) and even a first read shows it's packed with masses of fresh information beyond the Datafile coverage. Couple this with a detailed step-by-step guide by WW1 master-modeller Ray Rimell and it's clearly a must-buy for anyone tackling the kit.

The latest Datafile is the first in a 2-part study of the Hannover series. Volume 1 takes an in-depth look at the CL.II and its variants. This is among the last projects that the late, great, Harry Woodman worked on.

July sees the publication of the latest issue of Windsock. Packed as usual with great WW1 builds and reference features, this issue also contains a moving tribute to Ray Rimells' father, Bill, who passed away in March.

The latest Datafile from Albatros Productions covers America's most famous WWI scout designs in the kind of detail I've never seen before, with a comprehensive history by Colin Owers, well chosen vintage and modern day photos, 1:72 and 1:48 scale drawings, plus superb Ronny Bar profiles. It's a timely personal reminder that I've still got Planet Models' 1:48 resin kit waiting for a build – and there's certainly plenty of inspiration here among the colour schemes.

Windsock sees in the end of the centenary year with the biggest (literally!) scoop of all – a first look at Wingnut Wings' new Felixstowe F.2A kits. Yep – it looks every bit as gorgeous as we've hoped! Add to that all the latest WWI modelling news, plus a marvellous blast from the past in the form of the incomparable Harry Woodman's 1969 article on scratchbuilding a 1:48 Thomas Morse, including fresh photos of Harry's model looking every bit as impressive as it did all those years ago. Truly inspirational – and a sobering reminder of how lucky we are these days (and that we do tend to expect too much on a plate)! Add to that a great line-up of reference articles and other reviews, and it all adds up to a classic Christmas issue.

If you want to bury your nose in a good read to try to escape the endless sport on TV at the moment, Albatros Productions may have just the thing for you with the latest bi-monthly issue of Windsock. Packed with modelling features, reference material and reviews, Vol. 30, No. 2 is also perfectly timed for the release of Wingnut's new Roland C.II kits with a fascinating article by Ray Rimell exploring the possible finish of the Goldjunge.

New from Albatros Productions comes the latest Windsock Datafile, this time dedicated to the Handley Page V/1500 - and, wow! - what a monster! With a wingspan of over 20 inches in 1:72, I wonder if we'll ever see a mainstream kit of Handley Page's strategic bomber. In larger scales, the sheer weight of the wings might be an issue, although it would be an ideal candidate for a vacuform kit, or scratchbuilt using the classic Harry Woodman technique...

Windsock, the leading specialist early aviation modelling magazine, presents a fresh new-look and a real feast of articles and reviews on a wide variety of subjects - but with a definite French flavour in this first issue of Volume 30:

The latest Windsock Datafile presents a fascinating glimpse into the beginnings of British military aviation in the run-up to WW1 and the months that followed the outbreak of fighting:

Albatros Productions round off the year with another packed issue of their bi-monthly magazine. This time it includes an article that had me thinking it was April already... German WW1 airborne flamethrowers?... in fabric covered aircraft?!... read on:

If ever there was a little flying boat that simply “looked right”, it was the delightful and long-lived Macchi series. In the latest DataFile, Albatros Productions cover the M.7 that served until the eve of WW2:

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.

The latest Datafile presents a fascinating account of the Caudron R.11 - a "flying porcupine" of its day. Perhaps something of an aeronautical dead-end, the armistice precluded any definitive assessment of the value of this relatively heavily armed twin-engined close escort fighter for bomber formations, and it was a further 20 years and another world war before the agile and conventional "little friends" ended the debate once and for all in the skies of Europe:

The latest issue of Albatros Productions' bi-monthly specialist WW1 aviation magazine presents another rich blend of modelling articles and reference material:

The latest Datafile from Albatros Productions serves as a timely reminder of just what an attractive modelling subjects the Nieuport Nighthawk, Nightjar and Sparrowhawk family make. With only 1:72 versions available (as far as I know), the market's wide open for larger scale kits, and Colin Owers' informative text is accompanied by a plethora of period photos, specially produced plans, plus spectacular Ronny Bar artwork to inspire more models of this oft-overlooked fighter. It might be too much to expect a WNW 1:32 mainstream kit, but maybe Silver Wings?...

Albatros Productions' latest issue of Windsock Worldwide has plenty to keep us busy as the autumn nights begin to draw in here in the UK with a rich selection of modelling and reference articles. Lance Krieg tackles exterior finishes, including wood effects, while the spectacular colour spread of the SE5 in US service will have many modellers itching to tackle one. Among an extensive look at new kits and accessories, this edition gives a tantalising preview of Hasegawa's beautiful new 1:16 Sopwith Camel. It looks a real beauty - but I can't help wishing they'd chosen to fill the glaring gap in the market for a new 1:32 version...

The latest Windsock Datafile provides distinct local interest for me, as the subject is so closely linked with the Supermarine works just across the Solent from Castle Aeroscale:

The latest edition of Windsock Worldwide provides a real trip down memory lane for me as, among the usual mix of top quality reference material and modelling articles, Ray Rimell looks back at his stunning 1:24 LVG C.VI that graced the pages of Scale Models Magazine when I was still at school. The scratchbuilt model simply blew my mind as a teenager and looks just as good 40 years later! Coming bang up to date, this issue looks at the amazingly detailed WW1 flight sim - Rise Of Flight. I've tried it and can vouch for it's addictiveness and superb attention to detail - but maybe I shouldn't plug distractions from our modelling workbenches!

The latast DatafIle from Albatros Productions is Paolo Varriale's fascinating account of the relatively obscure UFAG C.1, which not only covers in detail the development of the aircraft itself, but also paints a vivid picture of the final collapse of the Austro-Hungarian empire. Along the way, it also offers a revealing insight into the workings of the empire's aircraft industry and the enigmatic and shrewd businessman Camillo Castiglioni:

Albatros Productions' Windsock Worldwide bi-monthly returns with a really excellent spring edition, packed with reviews and fascinating articles. Along with extensive coverage of the Sopwith Snipe, Lance Krieg covers undercarriages in his ongoing encyclopedic Modelling Master Class, anyone looking for some unusual colour schemes will relish Colin Owers' fascinating account of US camouflage experiments in the early 1920s, and Aeroscale contributor Doug Craner gives a detailed step-by-step guide to sculpting a pilot figure:

Albatros Productions' latest Datafile covers the Halberstadt CL.II. The informative text is accompanied by original photos, a full colour walkaround, scale plans in 1:72, 1:48 along with interior details and fabric application shown in 1:32 and finally, excellent Ronny Bar profiles for inspiration. This reference a real must for anyone building the excellent series of recent Mirage Hobby kits of the aircraft.

The leading WW1 and early aviation modelling magazine returns with its latest bi-monthly issue packed with interesting articles. Highlights in this issue include a detailed investigation into the fascinating conundrum over wing sweep - or lack of it - on the Hannover Cl. II and III, plenty of inspiration for modellers with Sopwith Pup colour profiles and more detailed hints and tips from Lance Krieg, and 1:72 plans of the extraordinary Armstrong Whitworth FK.12 "Zeppelin killer".

But, above all, this issue is inevitably tinged with sadness in its fine tribute to the late, great, Harry Woodman. Harry's amazing ground-breaking work with plastic card and photo-etched details was undoubtedly among the greatest influences for me as a young modeller in the early 1970s, taking the art to a level I can still only aspire to some 40 years later.

There's an exciting announcement lurking within the pages of the latest edition of Windsock Worldwide. I had a sneeky feeling something special would be on the way following the release of Wingnut Wings' superb Fokker D.VIIs, and here's the confirmation:

The publication of the latest issue of Windsock Worldwide could hardly be better timed, dovetailing in perfectly with the arrival of the latest gems from Wingnut Wings. Among a well packed issue of WW1 modelling fare, the highlights for many will undoubtedly be the extensive coverage of the new Fokker Eindecker and AMC DH.2 kits.

Timed perfectly for the hotly anticipated arrival of Wingnut Wings' gorgeous-looking new 1:32 kit of the Fokker E.II/III, the new 2-volume study of the Fokker "Eindecker" series from Albatros Productions is an absolute must-have for anyone building a model of the legendary fighters.

Just published by Albatros Productions are the first of a new series of printed facsimilies of original WW1 documents. The first pair will obviously be of huge interest to modellers building the new Wingnut Wings Albatros and Pup kits, as well as historians and early aviation enthusiasts.