132
Thursday, November 21, 2013 - 09:27 AM UTC
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.
Click Star to Rate
4 readers have rated this story.
Get a daily email with links to all our latest news, reviews, and features.

Comments

I received my copy earlier this week and whilst it is very good indeed, I cannot help but feel it is somewhat expensive for what is offered. Namely, the different DVII builds simply 'recycle' some of the same information from the main (Fok) version build into the other three briefer (OAW, Alb and F) builds which the publication also covers. In balance, they do discuss and explain well the noticeable main differences especially re. the multitude of different engine panels etc. With postal costs making it nearly £30.00 for UK readers and thus working out about £0.50p per page,I (personally) thought it overpriced especially when compared to their other more reasonably priced "specials" in the range which I also have. Others of course may have an entirely different opinion once they receive their copy.
NOV 22, 2013 - 12:25 AM
Gary, I was concerned about the same things. Though I don't have the VAT. Having the earlier Windsock "Anthology" series already in my library I have to weigh the costs too. Though I am sure the 1:32 drawings do bring a good amount of info for comparison purposes. I can only guess that there are some previously unpublished real aircraft images to salt in the pages.
NOV 22, 2013 - 02:27 AM
Hi Stephen, There are no 1/32 plans in this publication and if you have the DVII references you mention, then you are pretty much covered. As for the photos, I am no expert so cannot comment as to whether they are previously unpublished or otherwise. What does seem evident is that there are no significant vices reported with the kit or critical "watch this" stages other than constant reminders about fit tolerances and the need to remove excess paint etc. It's a nice publication but IMHO, priced about £10.00 ($16.00) more than what would make it a good value for money read. As mentioned in my initial post, other readers may differ. Gary
NOV 22, 2013 - 11:31 AM
A book about how to build the Wingnut Wings 1:32 kit without plan view line drawings? Maybe it is just the "at war" Albatros publications that have the line drawings.
NOV 22, 2013 - 12:27 PM
HEllo Stephen and Gary:I am coming to this discussion late, but I am glad to see that I am not alone in thinking the book was overpriced. SOme things that I was looking for was a look at rigging the aileron control cables coming out of the fuselage sides into the wing. This may seem like a simple thing, but I think it should have been included or at least touched on. As for previously unpublished photo's, I can't write to that as there are, I am sure many photo's of DVII's in publications I don't have. I did glean a good point of reference from one photo near the back of the publication that gave me inspiration for rigging the aileron control cables coming out of the fuselage and into the wing. Other than that, over priced and I don't think Ray offered anything new that isn't alrady covered in the WNW instruction booklet. I paid over $50.00 U.S.D. for postage and the book. Mark
JAN 30, 2014 - 08:41 AM
THIS STORY HAS BEEN READ 6,919 TIMES.
ADVERTISEMENT

Photos
Click image to enlarge
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
  • move
Albatros Productions ReviewsMORE
Building The Halberstadt CL.II Book Review
by Rowan Baylis
Dolphin & Pfalz D.IIIA Book Review
by Rowan Baylis
Building The WNW Albatros Kits Book Review
by Rowan Baylis | of 2 ratings, 50% found this helpful
Albatros D.V/D.Va At War Pt.2 Book Review
by Rowan Baylis | of 2 ratings, 50% found this helpful
Windsock Worldwide Book Review
by Rowan Baylis
Albatros D.V / Va at war Book Review
by Lance Carroll | of 2 ratings, 50% found this helpful
Windsock Worldwide Book Review
by Rowan Baylis | of 1 ratings, 100% found this helpful
Windsock Worldwide Book Review
by Rowan Baylis
Wiindsock Worldwide Book Review
by Rowan Baylis | of 2 ratings, 50% found this helpful
Windsock Worldwide Book Review
by Rowan Baylis
Windsock Worldwide Book Review
by Rowan Baylis | of 1 ratings, 100% found this helpful
Pfalz D.XII At War Book Review
by Rowan Baylis | of 7 ratings, 86% found this helpful
Windsock Worldwide Book Review
by Rowan Baylis | of 2 ratings, 100% found this helpful
Gotha G.IV - Modelling Special Book Review
by Rowan Baylis | of 3 ratings, 100% found this helpful
Caproni Ca.3 At War Vol. 1 Book Review
by Rowan Baylis

ADVERTISEMENT