Wingnut Wings' steady stream of superb releases provide the perfect focus these days for Windsock Worldwide, the bi-monthly modelling and reference magazine for WW1 specialists.

This time the spotlight is on the Hansa Brandenburg W29 as Ray Rimell tackles the 1:32 beauty with a comprehensive step-by-step build. This is highly recommended reading for anyone building the kit, offering a mass of useful tips for getting the best out of what is already a superb model. Not surprisingly, there don't seem many serious pitfalls to watch out for - but following Ray's text will help ensure a snag-free assembly while taking your model one step beyond what's offered OOB. Each stage is fully explained and illustrated with over 50 excellent colour photos, along with detailed drawings of the Benz Bz.III engine.

Harry Woodman continues the W29 coverage with a 2-page history of the aircraft, while Ray examines (and resolves?) the mystery surrounding the "pale green" W29 seen on the Isle of Grain after the armistice.

One thing I look forward to in every issue of Windsock Worldwide these days is Lance Krieg's Modelling Master Class. The multi-part encyclopaedic series constantly impresses with its detailed studies of each aspect of model building. This issue looks at scratchbuilt fuselages, from simple built-up boxes through to carved and formed curved shapes. Whether you're specifically a builder of WW1-era subjects or have a wider interest in aviation modelling you'll find much to take learn from in the article, illustrated as usual with examples of the work of some of the world's top modellers.

The late Ian Stair continues to inform and inspire via his extensive collection of unique scale plans of lesser-known aircraft which Windsock Worldwide is able to draw upon, publishing many for the first time. This issue's Rara Avis subject is the de Havilland DHII Oxford - an attractive if ill-fated twin-engined bomber. The sole prototype failed to meet expectations, suffering from handling problems as well as well as being seriously handicapped by the poorly performing ABC Dragonfly engines it was designed to use.

The magazine's regular columns take a look at the latest releases in the field of books, decals and kits. Among many highlights covered this time, Walter Pieters' "The Belgian Air Service In The First World War" looks an absolute must - with over 1000 period photos, plus over 80 colour profiles, it's hardly surprising its rating is "off the scale!". Amongst the kits reviewed are MAC Distribution's 1:72 Bristol Scouts, and I must admit Ray's glowing review of the 1:48 Ansaldo SVA 5 "early" and "late" kits has made it hard to resist reaching for my wallet!...

Finally, the back cover is devoted to a set of revised Ronny Bar profiles of the DH9A, subject of the recent Datafiles #139 and #141. These are replacements for the original plates in the sister publication.

Conclusion

Once again Windsock Worldwide provides a fine brew of WW1 modelling and research. In a world brimming with general modelling publications, Windsock Worldwide is unrivalled in its specialist coverage of early aviation. Highly recommended.

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