Building the Wingnut Wings Albatros D.V/D.Va

by Ray Rimell

Windsock Datafile 152

Reviewed by Rob Baumgartner

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The Wingnut Wings Albatros kits have been out for a few years now.

They continue to set the standard for quality, ease of assembly, and attention to detail. A fine replica of the original can be built straight from the box and a lot of people are content to do just that.

Some however want to improve on what’s in the box. After all, plastic does have its limitations when it comes to the moulding process.

Once you have made the decision to go the extra mile, there comes the task of collecting the appropriate reference material. This can be in the form of construction notes from others, period photographs of the aircraft type, or close-ups of the chosen subject.

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As you would expect, the second “Modelling Special” from Albatros Productions contains all of the above. And thus, it’s the ideal companion for the “super detailer”.

There are 48 pages between the soft card covers. The publication begins with a brief summation of what’s contained within the WNW Albatros D.V and D.Va kits. Following are a selection of period images from Volker Koos, which whets the appetite for the first in-depth build.

The author now pays close scrutiny to the WNW Albatros D.V and via 6 pages of step-by-step photographs, guides the reader through every phase of assembly. Plenty of hints and tips are offered along the way which helps detail the model to a higher standard than can be gained from the instruction booklet alone.

A “Quick-Build” of the D.Va follows before we are exposed to the inspirational artwork of Ronny Bar. He contributes 13 all-new colour profiles, with one subject benefitting from additional upper and lower views. Most are also accompanied by a contemporary photo of the aircraft displayed.

Harry Woodman provides the second collection of period images and once again it’s an interesting double page spread.

The third comprehensive build review centers on the Albatros D.Va. There’s more “tricks of the trade” contained within the text and special emphasis has been placed on exploring the methods to a foolproof lozenge application.

A “walk around” feature focuses on the Vintage Aviator Ltd’s first D.Va reproduction. There are 25 close-up shots of various parts of the aircraft which will be a boon to those wanting to add even more detail.

Peter Gray’s archive supplies the final selection of period photographs before Ray Rimell discusses a few of the finer points on the Albatros Scout. These are the additions that are not easily replicated by the after-market manufacturers but will improve the final result immensely if attended to by the modeller.

Rounding out the publication are a few ideas regarding dioramas, as well as a list of decals and accessories relevant to these kits.

The A4 format of this publication is excellent as it allows each image to be printed to a size which gives maximum benefit to the viewer.

The text is informative and the author does not shy away from passing on his modelling techniques and methods. The A4 format is perfect for passing on this knowledge, with the images being to a size that allows maximum detail to be gleaned by the reader.

Not only will it help you in your quest to build an improved WNW Albatros Scout, it will also give you a better understanding of the subject itself.

Thanks to Albatros Productions for the review sample

Review Copyright © 2012 by Rob Baumgartner
This Page Created on 11 July, 2012
Last updated 23 August, 2012

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