James H

1:32 PBY-5A Catalina 'Limited Edition' HPH Catalogue # 320012L Available from HPH for 600 Euros When this dropped onto the doormat this morning, the first thing I thought was 'yes'! After opening the lid, and spending some time looking through what has to be the single most complex and detailed kit, the second thought I had was 'where do I even begin with this review?' To say it was a daunting task would be a serious misuse of that that statement. 'Just look at all of those parts' and then, 'I need to photograph all of this!'. There's certainly no doubt that whether you're reviewing this, building it, or both, you have a long term project here that needs to be treat with a certain degree of respect. Hauling that lid off the box (again), and delving inwards, let us take a look at what has been a serious labour of love for HPH, and possibly one of the most complicated articles I've ever had to write. HPH's not-insubstantial box is separated internally into compartments, with the top section containing the full length fuselage halves. Below this, another compartment holds the three main wing panels and a couple of bags of resin components, whilst another compartment below this one contains two boxes of carefully prepared and wrapped clear resin parts, and strangely enough, a Belgian 'flight chocolate', in a period wrapper! To the left of these lower compartments is yet another sectioned area, stuffed full of more resin parts, and a ziplock back containing some decals, masks, seatbelts, masks, and a CD which is where you'll find your instruction manual in PDF format, plus a folder with the instructions in JPG format. I'll include a few images from this manual in this review. They certainly will get your mouth watering. All resin components are also supplied in ziplock bags, and the various compartments are stuffed with protective bubble-wrap plastic, and the major components are generously wrapped too. As well as all of the above, it goes without saying that there is a smattering of photo etch in this kit too. Three photo etch frets, produced by Eduard, are included. All are nickel plated, and one is also colour printed. Despite how well HPH have packaged this amazing kit, the PE frets are placed inside the rear of the HGW-produced seatbelt pack, and this package lacks any real stiffeners to protect the parts. Until this is built, I'll add these before carefully packing away. Now, onto that impressive fuselage. This is impressive in both size and how HPH have executed its construction. Externally, the whole fuselage is highly detailed, exhibiting a superb overall finish, supplemented by fine panel lines, an amount of raised panelling, some very subtle riveting and neatly scribed access ports. All glazing apertures are already removed, and no real need for any major clean-up can be seen. Internally, all the former and stringer positions are pre-scribed. If the interior looks a little bare, it's because YOU will need to add the stringer detail yourself, which is supplied on the various resin sheets that are supplied. That in itself will be an undertaking that you shouldn't take lightly, but when complete, will look simply amazing. Some internal stringer work is completed for you, and this resides in the tail area. The only real reason for this being here is just in case you happen to glimpse it through the lower gunner position, or perhaps through the lightening holed in the tail post. That's pretty indicative of the level of detail that is very normal with this kit. Get used to that, and the whole project comes into view a little more clearly. The fuselage is actually of fibreglass construction, and overall it has a very light grey appearance, which is almost white in hue. This sort of acts as a primer, allowing you to check the surface for defects, due to the shiny finish. Being fibreglass too, the parts should be very strong. There are a few feint surface scratched in this coating, but these should be easy to micromesh away. The tailplane joint indicated that this is a butt-joint connection, and you will be advised to perhaps aid this joint by pinning the tailplane to the fuse with thick wire, or metal pins. In fact, looking at the instructions at this moment, this is what they do suggest. The rudder is also provided as a separate part too. When you take a look at the wing sections, you'll seen get a real sense of the size of this beast. I hope you have a large house in which to display this one, or you're contemplating an extension. HPH have broken the wing down into three sections; the centre section incorporating the two rear engine nacelles, and the two outboard wing panels, starting from where the trailing edge tapers to the wingtip. The wings are also of fibreglass construction, and for such a large surface area, they are relatively light in weight. The wing panels also come pre-built, as in the upper and lower wings are already joined, complete with the aileron inserts already cut out (with the gap protected with rigid foam slips), and the outboard wing float retraction points also provided as box inserts which sit behind a resin wing tip rib. How to join these sections though? Luckily, HPH realise that these connections need to be strong, and have created a rigid steel pin location point in each mating face. The pins are supplied in a separate bag, and as you'll see from my mock up image with a wooden rule, this model is no shrinking violet. Even though the wing connection points are very good, these will be covered by a metal strip to the rear, and plastic strip along the remaining joint, rendering the seam totally invisible. Some leading edge seams will need to be eradicated, and any detail lost will need to be replaced, but this doesn't look an onerous job. Surface detail is again excellent, with the same standard of riveting, raised panelling, access port scribing, and all highlighted by the soft white/grey finish imparted by the fibreglass process. Engine rear nacelles look absolutely terrific, with superb panel detail. This is actually supplemented with a little photo etch panelling too. Anyone for resin? - Kilograms of the stuff! HPH state on their website, that this kit contains 'thousands resin parts'. You can probably see from that statement that I can in no way photograph all of this resin. That would be seriously frightening, but I will photograph the various bags and contents, and of course, we'll take a look at some of that key detail and describe the various constructional areas as well as look at those all-important clear parts. That sound ok? Phew, I'm pleased about that! The manual starts by taking you through the seat assemblies, and those which contain the HGW-made seatbelt set. You will notice from the manual that this section also contains drawings for some crew assemblies that you will have to complete later in the construction. That's ok, just keep referring back, and don't forget to add that detail later. After these initial drawings within the manual, the actual construction begins with all stages being supplied in photographic form. For such a detailed model, this is a very welcome bonus, and goes a long way to rid those various stages of any ambiguity that can arise from CAD or line drawings. After all, if it fits in the photo, then it must fit, right? That's a main assumption here. KIT PARTS Before we can rip into detail, you need to insert the various transparent windows into the hull. The instructions say you need to perhaps make a few small adjustments before fitting. Once these are in situ, you should mask them off with the vinyl masks supplied with the kit. Then just as you're settling into a sedate pace, you then enter the second stage of construction: Interior Assembly – ribs, bulkheads and longitudinal strips You have your work cut out here. Looking inside the hull halves, you'll see many scribed lines. These are the location points into which you'll affix the many bulkheads, frames, stringers and longerons that go to produce that characteristic Catalina hull. The stringers themselves are cast onto a series of sheets, complete with their angles shape and riveting. You'll need to measure, cut, trim and carefully apply these so that you don't waste too much. I'm not sure how much spare that HPH have supplied, so err on the side of caution. Where frames exist, these are again cast on sheets, and you can check the part/profile out against the parts list to ensure you get the part you need. Onto those amazing looking bulkheads. HPH have cast the main bulkheads in that same sheet casting pattern, and the forward and rear of these are separate parts, so you much carefully align these, preferably with slow setting CA gel, so that you make no mistake. This is actually a clever way to do the casting, as there are no blocks to remove, and the multi-part assembly will give some rigidity. The bulkheads are simply amazing to look at, as you'll see from the photos in this review. All doorways, plumbing, junction boxes etc are superbly mastered and cast crisply. Certainly no issues over quality in the slightest. You will also need to construct the large wheel bays at this stage too at this stage. Again, dripping with detail. There are some colour call-outs for this kits interior, but the instructions do recommend a few books at the very end of the publication, and you would be well-advised to take note and purchase at least one of them, and preferably the Squadron 'Walkaround' book, which should provide you with all the information you need to get a very accurate portrayal of how to work that interior (and exterior) to its max. After forking out 600 Euros on a kit, surely another 30 Euros for a book won't be a problem.

1:32 Sopwith Pups of the RFC Pheon Decals Catalogue 32013 Available from Pheon Decals for £10.50 Pheon Website: www.pheondecals.com Email for purchase. After the recent Pups 'Trainers and Pets' review we did here at SP&R, we thought your eyes perhaps needed a contrast for this next article. With more straight and sober colours, but certainly no less interesting, today we publish our look at the 'Sopwith Pups of the RFC' decal set. Despite first glances, there some rather unusual aircraft depicted here, and surely something that would pique your interest. As with all Pheon Decal sets, this release is packaged into a large zip-lock wallet, and has an inkjet-printed cover sheet showing the supplied scheme port-side profiles. Look a little closer, and you'll notice a couple of peculiarities. We'll discuss those in the scheme breakdown shortly. Also inside the wallet are THREE glossy colour profile sheets. Two of these contain larger and more detailed profiles than on the cover sheet, whilst the third sheet illustrates each machine in upper plan form. The first scheme already displays on of the oddities applicable to this set, and that is the inclusion of a Lewis gun mounted over the top wing, in addition to the regular fuselage-mounted Vickers gun. The airscrew also has a small, rounded spinner fitted too. This machine, as with all other options on this set, is finished in a standard, overall PC10, with the lower surfaces in clear doped linen. There are strut and cowl variations in colour with all schemes, with this specific one wearing a blue cowl, with badly worn paint, displaying the aluminium beneath. Option 2 has a completey PC10 and CDL finish, including the cowl, but outer wing struts are fitted with streamers. The cowl itself, whilst shown in profile as complete, is also shown in section as having the lower portion cut away to aid engine cooling. I would perhaps opt for the latter, probably because I'm quite a fan of anything out of the ordinary. Option 3 has natural metal cowl panels and engine cowl to supplement the regular PC10/CDL scheme. This particular machine was recalled from European combat in order to counter Gotha raids. Having been unsuccessful generally, this machine, and presumably others, were returned to European combat, where this aircraft was badly damaged after being shot down. If you aren't great at weathering models, then Option 4 is probably designed for you. This machine was lost in combat after only 4 days active service, so certainly not enough time to sully that PC10 and CDL too much. Luckily, the pilot survived, became a POW, but eventually escaped to Switzerland. The cowl panels and engine cowl appear to have been painted grey. The last scheme, Option 5, is without doubt the most unusual bird of this set. A little more work will be needed here as this is, unusually, a Gnome Monosoupape-powered aircraft. You don't get one of these engines in your box, so unless you want to rob one from an Eindecker kit, you'll be best served by buying the Taurus kit for this engine. We reviewed this HERE. Now, you might just find that you'll need a custom cowl too, and thankfully, Pheon can supply one for you, or they can be bought from Brian Fawcett. This machine does look quite elegant with this cowl, so perhaps an option for you? This aircraft displays the South Wales Borderer's emblem, which was that of its pilot Lt. A.B.Garnon-Williams, and the machine sported polished forward cowl and engine panels. The Pheon instruction manual is always a delight, and this one is of course a little lighter than that which accompanied last week's 'Trainers and Pets' review, weighing in at a mere 6 pages. Rowan forgoes the usual historical passage in favour of pointing the modeller to the notes which are printed with the WNW kit itself. An explanation as to the best way to deploy your decals is also provided, including general colour notes. Each machine is given a number of descriptive paragraphs which highlight the basic machine history and deployment, plus the various colour options available. This is a relatively simple set, and some machine history is scant. The schemes supplied are: B2162, 66 Sqn RFC, Estrée-Blanche, 2/Lt. W.A. Pritt, France, September 1917 B1703, 66 Sqn RFC, Capt. J.O. Andrews, Vert Galand, France, June 1917 B1716, 46 Sqn RFC, 2/Lt. F.B. Barager, France, June 1917 A6194, 66 Sqn RFC, Capt. L.H. Smith, France May 1917 B1803, 113 HD Sqn, 2/Lt. A.B. Garnon-Williams, Throwley, England, August 1917 The decals This is a smaller sheet than I've seen since I began to review Pheon Decals sets, being A5 in size, as opposed to the usual A4. Printed by Fantasy Printshop, the decals are superbly thin, contain minimal carrier film, are solid in colour and in perfect register. The colours are also authentic and not at all too vivid. Roundels are printed with separate red centres too. There are actually roundels for only one machine, but of course, you can supplement these with the WNW decals, should you wish to build more than one of these schemes. If you prefer the way that Pheon have depicted their roundels and tail stripes, with regard to colour, then you can purchase additional roundel and stripe sets. The code is 32013a, and these sell for £4.50 per sheet. Conclusion Again, another classy set which has as much research fed into it as is possible with today's historical information. Rowan has picked some rather nice schemes which have provenance as to combat duties and pilot information, as well as being happy to challenge the modeller further with the inclusion of a Gnome Monosoupape powered machine. This would look particularly interesting on the model club stand, alongside regular Pup versions. Add to this a rather low cost for this set, and you're onto a winner. What is there not to like? Very highly recommended Our sincere thanks to Pheon Decals for the review sample used here.

1:32 Sopwith Pup Trainers and 'Pets' of the RFC Pheon Decals Catalogue # 32015 Available from Pheon Decals for £17.50 Pheon Website: www.pheondecals.com Email for purchase. If you think of RFC machines as being solely combinations of PC10/12 with linen undersides, then this set from Pheon Decals should put paid to that illusion. Yes, I suppose most aircraft operated by the RFC and early RAF were indeed combinations of those colours, but it didn't stop a little experimentation and even humour appearing in some of those early aircraft. This set isn't a new release, but it is a re-print of a set which was very popular when first released in 2010. The only issue here is that Wingnut Wings was a company that was only a year old, so many modellers new to this genre since then, and since this set first went out of print, may well have been unfortunate enough to miss this. To that end, we're delighted that Pheon have agreed that we can trumpet this release to newer converts to WW1 aviation modeling. As the Pheon manual for this set sates, we won't go into the history of these machines here, but will point you towards the review we published for the RNAS Pup kit in these links. Absorb a little about the actual type, and our analysis of these releases. As with all Pheon Decals releases, this comes in a large zip-lock envelope with a printed cover sheet showing the schemes in a smaller format. The pack contains the various A4 sheets and large decal sheet within. These sets aren't insubstantial either. If you're used to aftermarket decal sets, as I am, then surely there can't be many manufacturers which add so much beautifully presented and informative material within. Inside the pack, there are FIVE fabulously glossy sheets which show the SEVEN schemes available within this pack, plus also a detail sheet which gives the various changes that need to applied to the kit in order to produce those schemes. An A4 decal sheet is the crowning glory, with of course one of the famously detailed Pheon manuals, containing 14pages of information. More on that soon, but let's look at the scheme sheets first. Rowan sure knows how to kick off the party. The first scheme up could be arrested for being too loud in a built-up area after 9pm. Seriously, this takes bright schemes to the extreme, in a strangely beautiful way. The Pup in question is actually dressed in patriotic red, white and blue bands, with red wings lined in blue trim, and the Union Flag being sported just to the rear of the engine cowl. The wheels hubs have spirals and one side, and a radiating pattern on the reverse. This aircraft commands attention. As it was probably a post-war machine, of course, it would have been under the auspices of the RAF, and it was actually a training machine operated from a flying school. The machine is also unarmed, leaving beautifully smooth lines to the fore of the cockpit, and with a windshield installed. The detail sheet does show that you'll need to create a small pointed spinner to attach to the red, white and blue airscrew. So taken am I with this scheme, that I'll build this one fairly soon. The spinner will be courtesy of Magic Sculp. With the exception of two machines, all the schemes supplied here are unarmed. One machine carries its single gun mounted on a bracket above the top wing. The additional detail sheet again shows this detail clearly. Options 2 and 3 are entirely black, with individual motifs, whilst both are liberally sprinkled with stars, supplied as separate decals here. Again, there are changes which will need to be applied to the base kit, including a curious luggage area to the rear of the pilot, on one machine. Some other local variations apply in colour, such as one machine having a doped linen finish on the underside, but all variations are clearly shown in detail form, and also on both the side profile and upper plan sheets which are included. Option 4 is a little more sober in appearance, but nonetheless attractive. Operating from Joyce Green , I was flown by James McCudden who fitted this machine with a Lewis gun over the top wing. A rather unusual streamlined windscreen was also fitted. Details supplied on the supplied data sheets. McCudden brought down a Gotha with this machine. The aircraft is painted in pale blue, with PC10 uppers. You'll need to source the Lewis from the RNAS Pup kit, or from the LVG C.VI kit which has a spare, although the latter kit is now sadly OOP. Option 5; This aircraft is finished in an aluminium dope scheme, and was fitted with strut streamers. Very attractive indeed. Option 6 is mostly white, with a red cowl. Again, a spinner will need to be made for this simple but very attractive option. Option 7 was an all blue Pup, with silver cowls. Rowan explains that the shade of blue is open to question due to the representation of blue from orthographic film. This gives the user a little freedom to tailor this to suit personal appeal, but Rowan does cite blue colour VB3 a strong possibility. Ultimately, if someone critiques your shade, ask them to provide you with proof-positive. As well as the large side profile sheets (with additional cutaway information), we are also given TWO glossy sheets which depict the Pup from above, to help with those all-important individual details. In addition to this, another glossy sheet provides you with another sheet which highlights the additional equipment added to the night fighter machines. The last sheet I already mentioned a few time here provides the modeller with other detail such as gun mounts, windshields, fuselage hatches, spinners and the luggage panel mentioned for one of the night fighter aircraft. The 14 page manual is simply superb. This starts with a little additional information about the non-standard Pup aircraft, and then explains the best way to apply these decals, as well as general colour notes, and tips on where you should/could weather your model. Each aircraft scheme is described in detail, from a little historic detail, so full blown explanations of the scheme, backed up with as much reference as Rowan can find. Of course, where there are uncertainties, Rowan mentions these too. Your model may need to be modified for a scheme. For this, you will be given written descriptions of these changes, backed up with the printed diagrams. Some schemes are a little involved, such as Option 1. Where this applies, a description of the best order of application is given, as well as notes of where trim lines fit. This is very comprehensive. In relation to Option 1, Rowan does say that a mistake was made on the decals. The intention was for the roundel location on the side fuselage panels to have a blank area in which to add the roundel. Applying this over the stripes may well mean that you can see the stripes through the white roundel areas. Two ways to fix this are to either cut out the roundel location from the side panel, or to add a white disc before the roundel. In respect to that, Pheon have produced a white background decal for the night fighter moon scheme so that this doesn't take on a grey hue. I can't see this on the sheet, so contact Pheon if this is your chosen scheme. The schemes are: D4077, Central Flying School, unknown pilot, date uncertain (possibly post-war) C305 189 (Night) Training Squadron, Sutton's Farm, 1918 C312 189 (Night) Training Squadron, Sutton's Farm, 1918 A7311, Joyce Green, James MuCudden, July 1917 C354, Hainault Farm, unit and pilot unknown, date uncertain, 1918 – early 1919 C374, no history known D4073, CFS Upavon, pilot unknown and date uncertain The decals: All these schemes are presented on a single A4 sheet, superbly printed by Fantasy Printshop. Printing is beautifully thin, crisp and entirely in register. The decals aren't numbered, but it's obvious what applies to each specific scheme. Whilst decals aren't numbered, there are a few trim lines which are given a letter identifier. These trims apply to tailplane and wings. This sheet also includes a number of national markings, again meaning that you can certainly build more than one scheme from this set, comfortably. In fact, without counting every decal, I venture you can pretty much build them all. Roundels with white inners have their red centres printed separately, and the whites also aren't vivid, meaning no having to tone them down. No stencils exist here, so you will need to use them from the excellent ones provided in the kit. The most laborious job will be adding the stars to the night schemes, but ultimately, very rewarding. Conclusion I am so pleased to have this opportunity to see this earlier release from Pheon, and nothing here disappoints. The schemes are intelligently chosen, and their reference as complete as you can find. The decal break-down is also very, very good, despite the need to remove the roundel position from the Option 1 fuselage decals. This set probably represents the most outlandish paint-jobs that ever adorned the RFC Pup, and will surely signify a spike in sales of the kit for WNW. Very highly recommended James H Our sincere thanks to Pheon Decals for the review sample.

DML could still have sold the CAD and it's being worked on by the buyer...

That is to die for! That canvas is just superb, and I love the way it curls to the floor.

1:32 Sopwith Snipe 'Super Detail Sets' HGW Catalogue & Price: See article Available directly from HGW HGW have now turned their attention to the two Wingnut Wing Sopwith Snipe kits, with Super Detail Set releases for both 'early' and 'late' versions. Whilst both sets are almost identical, the one item that does separate them in terms of 'difference' is the seatbelt set. These were very dissimilar. Let's take a look at the standard set parts, and what they add/replace, then look at those belt sets. #132109, Sopwith Snipe (Early), 539,- Kč (approx £17) #132110, Sopwith Snipe (Late), 539,- Kč (approx £17) Each set is packaged into a re-sealable clear wallet, with a rather attractive HGW artwork cover onto which the separate detail sets are attached with low-tack adhesive. The pack is protected further by a very stiff card insert. At the rear of the wallet are the various instruction sheets and cards for the separate sets. The most obvious part of each set, and identical in each one, is the large, nickel-finish photo etch fret. This contains both interior and exterior detail parts. Measuring approximately 70mm x 70mm, there are around 145 parts here, and some are very small, with many multiples of the same part, for things such as engine ignition wires (two per cylinder!), and rigging attachment anchor points. The quite diminutive Snipe kit already has an incredible amount of detail moulded out-of-box. Check our Early and Late reviews via these links. HGW though has thought these releases through particularly well, and added extra and refined detail just where it is required. Internally, the cockpit has a number of PE instrument panel upgrades. Some plastic detail will of course have to be removed in order to fit the new bezels etc, but this is minimal. New PE rudder pedal foot straps are supplied to replace the plastic moulded ones too. These exhibit some superb buckle and fastener detail. Rudder pedal linkages are also included, as are one piece cross bracing wires for the cockpit interior framework. The fuel tank forward face also gets some cosmetic treatment, with a detailed fascia that will also hide the join line on these parts. The Snipe's Bentley BR2 rotary engine is the recipient of a reasonable amount of detail too, with those ignition leads, data plate, and rocker head parts which locate to the kits own pushrod assembly. Parts have also been included for the propeller hub. Again, a certain amount of detail will need to be expunged from the plastic before you can fit a number of these parts. Other parts on this fret include 'leather' grommets for control cable outlets, access panel detail and of course those numerous rigging points. The PE fret is duperbly made by Eduard, and the detail is as sharp and crisp as you would expect it to be. Tags are also minimal, meaning easy part removal. Just don't lose any to the carpet monster! There is a double-sided A5 sheet which clearly explains part location using Eduard's own system of illustration. Nothing at all looks difficult here, with everything being clearly defined in different colour inks. A small mask set is included in both releases, again identical. Masks are given for the prop hub, prop blades and wheel hubs. A small number of access panel masks are also included. This set is sharply die-cut onto the popular Kabuki take material, and you shouldn't expect to encounter any issues with these as a detailed instruction card is given, with each part mapped and explained. Each set contains a set of microfibre parts for the seatbelts. Printed in full colour, these are different, depending on which Snipe you are building. The Early belts are very typically a lab belt affair, consisting of seven microfibre parts, and a single, small fret of photo etch, containing just 3 parts. The Late Snipe also has a single sheet of microfibre parts, but these build up to create both a lap belt and shoulder harness system. The lap belts are also a different style to those in the Early machine. There are a total of six belt parts in this set, with TWO photo etch frets containing fifteen parts, such as eyelet straps, buckles and clasps. Colour printing of the textile parts is superb, with the local laser cutting heat producing a nicely subtle shaded edge to the parts. The strap stitching is also laser engraved. The parts are also connected to the sheet with small tags. To use these textile parts, you need to screw them up between your finger, then unravel them so they drape naturally. You can add washes to these which will help to define that stitching. An instruction card is included which is easy to follow and defines both textile and PE parts in different colours, as not to get confused with the part numbering system. Each set also includes a decal 'tester'. In the Early set, the tester decal is for linen, whilst the Late set has a wood decal. Both are produced on a clear carrier film, which means you will need to prepare your surface with a base colour before you add these. Instructions are carried for these on a sticker on the rear of the packet. Conclusion Again, HGW deliver with two very nice sets aimed for the superb WNW releases. Whereas in some HGW sets, you might question the validity of some parts, those in this set seem to designed to make your experience as simple as possible, yet adding a very reasonable amount of extra detail to your masterpiece. Pricing is also very competitive, and the inclusion of tester decals is a nice touch, and no doubt you'll find an area on your project in which to use these. Highly recommended James H My sincere thanks to HGW for the review samples used here. To purchase directly, click the links in the article.

Those were actually made about 1 mile from where I live, but alas, no AM.

1:32 Hannover Cl.II Super Detail Set HGW Catalogue # 132111 Available from HGW for 839,- Kč (approx £28) We recently reviewed the Pheon decals Hannover Cl.II decals. It's typical. This kit has been around for 8 months, and nothing, then like buses, two aftermarket sets arrive at the same time! Don't get me wrong, I really am not complaining. This is modeling nirvana for me, as the Hannover is one of the trio of WW1 aircraft which really sparked my interest in this genre. Today, we take a look at the HGW Full Detail Set for the 1:32 Wingnut Wings kit. As with the Fokker D.VII Super Detail Set, this comprises of a number of sets previously released, and offered in a package with a reduced price. The individual sets within this are: 132519, Hannover Cl.II seatbelts – laser 132103, Hannover Cl.II interior 132104, Hannover Cl.II surface details 132113, Argus As.III + LMG 08/15 "Spandau" 632019, Hannover Cl.II Mask 132519, Hannover Cl.II seatbelts – laser The Hannover Cl.II was a two seat aircraft, so obviously, we have two sets of belts here. Both sets are printed in full colour upon a microfibre textile sheet. The parts are also laser cut, meaning you just need to snip the narrow connecting tags to free your part. As well as being laser cut, they are also laser engraved. You can barely see this detail until you apply a wash over them at a later stage. At that point you realise how amazing these look. The laser cutting process has also darkened the edge of the parts, giving a natural shaded appearance. Twenty-four pieces of textile make up this set of belts. The photo etch fret for this, again produced by Eduard, contains THIRTY crisply etched parts. An instructional card is included which depicts the assembly in clear illustration, with red and blue numbers to give both etch and textile part some differentiation. Assembly looks straightforward, and the instructions also show installation. 132103, Hannover Cl.II interior Again, this is my favourite area of any build. Nail this and it tends to give good karma for the rest of the project. As the Hannover had a moulded wooden fuselage shell, there's obviously no need for bracing wires in here, but there is plenty more to keep you occupied. This set is produced on a single etch fret measuring 70mm x 35, containing around 26 parts. Both interior and forward facing MG parts are included here, as well as a small number of Spandau parts on the Argus engine detail set. The Spandau gets quite a radical makeover, with a photo etch ammo drum and ammo feed belt, as well as drum housing bracket. Other MG parts include cooling jacket, reticule, sighting arm, and cocking lever. The other MG sports a drum bracket assembly too. Moving away from the armament, the camera gets a slight makeover with PE lens plates etc, and the fuel tank gains a PE filler port ring. I suppose you really have to hand it to the WNW design team that HGW weren't able to improve the interior further, but this set will just add the cherry to what is already a superbly detailed and engineered model kit. 132104, Hannover Cl.II surface details The majority of this set is designed to replace externally moulded access port and louvre detail across the kit, as well as some cable exit points, aileron hinge plates, wing walkways and wheel hub lace panels. A LOT of surgery is required in terms of removing that moulded detail, and I don't fully know if you'll really gain much in the way of an improvement. Of course, there is a small amount of new detail to be added also, so you can't dismiss this set outright. The etch fret contains around 36 parts, superbly produced by Eduard. For the louvers, you will need to rub the raised metal from behind, with a ball-point pen, whilst supporting the part on a rubber mat, or similar. 132113, Argus As.III + LMG 08/15 "Spandau" Apart from a cocking handle for a Spandau, and some sight and bracket parts, associated parts, this set looks to be composed of parts entirely for the Argus As.III engine. This of course means no cooling jacket, so you'll have to use the WNW etch part for that. Very odd! For the engine, we have ignition leads and magneto wiring looms only. You can spruce these up a little with some 50:50 mixed white glue and water. The ignition leads have the spark plugs etched in situ. I think I would snip those off and connect the etch to the moulded spark plug instead. As the instructions show, this set is easy to install, and a minimum, if any, surgery is required to fit it. 632019, Hannover Cl.II Mask Lastly, we come to the masking set, sharply die cut onto a piece of Kabuki sheet. Parts are included for the windscreen forward and rear face, as well as the prop boss and camera lens. Funnily enough, no masks for the wheel hubs, as with other sets. Instructions are provided which show the mask set in plan form, with shading and part reference as to where they are to be placed. Very simple to follow. As a bonus, a small piece of transparent-backed lozenge decal is included. This isn't specific for this release, but can of course be used on your other projects. You will need to lay down a base coat of white or off-white, with shading etc, in order to really see what these decals can achieve. Conclusion This is a bit of a mixed bag for me. Only one Spandau jacket, and no wheel hub masks. Apart from that, this is still a superb set, offering some rather nice touches to which will certainly enhance the base model kit. The surface panels, for me, are something you really don't need to add, but of course do offer options for those who want to perhaps pose panels in an open position. A simple set to install, and one worthy of your consideration. Recommended James H Our sincere thanks to HGW for this review sample. To purchase directly, click THIS link.

1:32 Fokker D.VII Super Detail Set HGW Catalogue # 132112 Available from HGW for 929,- Kč (approx £30) There is no doubt in my mind that Wingnut Wings' Fokker D.VII kits are among the very best in what is already an amazing range of kits. The models themselves are addictive to build. I'm building two of them as I write this review. Built OOB, the D.VII kits are simply stunning, but of course, you can always improve upon them and add detail which suggest themselves in their own manual, such as bracing wires etc. HGW's comprehensive new release take a serious look at the D.VII and throws more etch at you than you'll know what to do with! The parts in this set are available separately from HGW. The breakdown of the Fokker D.VII Super Detail Set is as follows: 132516, Fokker D.VII seatbelts – laser 132101, Fokker D.VII interior 132102, Fokker D.VII surface details 132023, Mercedes D.IIIa engine 132073, Spandau 632020, Fokker D.VII mask As this set consists of the above, in a single package, we'll take a look at each set individually. 132516, Fokker D.VII seatbelts – laser This set consists of a single sheet of microfibre textile parts containing eight parts, and a small photo etch fret with 10 parts. The textile sheets is laser cut, so you only need to snip the narrow tags to free the parts. This is a vast improvement over the previous releases where you needed to cut the parts out entirely. If this wasn't done accurately, then the strap could be too wide for the buckle. No such problem here! The parts are colour printed, with a pleasing darkening of the edges where the heat has slightly affected the colour. Instant weathering! Stitching is also laser engraved. The PE parts, produced by Eduard, are excellent, with narrow tags to remove them from the fret. An instruction card is supplied which shows the belt construction in pictorial form, with textile and etch parts being designated a different colour. To make your belt set, you need to scrunch the parts up and then straighten them out. Now you can make them lie naturally. It's suggested you add a little varnish to them and then a wash which will help weather them and bring out the extra detail. I've used these on my current Fokker D.VII. These are my results. 132101, Fokker D.VII interior I'm a sucker for interior detail. For me, I simply have to get this right before I can continue, or I lose impetus. HGW seem to know what it's like for those of us afflicted with this problem. Their interior detail set comes on a single Eduard-produced fret measuring approximately 65mm x 35mm, and containing 25 parts. The interior of the D.VII kit is already bursting with detail, so what's provided here just refined the moulded detail, and also adds what WNW suggest too, such as the interior frame cross bracing wires. Depending on which Fokker kit you build (OAW, Fok, Alb) determines which instrument panel you'll fit. This set provides an amount of bezel and selector switch detail which can be fitted to most of the WNW range of kits. The fuel tank gauge which protrudes through the upper cowl is also to be fitted with a bezel. Take care to ensure you align this properly so you can fit the gauge cowl afterwards. Other cockpit instruments which are fitted to the forward corner tubes are also kitted out with bezel detail. This is the only real thing, instrument-wise, that the D.VII range really lacks in terms of detail. You will need to remove the narrow rim from the forward instrument face. Detail item built by Jeroen Peters, Large Scale Modeller Internally, we are also supplied with throttle levers, replacement foot pedal hoops, control cable attachment points for the rudder pedal assembly, and a compass face detail, etc. As I said, the kit interior is already brimming with detail, so these parts will just add the icing. Remember to add a couple of control cables from the throttle too. These aren't shown on this set, or in the WNW booklet. To see this model built by Jeroen Peters on Large Scale Modeller, using this set, click THIS link. 132102, Fokker D.VII surface details The surface detail sets are always the ones I'm at odds with. The WNW moulded detail is crisp already, and what this set calls for is the removal of that detail in order to replace with a PE part. The fret measure 130mm x 35mm, and contains around 110 parts. There is a difference to the legitimacy of this surface detail set, however. Not all parts on this are to replace kit detail. Some parts are additional surface detail, whilst others aren't strictly surface detail at all! The D.VII's numerous cowl combinations can lead the modeller into a nighmare. This set provides a number of replacement access port parts which of course can also be used to add to those already given, depending upon the specific permutation. You may want to remove the plastic detail and pose these panels open, instead of leaving off whole side cowl panels. The options are many. HGW have provided a length of lacing too, for the fuselage underside. This is thinner than the kit part, and certainly looks more authentic. A very nice touch indeed. For the fuselage, there are control cable grommets and wing spar bolting plates. For the tail, we have rigging turnbuckles, and control cable pulley detail. For the wings we have replacement walkways, and extra access port plates, with a choice of two different types. There are a number of other access ports and strut hard point plates too. The undercarriage bracing wires have turnbuckles too, whilst the wheels themselves have laced access points for the hubs. Just check your machine references though. Lastly, other detail includes prop hub plate parts, and some anemometer detail. Instructions are also by Eduard, and are both clear and concise, with use of coloured ink on their drawings, helping to define what is required. 132023, Mercedes D.IIIa engine This set obviously caters to all D.VII kits with the exception of the D.VII F, which was powered by a BMW engine. The detail supplied on this single, small fret, contains magneto straps, crankcase data plates and engine shaft flange, as well as throttle control linkage and coolant pipe straps. Of course, this wouldn't be complete without ignition wires and magneto wiring harness. All are included here, on a high quality fret made my Eduard. If you are perhaps a little too wary of the flat etched wires, try bushing some white glue/water onto them when installed. This should beef them up quite nicely, yet still retaining their narrow profile. 132073, Spandau WNW already supply two MG options in their kit. You can choose the all plastic Spandaus, or those where you need to add the photo etch, rolled cooling jackets. So why do HGW supply this as a set? Whilst the WNW parts are extremely good, these are perhaps a tad more refined. The sighting reticule is also positioned off-centre, as opposed to centered. Check your references. Other PE parts for the Spandau include the cocking lever, v-notch sight, brackets and end plate, although the latter wouldn't normally be fitted due to the padding employed in this area on the D.VII. This small, eduard-produced fret measures around 50mm x 30mm and contains around 20 parts. Production quality is excellent. A small card insert shows the construction of the Spandau guns. Nothing here is too taxing, although you will need to conduct the smallest amount of surgery to remove moulded detail. 632020, Fokker D.VII mask This mask set is sharply die-cut from Kabuki material. It includes parts for masking wheel hubs, windscreen options (interior and exterior), and also the prop hub. As a bonus, HGW have included a small sample of their transparent base linen decal. Perhaps not a very good choice for a lozenge fabric D.VII, but I'm sure you'll find a use on one of your other kits. Conclusion I'm very pleased that HGW have included extra detail in the Surface Detail aspect of this kit. That really is a massive bonus. The individual sets themselves are high quality and will most certainly add that extra sparkle to the superb WNW Fokker D.VII kit. The inclusion of them all in a set with a reduced cost, must surely push you to now go for one of these sets to compliment your work. Definitely a great set, and one I expect will be a top seller for HGW. Very highly recommended James H Our sincere thanks to HGW for this review sample. To purchase directly, click THIS link.

You have my order Rowan. I just love this sheet

....picking the easy route as usual

Pheon are about to release their latest set of decals. Check out this, quoted from Rowan Broadbent:

1:32 Fokker D.VIIs (OAW & Alb) of Jasta 18 Pheon Decals Catalogue # 32045 Available from Pheon Decals for £12.75 Pheon Website: www.pheondecals.com Email for purchase. There's no doubt that with a set of Pheon Decals, you can indulge yourself in more than one scheme for your investment, and in many cases, you could perhaps build every machine depicted on the sheet. Things are no different here, except that you could actually build pretty much all ELEVEN schemes, including a Fokker Dr.1 that has crept into the Jasta 18 mix. Yes, of course, you would need to have almost a permanent hotline to Wingnut Wings in order to buy their D.VII kits, but just think what an amazing feat it would be to display a range of machines from the same Jasta! Let's take a look at exactly what Pheon have supplied us with here, and the various options available. Pheon's decals arrive in a large zip-lock wallet, with a regular, colour printed A4 sheet depicting 8 Jasta 18 profiles. Inside the wallet, another FIVE sheets of high gloss printed profiles are supplied, with sectional data given for the various tailplane and wing marking paintwork. One of these sheets includes something I don't think I've ever seen included in a decal sheet, and that is a MASKING TEMPLATE SHEET. Whilst Jasta 18 markings don't vary much, you will of course need to know where the demarcation between the red front and white rear fuselage begin and end. The fuselage masks are printed as such, with the double red banding for the rear fuselage also marked out for you. Correct....these are NOT given in decal form, and it is intended that you airbrush these as you would with the forward fuselage. Not that that's a bad thing, as at least you'll know you have exactly the same shade of red for both areas. Another set of fuselage masks is given to help you locate the fuselage corner stripes which apply to some machines. For me, these are perhaps the most attractive of the Jasta 18 schemes, and help to neatly break up the sold white rear fuselage of these aircraft. This sheet also contains both upper and lower tailplane plans, with the sections to be painted white and then masked, greyed out so you know exactly which stripes you should paint (work at this as a negative: grey = white, and white = airbrushed stripes). Another sheet contains the cross templates for the Fokker Dr.1. I really wish Wingnut Wings would release this particular kit. I dream of it. Pheon have wonderfully depicted their profiles in sharp, full colour, which of course highlights the common raven emblem. Most machines wore this as a black raven with the exception of the D.VII whose red fuselage extended rearwards to finish where the tailplane begins. In this case, it was white. This also applied to the extra Dr.1 scheme present here. Each machine carries either an extra personal emblem, extra to the raven, or as one machine depicts the raven picking off a line of chicks. Definitely one to consider! Each scheme also tells you whether that machine was an Albatros or OAW-built machine. A no-brainer. Looking carefully too, you will see that some machines had red upper and lower wings, whilst utilising lozenge on the lower panels. Check the profiles carefully. Pheon's instruction booklet is another highlight of their releases, and this one has had special attention to detail levelled at it. More on that in a moment. This booklet opens with a history of Jasta 18 covering FIVE pages, plus a list of references and acknowledgements that Rowan has supplied. This makes me realise I really do need to expand my own reference library. After a page explaining the best way to apply your decals, we arrive at a section regarding the Jasta 18 livery, and an explanation as to the various depictions of these scheme, with the raven colour being singled out too. Wing cross use is also explained, as is something I know took Rowan a lot of time to get right; the various cowl panels. Rowan told me that as WNW had gone to such pains to explain the various cowl options in their manual, then he needed to do the same here, except we have some extra modifications to make for every machine. This could include removing louvre detail, and indeed adding it too. Drawings are supplied for this, with note as to which machine they pertain, complete with the relevant WNW part number too. There is also another element of cowl modification that needs to be carried out for some machines, and that is the inclusion of two ventilation openings in the port side upper cowl. Again, explanation is given, along with a photograph of a completed modification. Cheers Rowan! Each machine is now given a few paragraphs of explanation as to the pilot, particular scheme variation and notes on the cowl and exhaust format. The notes are both informative and very useful. The schemes supplied in this set are: Fokker D.VII, early OAW-built, Ltn. Kurt Monnington, Montingen, Summer 1918 Fokker D.VII, OAW-built, Ltn. August Raben, Montingen, Summer 1918 Fokker D.VII, OAW-built and Albatros-built, serials unknown, Ltn/ Heinz Küstner, Montingen, Summer 1918, and post-war. Fokker D.VII, serial unknown, Albatros-built, Ltn. Gunther von Büren, August/September 1918, Montingen Fokker D.VII, Albatros-built, serial unknown, Ltn. Hans Müller, Montingen, September 1918 Fokker D.VII, Albatros-built, serial and pilot unknown, Montingen, Summer 1918 Fokker D.VII, possibly Albatros-built, serial and pilot unknown, Montingen, Summer 1918 Fokker D.VII, Albatros-built, serial unknown, Ltn. Wilhelm Kühne, Montingen, Summer 1918 Fokker D.VII, OAW-built, possibly flown by Vzfw. Glatz, Montingen, Summer 1918 Fokker D.VII, OAW-built, pilot and serial unknown, reference photo data unknown, but probably summer 1918, Montingen Fokker Dr.1, 479/17, Ltn. August Raben, Montingen, October 1918 The Decals: This single, A4 sheet is absolutely CHOCK FULL of decals, and the inclusion of so many ravens does indeed prove that you can indeed do pretty much every scheme available, if the inclination takes you. The sheet is full of personal emblems/insignia/flashes, rudder crosses, tailplane decals, including trim lines, and also fuselage stripes. Normally, I would mention that things are in register, but that doesn't count here as the decals are either black or white, with no combinations. Printed by Fantasy Printshop, the decals are superbly thin, solid in colour (with non-vivid white), and contain minimal carrier film. Some notification is given as to direction of decal and whether they are applied to the left or right. Conclusion Yes, these schemes might be fairly similar, but what an iconic scheme! The D.VII is white and red is simply stunning, and the sheet simply cries for more than one to be built. In fact, that's just what I'll do. Jasta 18's scheme is simple enough for a modeller who isn't perhaps too adept with masking, yet wants to create something very eye-catching. I'll build mine with a combination of Aviattic and Old Propeller decals over the two I have planned for this sheet. Watch out on the Large Scale Modeller forums for those results. Very highly recommended. James H Our sincere thanks to Pheon Decals for the review sample used here.

I'd wondered that. Perhaps there'll be clues on the sprues, or even the appearance of that Do 335 to prove it.

I might ma I might make some at work when I return. I have all the chemicals. I can do it like that wartime video showed

​Hopefully they'll follow this with the Do 335

That's awesome Rick. Nice AM sets there

Thanks for posting these Petr. She's looking particularly good. I'm presuming there's not too long before release now?

Looking real good. No issue with fit and sandwiching the wheel bay?

Looking good Cees. How well does the pit fit the fuse?

Outstanding! Great use of different timber hues too. Will you use any of the aftermarket stuff on this?

Looking real good Petr. This should make a lot of modellers very happy.

These are similar to something I saw when I was in engineering. They were used for marking centre lines on shafts by adding a gauge to the head. Very neat.

That looks totally epic! Very nice review Dave, and great images. I take it this will be started soon?

Can't wait for updates. Pretty please