Fran

Windsock Autumn Edition 2016 Price tag: £7.80 Available at http://www.windsockdatafilespecials.co.uk/ Another season, another Windsock edition just in perfect time and again it’s great to have the opportunity to review this release form Windsock. On the cover, we got a fantastic picture taken in April 2016 with TVAL Albatros D.Va with Rob Horne of “The Great War Society”. On the first page a few information about TVAL US DH4 and a note about Camel colours in the Summer issue being somewhat darker that the original. Being an apologies from Windscok to the artist. Another announcement about the end of the free shipping from WnW, a bit of an old news. On the Logbook Entries, 4 reviews books are made, with the special call to the Sopwith Camel Owner`s Workshop Manuel by Jarrod Cotter publish by Haynes Publishing. I`m sure this could be quite in hand for the upcoming camel. This time readers gallery does have great models, two WnW and one Roden, being Salmson 2a”, Fokker D.VII and Sopwith Triplane. One of my favourite parts of the latest Windscok, the Modelling Vintage Aircraft by Harry Woodman, this time of great tips about surface finishes, struts, undercarriages and of course rigging. On the winter issue this chapter will be conclused. Following the cover picture, several pictures taken in Stow Maries Photo Shoot, by Ken Smith are here in full detail and colour. Lovely pics of the Spowith Snipe, Be2e, Albatros D.Va and Bristol Scout. On the detail chapter of Helmets, hats and headgear, a full information with close-up pics of the Imperial German Safety Helmet. Being the helmet one of the most used helmets and most photographed and easily recognizable helmet, it’s a great chapter not only to modellers but to sculptors. Getting ready for the upcoming WnW Camel, Great war Paint chapter is about … you`re right: Spowith Camel. Several fantastic pics and more the 10 new profiles by Avro Vercamer. And finally just before the reviews chapter, Ansaldo archive to complete the review made in the previous windsock about the Ansaldo Balilla from Aviattic. On this chapter Windscok give us great war pictures and a fantastic walkaround of the Balilla in Bergamo being finalized with the final reviews of the last items of the Aviattic 1:32 Balilla. On the reviews, several new and not so news (but re-boxed) models are analyzed like dogfight Airfix with E.III and Be2c in 1:72, several 1:144 models form Valom, details sets from Eduard and HGW. Also review of Scale Aircraft Conversions with metal undercarriage substitutes this time for WnW AEG and GasPatch Salmsons. As its said by the reviewer, I also do have doubts about the use of these ones in WWI models. A review that I also liked was about D.1119/17 Albatross conversion set, being several looks and close up being pointed out like I already read in other forums. Several well pointed reservations about this conversion set. And before the publicity pages the last chapter being “The Rudder Post…” with several letters from readers. Conclusion: Well, I starting to have some problem in getting words form the Windsock. It’s a must have for all WWI lovers and modelers. All this year has being prepared to receive the WnW Camel with the best information possible in these 3 issues being conclude in the winter issue. The information is very good and very well written. Very Highly Recommend. My sincere thanks to Ray Rimmel and Windsock for the opportunity and the review sample.

I would love to get both.... even from ZM and all the non-see details...

Pfalz D. IIIa at War. By Greg Van Wynharden Volume one Centenary datafile 173 Available at http://www.windsockdatafilespecials.co.uk/ Its really great to see a deep study about Pfalz D.IIIa at war time. With 32 pages on gloss paper of which at first glance has the typical structure and winner receipt of the previous datafiles. On the cover we have a Robert Karr painting showing two Pfalz intitled “Silver Eagles over Flandres.” I really like the snake-decorated Pfalz D. IIIa 5918/17 In the opening, as usual, 3 fantastic profiles unique and unmistakable Ronny Bar. With a structure identical to the previous Datafiles, the reader is offered a summary of the history of this plane with clear photos of war time and all the duty that Pfalz D.IIIa did have along the war time but it’s a two volumes series so not all is here. The chapter of history Pfalz is quite rich in information especially in the appearance of the Pfalz in the course of accumulated experience to build for other builders and evolution for D. IIIa. It has a subchapter dedicated D. IIIa with their involvement and progress in the course of the war with very good information about planes and the thoughts of pilots about the Pfalz D.IIIa. Then the book moves to the history specifies the Pfalz D.IIIa in their various squads. The Pfalz D.IIIa history squadrons on this volume are “The Bavarians”, “Jagdstaffel 30”, “Jasta 47W”, “Jasta 61” with observation of the pilots is quite interesting and recitals between D. III and D. IIIa and real history missions, events, historical curiosities. The approximately eighty some never before seen photos are fabulous ... just so worth it. Some are a full page with a clarity and quality simply amazing. The plans are 1:72 and 1:48 and they are of great quality with details of the differences between early and late center-section struts and Niendorf and Axial propeller. Not 1:32 but nothing that the increase in the copier does not solve it. And then, at the end the chapter “key to colour plates”, with several thoughts and information about several Pfalz and their colours. At the end… 8 more fantastic profiles from Ronny Bar. Conclusion: A fantastic book for historians and for modeler, with great pics with amazing quality and very inspirational. Even with only 32 pages, it’s a really must have to those who have a WnW Pfalz D.IIIa on their stash. Worth every penny. Very Highly recommend. My sincere thanks to Ray Rimmel and Windsock for the opportunity and the review sample.

a Kiwi one!! Nice!!

An 1:35 Dora is always EPIC! with all the changes and upgrades, this is more than EPIC! Please keep sharing! just love it Fran

Great start!! I would prefer this one to my Bubbletop but not getting another one.

RESICAST 1:35 Private Tom “Winter 1915” (Catalogue number: 35.5658) Available from Resicast The Resicast is a Belgium Manufacture (owned by a British) and a well-known resin brand with esoteric and very interesting subjects. Here we analyze briefly this beautiful figure of the WWI. The figure is made with 8 parts in beige colored resin. The torso is in one piece with legs and right arm. The left arm and head are separated. The head comes with integrated cap. The casting and overall detail of the figure is very good and actually the cap was a small casting that is easy to solve with putty but more of that later. The facial expression is appropriate and interesting. It conveys a sense of momentary victory or happiness / smile for some reason. The general approach is very interesting and well done. Really like the look, a victorious and at the same relaxed look. The clothing detail with front pockets is very good and you can see the texture of winter clothing to give the viewer a feeling of cold. The only real flaw is the casting of the head with a deep mark on the cap being but what about us easy to repair. Accessories such as bayonet, rifle, canteen, etc. are very well reproduced. Conclusion This figure resin is of good quality with good detail of clothing and accessories. I really like the posture and especially of facial expression of willingness and victorious it is clear to me how I can use it with a WnW. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Our sincere thanks to Resicast for the review sample seen here. Francisco Guedes www.largescalemodeller.com

Welcome Tom!! And share with us your work| Fran

A video review of the test shot of the Me 262 B-1a. On my wishlist for sure!! Fran

Looks fantastic! love the detail!

Looking forward to this wip! A tiger with lots of goodies!! This one is on my wishlist since its was release!

Modeling WWI Tanks Author - Frédérik Astier Publications: Histoire & Collections Price: 24,99€ ISBN: 978-2-35250-468-9 The First World War has gained much prominence since the Centennial by the tanks manufacturers. Aircraft modellers have been lucky since 2009, since the start of Wingnut Wings. . This book is a compilation of works, with 128 pages and 600 photographs, a great modeler, a legend in the modeling of AFV- Frédrérik Astier. I had the pleasure of meeting him in SCM 2016 and it is indeed an extraordinary person beyond fantastic modeler. On Steelmaster stall there were three dioramas that are represented here: A7V, Schneider and Ft-17. The disclameir is on the first page saying that all except the FT-17 models are from the author. The FT-17 is none the less from Emilien Pepin, the chief editor of Steelmaster, Wingmaster and figurines. All the articles do have step by step constructions, painting, weathering, all with fantastic pics and how to. All the process it's here and that's is the most important thing. I will only enhance some parts of the builds otherwise I would put all the book in this ... so good it is! Mark IV Female and Male (Takom and Tamiya) The first work is a double one ... The constructions stage is the most important on this one because the author dissects all phases of construction and shows the differences between the two kits beyond the differences inherent in a being Male and the other female. There are several photos of the presented differences with demonstration on the kits parts. For example the tracks ... The author said and show how the tracks of which one are made and tell us his opinion. The Tamiya are built in minutes .. to the Takom takes several hours, advising the author to purchase the new set of Takom (which will be similar to the Tamiya) or the set of FruilModel. The diorama is one with the MAKR IV Female Takom. Every step of the diorama terrain is well documented and photographed and so all steps are presented and explained the reason to do so. The only step that is not there, and I do not think should be, is the painting of the figures. Before moving on to other work, many Mark IV's photographs are presented to the reader clearly being an extra and very inspiring. Next, one of my favorite ... next to the A7V. St. Chamond (Takom) This time, there are no terms of comparison between two models in the construction of which would be interesting to compare it in the same terms of the previous article with the St. Chamond of HobbyBoss. Building is always well documented with plenty of photos and well described painting with all indications of the colors used. It´s inspiring and that leads me thinking seriously about taking my Takom St. Chamond of the stash and start doing it. But the most interesting is that the exhaustive survey of the weaknesses of kit and failures regarding the decals and the improvements that can and duties made by the modeler without great difficulty. Some extra detail in scratchbuild are very nice tip to add some detail to our own models Once again the diorama is extraordinary with all major steps documented and their origin as well as the figures. This diorama is very well done with a non-combat environment, a relax one. This is the kind of diorama are for me the most exciting and interesting. A compilation of photographs of St. Chamond are high level at all levels. Sturmpanzerwagen A7V (Meng) Meng the kit is all excellent levels representing paternal late (fall 1918) but of course that the author wanted to present your readers with something a little different and as such decided to modify early May 1918. and for that it was enough to change decals. I understand the choice can not help but notice that the painting and weathering of the interior was to the pictures with no great description of how the author reached such fabulous results. The diorama is the most urban of here portrayed focusing attention on construction and weathering of the building in ruins and the debris. We were fortunate enough to see this live diorama at SCM2016 and was very good indeed. I loved all the details that are perfectly portrayed here. Schneider CA1 (Hobbyboss) This construction and diorama was also one of those present in the SCM 2016 and is an amazing piece. The author made several improvements to the kit Hobbyboss. These improvements actually give a unique and improved look. The various steps of the painting are reproduced and explained as well as the fabulous weathering achieved. The diorama is a fabulous piece, all in scratchbuild, and a dynamic difficult to reach and an intelligent and well thought out composition ... but the author explains everything! To finish, two pages of high quality and inspirational images, all the time. FT-17 (Meng) The FT-17, the small but spectacular tank that Meng launch a few years back and that had the courage to release into to the market (all new tool with interior) leading to other companies to release WWI Tanks. This work the already mentioned above was carried out By Emilien Pépin. It is a step by step high level with all very well explained and explicit steps, with the understandable lack of painting and weathering of the interiors. The step-by-step diorama is very interesting and immensely valuable tips. Also here several images of the FT, quite inspiring for any modeler of AFV. Conclusion This is inspirational book that just give you the psuh and the mojo to the bench and modelling. For me this is the main purpose of this book, to show the techniques, to share knowledge and to raise the mojo for the modeler to go to your bench and start building. This book has in fact everything from the comparison step by step MK IV Takom and Tamiya, the adds made without aftermarkets or make a diorama root without any extra element of aftermarket. It's the best there is. Very Highly Recommend My truly thanks to Histoire & Colletions and Emilien Pépin for the samples and to Frédrérik Astier review for all his works and for signing my samples.

really nice Wrüger! Fran

ohhh.... I just love the MK II... my favourite!!! Which are the schemes available in box? and what a fantastic job with this Pakistan! Fran

The RAF Be2C at War, by Paul R Hare Price tag: £12 Centenary Datafile 172 Available at http://www.windsockdatafilespecials.co.uk/ And just at the end of the summer, early autumn, a new centenary datafile, the number 172. With 32 pages on gloss paper of which at first glance has the typical structure and winner of the previous datafiles. But before I have to call into play the cover ... a very appealing design and very well executed where a BE2c is in combat with two Eindeckers. The scene takes place in western front in December 1915. A fantastic paint from Paul Monteagle. In the opening, 3 fantastic profiles unique and unmistakable Ronny Bar and two beautiful photographs of TVAL BE2c. With a structure identical to the previous Datafiles, the reader is offered a summary of the history of this plane with photos of the time with clear highlight at the beginning to the pre-war civilian functions of this plane like the "Overseas". Then, a summary of the new tests changes with the new V8 engines Renault and the need to arm the aircraft with machine guns and arrivals solutions and description even small victories with weapons already installed and their movements by the various squads and rise in war of this this iconic aircraft. After, a small chapter of Colours and Markings and the Key to colour plates… these just have very precious information. 7 pages of scale drawings in 1:72 and 1:48 scale are very good and a great reference to all the want to do this plane… Me for instance will have to wait for WnW…. At least I hope that they do one some day. And then for finish several close up pics! A fantastic walkaround. At the end… 4 more fantastic profiles from Ronny Bar. Conclusion: A complete book, even with only 32 pages, condensed with large profiles, plans and photographs essences for Roden kit to 1:48 or 1:72 to Airfix. Or if you have those kits or any other, this book is a must have given the information that itself contains. WnW please can we have a 1:32 Be2 C? Worth every penny. Very Highly recommend. My sincere thanks to Ray Rimmel and Windsock for the opportunity and the review sample.

Its not a rumors that OOP will be release in Special edition.... The SP was told me several times by Richard Alexander that told that SP will be release one day..... In fact if you check that first interview/photo report made, in one pic, they show up a peek of PE for LVG...that interview was in 2010... yep... one day could be in a long long time distance...

Great work on a 21th century Kit!!

Windsock Summer Edition 2016 Price tag: £7.80 Available at http://www.windsockdatafilespecials.co.uk/ Is end of September I know, but still in time for a fresh and quick review on Windsock Summer Edition… After all, still summer… apparently! J It's with huge pleasure that I review this summer 2016 edition. The summer edition has several very interesting items beyond the usual logbook series and review section. There is a very interesting chapter with great tips from the legendary Harry woodman. They are scratch building tips and is part part No. 4, concerns engines, exhaust and cockpits and pilots seats. This alone is well worth it. Rara avis chapter is also a quite interesting one: schütte-lanz D. IVa 1918 prototype. An overleaf of RAF Be2a excelent 1:48 plans are given under the Great War paint Camel four page pull up. As you can see inside there's several pages dedicated to Camel... especially for the highly anticipated wnw Camel. A special Great War Paint for Sopwith Camel with several schemes and profiles. Next several close ups of the TVAL camel, with a small text with all the history of this camel after the war! The close up pictures are taken by James Fahey. These are simply perfect for the upcoming WnW Camel. And finally just before the reviews chapter, a small but quite useful information on helmets, hats and headgear chapter: the western electric 1-A flight Helmet. On the reviews, several figures are analyzed like Kellerkind Russian pilot (that we also already reviewed), some stuff for HGW, Kellerkind Ordance and Aviattic Fuel tanks and future releases. Conclusion: A fantastic issue with precious information. The scratch build section and the camel special are in fact a must have on the issue specially with the Camel Just coming in less than 4 months.. Very Highly recommend. My sincere thanks to Ray Rimmel and Windsock for the opportunity and the review sample.

Leadwarrior Marigus, a rare one!! Gotta Love it! Thanks for sharing. Fran

Great review JP! and I was quite surprise to find that is was a effective derelict version! Fran

Windsock Spring Edition 2016 Price tag: £7.70 Available at www.windsockdatafile.co.uk All of WWI modeler have or had sometime a Windsock Special on hands. It`s have a good quality print in a gloss thin paper. Their graphic style is quite unique and different for today standard like you see in others magazines. On the cover front of the Albatros B.II removed from one Ronny Bar profile. almost all topics covered within this issue is on the cover but not all. As all Windsock Datafile frontline and logbook made the two first pages. Now a serious case: Harry Woodman chapter... this series are well worth an entire book. This time is plastic card techniques to make fuselages, wings, tail wings, propellers, airsrews... Everything from scratch... Today we are quite spoiled with several great model around the modelling world, specially by Wingnut wings. Just check this 1:48 Voisin made from plastic card in 1967/1968... wow!!! The next chapter I really like. Helmets, Hats and Headgear brings us this time the Roold Helmet. In Great War Paint some fantastic pics and profiles of a very cute plane: Caudron G.3. Please WnW? At the movies! Well this is the best there is! Several pics taken for actual WWI movie and the link for the video is at the end of that speciaffic aircraft video! Great research work! Review section with the Post War DH.9 Ninak and Albatross B. II Early and big birds from Merit ( Se5 a And Dr. I) To end with a big boom, some fantastic pics of Albatros B.II... some perfect reference for WnW Alb. B.II Early. These ones are quite useful to anyone who's making or have in the stash, the WnW Albatross B. II. Conclusion: The Windsock datafile always contains a lot of information varied and very interesting to any lover of WWI. In top of that there lots of pics that are perfect for modellers. So if you have a Alb on your stash... this one is for you. If you like/love WWI, this one is also for you. If you scracthbuild is on your next project or its just your thing, this one is definitely for you. Very highly recommend. My sincere thanks to Ray Rimmel and Windsock for the opportunity and the review sample.

WoooooW...... no words.... amazing is not good enough...

Great work on the brand new Hasegawa!!! I like the finish photos! Thanks for sharing! Fran

how the hell I miss this? Looks terrific mate! Fran

Wow!!! I just can wait to see this one!! A chair and popcorns please! Fran