Jamo_kiwi

Yes these are for the deluxe kits. I don't think they will be available separately - they include the PE items already in the non-deluxe kits. The deluxe kits will probably include some figures that will also not be available separately. All will become clear in due course. Cheers James

Whats left to report? Some photo etched frets that will released with the deluxe kits. LVG C.VI: Bristol F2B: Gotha G.IV Thanks to Richard Alexander and the team at Wingnut Wings for giving us this preview of upcoming releases. Very exciting!

And a test shot of one of the Fokker DVII kits that will be coming out later in 2011

A test-shot of the DH2. This looks like a whole step up on the Roden kit.

Then there was the test shot of the Rumpler C.IV, surely one of the most graceful aeroplanes of WWI

A completed FE2b kit was on display, built by Moeggo in the night bomber option. Nice, Dave!

And here is the Fokker E.IV test-shot: And this new figure set (which has not been released yet):

Here is the latest release schedule from Wingnut Wings There were some test-shots of some new kits on display at the Model Expo. Here is the Sopwith Snipe:

Here are some photos of the New Pfalz DXII

Sorry I am a bit late getting back to you all. Here is a link to some photos of the two built up Pfalz DXII models that were on display at the Model Expo plus markings options from the kit instructions: http://www.greatwaraviation.com/forum/index.php?topic=1045.15 There was also a pre-production version of the Sopwith Snipe seen for the first time: http://www.greatwaraviation.com/forum/index.php?topic=1080.0 And a Fokker E.IV: http://www.greatwaraviation.com/forum/index.php?topic=1081.0 An updated release schedule was on display: http://www.greatwaraviation.com/forum/index.php?topic=1078.0 I took photos of the pre-production model of Rumpler C.IV that has already been featured on the WNW website: http://www.greatwaraviation.com/forum/index.php?topic=1053.0 This stuff is all posted over at The Great War in the Air Forum, so if you have a particular interest in modelling in that period you are warmly welcome to join. It is a very friendly group and includes some very knowledgeable folk. You will need to register there to see the images above. Cheers James Fahey

I will be there, and will post news on the Saturday night. Cheers James

Hi Mike thanks for the thumbs up. Isn't it amazing how, over at the other place, one malcontent can spoil it for everyone. He has got right up my hooter, probably exactly what he intended. Happy Modelling James

The Side by Side Comparison To start out I photographed all the lozenge sets side by side in natural day light, so that any colour bias on your screen or in my camera would affect all the decals similarly. Then I digitally cut up each image into equal sized bolt-width lengths and put them side by side. Note that in the case of the Pheon decals this required two decal images to be pasted together, which created a small vertical line in the image. Out of interest I also included Rodens five colour lozenge decals from their Siemens Schuckert D.III kit these decals have received unfavourable comments both for ease of use and colouring, and are best replaced. Upper comparison: Lower comparison: Next I compared the pink and blue ribtapes from Wingnut Wings with the Pheon Models tapes: The blue tapes a similar. Pheon's pink is substantially brighter than Wingnut Wings'. Other 1/32 lozenge decals I am aware of another 1/32 lozenge decal product from Techmod but I do not have a sample. Images of Techmods 5 colour lozenge viewed online suggest the colours are quite different to the products in this review. Achieving a realistic fabric texture Large areas of uniform colour or regularly repeating patterns e.g. lozenge fabric, can look toy-like on a model. A more realistic fabric effect can be achieved using any of a variety of techniques including chalks or pastels, washes, filters, pre-shading or texture decals. Wingnut Wings and Pheon both suggest further treatments if you are trying to represent weathered or faded lozenge. Wingnut Wings recommend carefully washing or airbrushing (misting) a highly thinned pale sand coloured paint over the top of the decals after application to your model. Always test on scrap material first! Conclusion Another quote from the Wingnut Wings lozenge instructions is particularly relevant at this point: All three lozenge products appear to have an excellent foundation in terms of research and accuracy. So its up to individual taste as to what colours appeal and how important convenience and simplicity are for the builder. Thanks to Wingnut Wings and Pheon Models for the review samples. I purchased Doug Baumanns lozenge decals

1/32 Decals of WWI German Printed Camouflage Fabric Five Colour Pattern ‘Flugzeugstoff’ or more popularly ‘Lozenge’ fabric First Look comparison [ Now that there is a range of after-market five colour 1/32 lozenge decals from different suppliers I thought it would be useful to put them side by side and see how they look. To introduce the comparison I would like to quote from Wingnut Wings opening paragraph in their decal instructions: There is no extent Idflieg report specifying what dyes were used so the question of colour accuracy will probably never be settled conclusively. There are however a multitude of surviving original flugzeugstoff fabric pieces which have been studied. This doesn’t provide conclusive evidence for colours either, however, because after being stored for around ninety years in a variety of conditions the fabric can become faded and the dope finish discoloured. Nevertheless it’s a key place to start. This review covers 1/32 five colour lozenge decals from three suppliers: D.B. Decals, Wingnut Wings and Pheon Models. D.B. Decals Doug Baumann is the talented modeller behind D.B Decals. About 18 months ago he set out to produce a range of more accurate lozenge decals by tapping in to the opinions of a number of experts at the forum at theaerodrome.com. Doug went through an iterative process, posting digital images, receiving feedback and refining the colours until finally achieving a consensus. Initially he made the digital images available for modellers to download for free and print at home. He is also now selling decal sheets he has printed himself for modellers who don’t find it convenient to do themselves. The decals are inkjet printed on a white decal sheet and must be clear-coated before use to prevent the ink from running. They are produced as bolt-width lengths which must be cut to shape. To my eye the colours are not completely solid or uniform but have a ‘fabric appearance’ which, although probably not in scale, provides a desirable effect. Instructions with the decals are minimal and there is no guidance on historical application, the assumption being perhaps that this is readily available elsewhere. Price: US$15 for two 8.5x11 sheets (top and bottom designs) or $10 for a single sheet. Includes free postage worldwide. Ordering & Payment: Available directly from Doug by email to jasta32@msn.com. Payment by Paypal. Wingnut Wings Wingnut Wings first produced five colour lozenge decals for their LVG C.IV kit and then recently released the lozenge decals as separate items. The design has been subtly improved since they first came out with the LVG and the ‘pixellated’ appearance of some of the colours has been reduced. These decals are also in bolt-width lengths which must be cut to length. The lozenge decal sets come with a well illustrated instruction sheet in the same style as their kit instructions, including period photos of lozenge covered aircraft. As part of their research Wingnut Wings staff personally examined original lozenge fabric material and colour-matched their decals under natural daylight conditions. According to the instructions their sample material came from undoped and un-faded dyed areas from where the edges had been folded over to sew the panels together. Working with their decal printers, Cartograf, multiple samples of each lozenge decal were printed before Wingnut Wings were completely happy that the colours matched their research findings. The decals therefore represent factory-fresh original colours and are somewhat brighter than the other two products. Top and bottom lozenge sheets, and rib tapes, are sold separately. Price: $12.50 each for top or bottom lozenge decals, $7.50 for an A4 sheet of rib tapes (pink, blue and clear doped linen). Includes free postage worldwide. So a sheet each of upper, lower and rib tapes would total US$32.50 and this would probably give enough lozenge for at least two Albatros kits. Available only direct from Wingnut Wings at http://www.wingnutwings.com/ww . Payment is by Paypal. Pheon Models Pheon have just released 1/32 five colour lozenge decals tailored specifically for the Wingnut Wings Albatros DV/DV.a kit. The decals come as ‘cookie cutter’ shapes to fit the wings, rudder and tailplane. Rib tapes are printed in place, including leading and trailing edge tapes, and strengthening tapes around the aileron hinges and inspection panels. This will greatly reduce the time and effort required. The decals come in two options: with blue rib tapes or with pink (note that a mixed set, say blue top tapes and pink lower tapes is not available). Additional tapes are provided in case modellers wish to portray the supplementary tapes sometimes seen on the lower wings. There is also a decal for the fabric covering behind the pilots seat, in both upper and lower colours. Pheon’s lozenge decals have been developed in collaboration with Richard Andrews and Harry Green from theaviattic.com, who provided the historical research and undertook the colour matching to surviving fabric samples. The decals are printed by Fantasy Printshop in the UK and are printed over a white base for improved opacity. The decals come with two booklets. The first outlines the development and use of printed camouflage fabric on German aircraft in WWI, including references to useful websites, and the second provides extensive modellers notes for applying the decals. Lots of great advice here and worthy of close attention. Pheon are working on cookie cutter lozenge sets for other aircraft including four colour lozenge pattern. Price: £19.50 plus P&P. Payment by Paypal Available only direct from Pheon Models by email to: pheon.models@hotmail.co.uk Post & packing: £3.60 to the UK & Europe, £4.95 to the rest of the world To be continued . . .

Unfortunately I didn't make it to Omaka this year but David Frowen, who was there, kindly sent through these photos of The Vintage Aviator Ltd's second Albatros DV, finished in Adolph Schreder's markings (Jasta 17) There are a few more from David in this Photobucket album: Albatros DV TVAL pictures by Jamo_kiwi - Photobucket Thanks very much David for sending these for everyone to share! Wingnut Wings have produced decals for Adolph Schreder's DV in their set #30013 'Wooden Wonders' and they look fantastic!

Gidday Kevin Well, for the 1/48 scale decals I try to find someone who is happy to commit to using them in a build sometime soon because I don't model in 1/48 scale. The 1/32 and 1/72 scale decals I generally hang on to with the intention of using myself, but Rowan is turning them out much faster than my build rate. Regards James

FIRST LOOK Review Volumes 1 & 2 plus a Special Edition These three sets extend Pheon's earlier coverage of Albatros D.V/D.Va markings with a further fifteen markings focussing on the aircraft of the elite unit, Jasta 5. All Pheon's 1/32 Albatros D.V/D.Va decals are designed for the excellent Wingnut Wings kit. Jasta 5 was one of the highest scoring German fighter units with a total score of approximately 260 victories (only Jasta 11 and Jasta 2 Boelcke scored more). The unit is also interesting for the modeller due to the very colourful personal markings in use from about July 1917 onwards, comprehensively documented by an official photographer. The Jasta 5 unit marking was a green tail with red edging. Pheon decals are printed by Fantasy Printshop in the UK. Quality is excellent, register is perfect and they lay down beautifully. Use of Micro Set softening solution is not recommended (or required). Pheon have based these Jasta 5 decal designs principally on the extensive research by Dr Glenn Merrill which was published in a two volume Datafile Special by Albatros Publications (and is still in print). I can thoroughly recommend these two Datafiles, a very readable and well illustrated work. #32016 Ltn Wolf (Special Edition) �12.75 Wolf's Albatros is one of the most strikingly marked aircraft to be found anywhere, but relatively little is known of the pilot and as far as is known, there are no individual photos of the aircraft. Pheon have mirrored the orientation of the blue and white diamonds on each fuselage side with a consequent break in the pattern along the fuselage centre line. As the fuselage tapers continuously, a 'wrap around' orientation would have been very difficult (impossible?) to achieve without the diamonds becoming much smaller towards the tail. The diamonds are set out in multiple pieces for easier application and a detailed guide is provided with step by step instructions. Even so, care and patience will be needed to achieve the best results. A number of individual blue diamonds are also included should any 'patching' be required. I really liked the two heraldic figures: the lion is typical of the Bavarian coat of arms and Pheon have exercised some artistic license to interpret the wolf in a similar style (as opposed to the rather crude figure in the Datafile). These are beautifully executed with base colours printed separately from the fine black outline, which is to be laid over the top. Red edging decals for the tailplane are included. This set is stunning and will show off the Wingnut Wings kit to full advantage. #32017 'Lozenge' Selection �11.00 The seven options provided in this set are: * Josef Mai's 'bone' Albatros which was fitted temporarily with experimental Siemens-Schukert rapid-firing machine guns (along with one of Rumey's wound ribbon D.Vs). * Wilhem Gurke;s white star on red fuselage * Martin Klein's red and yellow comet on grey fuselage * Two different 'Blitz' machines belonging to Hans von Hippel (possibly the second and last of four?) * Jupp Kremer's three white chevrons on unpainted ply * Rudolf Matthaei white edged black rectangle on grey fuselage Obviously these will all require lozenge decals to be purchased separately. Pheon have lozenge decals currently in development and they are due to be released soon. #32021 'Mauve/Green' Selection �12.75 Seven markings options mauve and green camouflaged wings: * Rath's possibly incomplete shield outlined in green marks on grey fuselage * Fritz Oppenhorst's red outlined heart on unpainted ply fuselage * Niesen's black hammers on white shield with black bar * Wilhem Lehman's edelweiss on red fuselage (not to be confused with Paul Baumer's similarly marked D.V. * Diagonal Iron Cross ribbon on grey fuselage * An early mount of Fritz Rumey (prior to the African Head machine) with a propeller on a white circle * Hans von Hippel's third 'Blitz' machine National markings are not included as those included in the kit are excellent. The separate set of red tail trim shown is also included in 32021 (and available separately as 32017a at �2.00 for those who wish to build more than one model from either set). Pheon have indicated that all these plus some other Jasta 5 subjects will be made available in 72nd and 48th scales in the next couple of months. Full Colour Decal Placement Guides The marking options are featured in full colour on A4 sized sheets of glossy photo paper showing decal placements (side profiles and top views). The Jasta 5 green colour on the review sheets has come out rather more 'teal' coloured than the green from the Datafile. Notwithstanding this minor point, the artwork is very nicely done. Conclusion All the markings in these sets offer colourful and interesting alternatives to set your Albatros apart. The Limited Edition set for Ltn Wolf is particularly stunning. Highly recommended. Post and Packing Charges To Europe: �3.60 for 1st class which takes (on average) 3 work days �2.52 for 2nd class which takes (on average) 7 work days To the Rest of World except for Mexico & Brazil: �4.95 for 1st class which takes (on average) 7 work days �2.70 for 2nd class which takes (on average) 12 work days Mexico and Brazil: 1st class which takes (on average) 7 work days �11.00 for order value incl. P&P up to �45.00 �13.00 for order value incl. P&P up to �110.00 Ordering Available only directly from Pheon Models by email: pheon.models@hotmail.co.uk Pheon's latest price list/catalogue is available here: http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=34793 Thanks to Pheon Models for providing the items for review

1/32 Resin Cowling for converting the Wingnut Wings Sopwith Pup to a 100hp Gnome Monosoupape engined version FIRST LOOK Review Pups fitted with the Gnome Monosoupape 100hp engine had a characteristic cowling which was cut away, liberally slotted and had seven stiffening ribs riveted on externally. The Monosoupape engined Pups were no faster but had better climb: taking 1min 25secs less than the 80hp version to reach 10,000 feet and 3min 10sec less to climb to 15,000 feet. For this reason Gnome Monosoupape engined Pups were issued to Home Defence squadrons to counter the Gotha raiders. The cowling is moulded in resin by Brian Fawcett and marketed by Pheon Models. The ribs and rivets are nicely detailed. On the review sample two of the rectangular openings were a little bit deformed and would need to be filled/sanded or replaced with plastic card (not a major problem). The cowling needs to be spread a little bit to get the back into a circular shape, perhaps with some reinforcing tabs glued around the circumference of the firewall to help it stay circular as it sets. As these parts are all hand produced, quality may vary slightly. Of course modellers will need a Gnome Monosoupape 100hp engine to complete the conversion. Vector make a very nice one – it just needs some of the rocker arms to be trimmed so that the engine fits inside the cowling. Here some closeup photos of the unassembled engine parts. I was very impressed with the quality of the engine kit. It does need modellers to add the pushrods. Note that this is *not* the same Monosoupape engine produced by Roden, that one is the 160hp version from the Ni 28. Check out the detail on the cylinders: Pheon provide markings for a Gnome Monosoupape-engined Pup in their set #32013 RFC Pups (option 5): B1803 flown by 112 (Home Defense) Squadron, Throwley, England August 1917. B1803 flew on anti-Gotha patrols on 22 August 1917 but had to retire due to engine trouble. I like the South Wales Borderers badge that 2/Lt A.B.Garnon-Williams had painted on the aircraft which, combined with the red/white/blue painted struts, provides an interesting alternative to most RFC Pups. ORDERING Available only direct from Pheon Models by email: pheon.models@hotmail.co.uk Post and Packing charges to Europe £2.90 for 2nd class which takes (on average) 7 work days. £5.10 for 1st class which takes (on average) 3 work days. Post and Packing charges to Rest of World: ** £2.90 for 2nd class which takes (on average) 12 work days. £5.10 for 1st class which takes (on average) 7 work days. Resin OR Combined order Resin + Decals/Prints Extra Strong Packaging to a maximum of 500gm £9.50 for all destinations other than Mexico and Brazil * and France **. Please note this packaging allows mixing decals and resin parts *Mexico and Brazil: Up to 500 gm Takes on average 7 work days., ALWAYS £11.00 for 1st class RECORDED for order value incl. P&P up to £45.00 £13,00 for 1st class RECORDED for order value incl. P&P up to £110.00 ** Post and Packing within France will differ from the general P&P for Europe as Pheon are now located in France CONCLUSION I have become quite a fan of this famous aircraft since the release of the Wingnut Wings kit and Pheon’s decals. I am currently working on a second model and plan to build this unusual version as well. There is an added benefit with the Gnome Monosoupape conversion – it frees up the lovely WNW Le Rhone engine for use in a Nieuport 11. With a bit of minor repair work and careful fitting, this cowling provides an interesting conversion opportunity for Wingnut Wings brilliant Pup kit in conjunction with the gorgeous Vector resin engine. Thanks to Pheon for the review sample

Roden Sopwith Triplane Resin Correction + detail set 1/32 scale I am sure most WWI aviation modellers were very pleased to see Rodens recent release of the Sopwith Triplane in 1/32 scale. It can be built up into a nice model but it does suffer from some accuracy issues, particularly the length of the fuselage which is about 6mm too short. Some modellers are not be particularly bothered by accuracy issues, but I agree with Pheon that the additional length is very noticeable - particularly as it is concentrated in the rear half of the fuselage. Have a look at the kit fuselage alongside the replacement to see if you agree: The Correct Length Rowan Broadbent has researched this issue in conjunction with Brian Fawcett and John Adams of Aeroclub to discover just what the problem was. They have found that the fuselage length quoted by most people - 18' 10" - relates *only* to two prototypes, N.500 and N.504 which were fitted with the 110hp Clerget. N500 went to France for service trials in July 1916 and from what they can discover, remained with the 110hp engine all of its life. N504 initially had the 110hp engine but had the 130hp version fitted in September 1916 and had the rear fuselage strengthened in October. The fuselage at this point remained the same length (verified from two original Sopwith plans in Richard Andrew's collection) and the fuselage extension was applied to ALL production Triplanes (with the 130 hp engine) as a result of trials with N504 with the 130hp engine. Pheon note the correct fuselage length is 19'6". From plans and photographs it has been determined that the additional length was applied to the parallel sided section around the cockpit, which had the advantage of allowing the rest of the tapered rear fuselage to remain unaltered. Information on the fuselage lengths came from the Harleyford publication "Sopwith - the Man and his Aircraft", compiled and written by Bruce Robertson with drawings by Peter G Cooksley. Towards the rear of the book, 4 pages are taken up with dimensions of every Sopwith aircraft from 1912 to 1919. 97 different subjects are covered, 8 entries for the Dolphin alone. The table shows Aircraft name/designation, engine, span, length, height, chord, gap, sweep-back, stagger, dihedral, incidence, total area, tailplane span/chord, track, date built, constructor and then has remarks. In addition to correcting the length, the replacement set provides four further benefits: 1) much more accurate depiction of the fuselage lacing 2) tapes over the quilting on the front fuselage sides (absent from the Roden kit) 3) eradicates the sink mark on the outside of the starboard fuselage caused by the integrally moulded incidence control wheel. This sink mark would be difficult to fix as it is located in the middle of the quilting 4) more realistic Rotherham air pump, particularly the propeller The resin fuselage is identical in all other respects to the Roden item. It is rather softer than the kit styrene plastic and is not as rigid, particularly from the cockpit section forward where the sides do not join together. The resin's flexibility will mean that some care will be needed when fitting the cockpit coaming in place, as the fuselage sides will "underlap" the plastic part unless care is exercised. Pheon have suggested the simple expedient of inserting a "T" piece made from sprue through the cockpit opening and rotating it, rather like a key in a lock, to push the resin sides out from the inside before attaching the plastic fuselage top; when the glue is set just turn the sprue "key" back through 90degrees and remove it through the cockpit should be very simple! The tailplane incidence control wheel, which was moulded integrally with the fuselage side comes as a separate item along with a Rotherham air pump as part of the replacement item. In my review item the tip of the propeller blade of the pump had broken off, but this would be simple enough to re-attach. Price £10.00. Available only direct from Pheon Models by email: pheon.models@hotmail.co.uk Conclusion Taken together all the fixes offered by this set make the outlay worthwhile in my opinion. Assembling the fuselage and cockpit coaming will take some care. The resin moulding has been well done and I liked the improved lacing. Recommended. Post and Packing charges to Europe £2.90 for 2nd class which takes (on average) 7 work days. £5.10 for 1st class which takes (on average) 3 work days. Post and Packing charges to Rest of World: ** £2.90 for 2nd class which takes (on average) 12 work days. £5.10 for 1st class which takes (on average) 7 work days. Resin OR Combined order Resin + Decals/Prints Extra Strong Packaging to a maximum of 500gm £9.50 for all destinations other than Mexico and Brazil ** and France **. Please note this packaging allows mixing decals and resin parts **Mexico and Brazil: Up to 500 gm Takes on average 7 work days., ALWAYS £11.00 for 1st class RECORDED for order value incl. P&P up to £45.00 £13,00 for 1st class RECORDED for order value incl. P&P up to £110.00 ** Post and Packing within France will differ from the general P&P for Europe as Pheon are now located in France Thanks to Pheon Models for providing the item for review Catalogue Here is a link to Pheon's catalogue (which has been updated recently): http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=34793