Model features (taken directly from Wingnut Wings’ website):

Released in October 2012

• High quality decals for 5 aircraft
• 166 high quality injection moulded plastic parts
• 6 photo-etched metal detail parts
• Highly detailed 17 part 100hp Gnome Monosoupape engine
• Optional 2 & 4 blade propellers, instrument boards, undercarriage, aileron controls and ammunition stowage
• Fine in scale rib tape detail
• full rigging diagrams.

You know what? – it’s all true and you get a lot more.

The Aircraft Manufacturing Company de Havilland 2 (AMC DH.2) first flew in June, 1915, was sent to the front in July for evaluation, and was promptly captured in August. This didn't deter the development, and by February, 1916, they were there to stay. By July, 1917, they were slowly replaced by more modern aircraft but continued to serve well into 1918.

Wingnuts has created another outstanding WWI airplane. The detail is exceptional and includes a very detailed building, painting, and rigging instruction manual. The instructions are 24 pages, of high gloss in a booklet form, all in color, with easy to understand instructions and diagrams. The cover sheet gives a little history, which is interesting to read. Sheet 2 is the paint color guide, which is also a very useful sheet to have at the ready. I made a copy of this page and placed it under the glass that I use to build on, making it accessible at any time. Page 3 is a parts diagram, which is also very useful.

I began assembly with the cockpit area. I followed the suggestions Wingnuts gives on painting the wooden surfaces. This can be found on their web site under "Hints and Tips". A lot of pre-planning is involved in building this kit.

Right off the bat, the choice is offered to decide which of the 5 versions to build. I chose version 5. I did do the internal rigging as described; it's hard to see, but it is there. One word of caution – if you are going to use monofilament line as your rigging material, you will have to do some pre-planning and pre-rigging. Some of the bracing and control lines come out of the fuselage, and these will have to go in place before gluing the halves together. Wingnuts tell you where to drill holes and the marks are there. I left two out by mistake and it was a bear to get them in place. STUDY, STUDY, and STUDY the plans to ensure you get everything. Make sure you leave enough line length to do the rigging.

The engine was next. Although the engine is highly detailed, I added various rods and wire for added detail. I used Alclad II paint for the colors.

As I said before, I use monofilament fishing line for my rigging. I purchase this product at Big Bass Pro Shops in their fly fishing section. It is the lightest I can find. Costs about $4 for a spool, which is more than enough for several aircraft. It is clear, so I use a black permanent marker pen to paint the line. Several passes back and forth is more that enough to paint the line. I also use Gold Medal Models – Diesel Loco Detail Set, product number 160-7, for the eye bolts to secure the rigging to the model. This is an –N-Gauge model train product and the eyes are the tiniest I've come across, making them perfect for this application. They cost around $8 and you get enough for a couple of planes and they can be found or ordered at any model train store. I drilled a small (number 80 drill bit) hole in the place the eye is needed, and a small drop of ACC holds it in place. If the eye becomes clogged with glue, I use a needle to ream it out.

After all the eyes were in place, I painted the wings and struts, following the directions. I glossed the areas using Alclad II Aqua Gloss (I really like this stuff). I also decaled the plane before final assembly, using Micro Scale Products and Solvaset.

I used pipe cleaners as a clamping device to hold the wings, and a box as a jig to ensure alignment. I like the tension you get using them. Rubber bands are too much and tape is destructive.

Before adding the tail section, I rigged the wings and landing gear. It made it a lot easier to get in those tight spaces. The plane was finished following the instructions and sequence suggested.

Well, there you have it. I would highly recommend this kit to those who have built WWI models before. This is not a beginner’s kit due to the rigging. Hope you enjoy the photos and I hope they explain more in detail than I wrote. Model Masters and Alclad II paints were used for the build.

Many thanks go out to IPMS USA for giving me to opportunity to review this Airplane Model and to Wingnuts Wings for providing the kit for us to review.