This is the sixth, and latest, in Albatros’ series of “Windsock Centenary WW1 Modeling Specials,” each dedicated to building specific Wingnut Wings Kits

The booklet itself is done to very high publication standards, featuring 44 full-color, glossy pages within covers of slightly thicker stock.

In keeping with the format of the series, this book covers a step by step build of WNW’s latest release, the Junkers D.1. There are also scale plans, a collection of photos from a special archive, and a nice appendix.

There is one interesting departure from the format of previous issues, and this is one that (to me) makes a lot of sense. The author realizes the appeal of WNW kits (heck, I build WW2 stuff in 1/48 scale, but I have several of these beautiful 1/32 WW1 kits) and realizes that the Junkers D.1 would make an ideal entry into the world of WW1 aircraft models. It is a simple airframe, it is a monoplane, and it has none of the dreaded rigging that turns off most non-WW1 builders. So, in addition to the ‘standard’ full-on, detailed build that is the focus of the book, there is a parallel, out of the box build to help the newbie along. I do think this kit is appealing to those non-WW1 builders that want to try a WNW kit, so this really is a fitting addition to the content of the book.

To more formally summarize things, the contents are as follows:

• Introduction. A brief, 1page commentary by the author, Ray Rimell
• Part 1, Inside the Box. 2 pages of photos and text describing the kit.
• Part 2, Building the Junkers J1. Several pages of step-by-step descriptions of the building of the kit, with numerous high-quality, close-up photos throughout. Photos are keyed to the WNW instruction steps. Added detail sets have been used, primarily in the cockpit and engine, and these are clearly identified. Within this section (the meat of the book) is the parallel, out of the box build. Descriptions of both builds are detailed and specific, including techniques, paints, and glues used.
• Part 3, ‘Pull Out’ 1/32 scale plans. In addition to the standard plans, there is a ‘clean’ platform of the top of the wings with the camouflage pattern, enabling the reader to copy, cut out and use when painting the model
• Part 4, Harry Woodman’s Junkers Archive. 7 pages of photos from Mr. Woodman’s personal archive, most of which had been published in previous Windsock or Albatros publications that are now OOP. A great resource!
• Part 5, The Sole Survivor. 2 pages of color photos of the only D.1 in existence, currently at France’s Musee de l’Air.
• Part 6, Appendices and Dedication. Some very useful information in here, including a list of Aftermarket Accessories, a bibliography of several useful titles, and an interesting 2page excerpt from a 1920 supplement to ‘The Aeroplane’ magazine describing the structure of the Junkers D.1. There is also a very nice dedication to Harry Woodman (see the archive comments above), who was a dear friend of the author.

There sure is a lot of information packed into this book, and I will be making use of it as I plow my way through WNW’s kit. The format and writing style were both extremely appealing to me, and the presentation is first-rate. I’m now going to go back and purchase some of the earlier volumes! As you might be able to tell, I whole-heartedly recommend this one. If you have any interest in trying out a WNW kit, or specific interest in the Junkers D.1, this will be a valuable resource to own.

Thanks to Albatros Productions for the review copy, and to IPMS for allowing me to review it!