This is the second decal set released by Wingnut Wings with alternate markings for their new 1/32 Fokker D.VII kits. As noted in my review of Fighting Fokkers part 1, Fokker D.VII fighters were built by three manufacturers: Fokker, Albatros, and OAW, and this set (#30007) provides the unique markings for five of the Fokker D.VII fighters that were built by the Albatros…plus two bonus D.VIIs (as described below).

The following comments mirror those in my previous review of set #30006 for Fokker-built D.VIIs: Set #30007 comes in the same large, clear zip-lock pouch as other Wingnut Wings sets. It includes the two sheets pictured below that provide the pilots’ personal markings for five aircraft (plus 2 bonus marking options). Decals for the upper and lower 5-color lozenge camouflage areas that were common to all five of these aircraft are not included in the set, but are available in lozenge sets from Wingnut Wings (see previous reviews on this site for more information or check the Wingnut Wings website). However, like other Wingnut Wings decal sets, this one includes a very comprehensive full-color 4-page instruction booklet that provides model builders with application instructions, aircraft profiles, top and bottom wing plan views, color specifications (for Tamiya, Humbrol, and Misterkit paints), historical information, and a number of period photos of each of the aircraft covered by the decals. Wingnut Wings does seem to think of everything.

The markings in this set are for:

1. Fokker D.VII (Alb) 571/18, flown by Adolf Gutknecht, Jasta 43, as it appeared in July 1918. Gutknecht was credited with 8 victories.
2. Fokker D.VII (Alb) 666/18, flown by Hans Dannenberg (credited with 4 victories), Vzfw.Möhring, and Rudolf Nebel (credited with 2 victories), of Kest 1a/Jasta90 in late 1918.
3. Fokker D.VII (Alb) 833/18(?), flown by Robert Greim, Jasta 34b, as the a/c appeared in October, 1918 (Greim was credited with 28 victories).
4. Fokker D.VII (Alb) 5278/18, “Hertha”, believed to be in service with Royal Prussian Jasta 27 in October-November, 1918
5. Fokker D.VII (Alb) “2”, flown by Otto Creutzmann (8 victories) and Josef Raesch (7 victories), Jasta 43, June – July, 1918.
6. BONUS #1, Instructions and a period photograph are included to guide trimming and combining certain decals in this set to also model Fokker D.VII 652/18 (Alb) when it was delivered to Jasta 23b in mid 1918.
7. BONUS #2, Instructions and a period photograph also are included to guide trimming and combining certain decals in this set to model an early production Albatros-built Fokker D.VII flown by Ltn.d. Simons, with Jasta 43.

Wingnut Wings decals are manufactured by Cartograf. They are accurately registered and crisply printed in vibrant, opaque colors with minimal carrier film surrounding the printed images. The film may seem to be slighter thicker than some other aftermarket sets, but it does not appear so after the decals are applied and sealed with a clear coat. All major aircraft markings, cockpit instrument faces, various data plates, propeller emblems, and miscellaneous fuselage markings are included. The Wingnut Wings website recommends against using a setting solution when applying these decals. Instead, the recommended method of getting the large decals to snuggle down and conform to any surface is by applying heat with a hair dryer to heat-shrink them onto the surface. However, I have found Cartograf decals will respond well to mild decal setting solutions (that are applied in moderation and then carefully blotted with a soft cloth or Q-tip). However, model builders should take note of Wingnut Wings recommendation to apply heat with a hair dryer because of concerns that large decals could be distorted by applying setting solutions.

This decal set is highly recommended to anyone who has a 1/32 Fokker D.VII kit (specifically an Albatros-built version) and wants to finish it in markings other than those supplied in the kit. Please note that decal sets may only be ordered directly from Wingnut Wings. See their website for ordering instructions.

My thanks to Wingnut Wings and IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review these new decal sets.