Windsock Worldwide is considered to be the “gold standard” by many historians and modelers when the subject matter is World War I aviation, and this issue will not disappoint. This issue is designated by Albatros Productions as a “Special Collector’s Edition.” That designation is well deserved. This issue was expanded to 40 pages. The flyer inserted into this issue best summarizes the contents and reads, “Apart from the World exclusive reviews of the early and late version RAF Fe-2bs and Rumpler C.IVS, there is an extended, highly-detailed, 14 page build log of the early Fe-2b by editor Ray Rimell. This heavily-illustrated stage-by-stage guide also includes contemporary diagrams from the original Parts Schedule to aid modellers seeking extra documentation. Elsewhere, the bumper edition covers WWI winners at the recent IPMS USA Nats (Omaha), some impressive new “lozenge” decals, and a survey detailing the extensive HGW range of WWI accessories and add-ons available for 1/32nd scale kits. Other lead features include Lance Krieg’s Modeling Master Class, where further rigging techniques are fully explored; the Great War Paint series continues, this time concentrating on the Spad XIII, with multi-view color profiles for builders of Eduard’s new 1/48th kit (also reviewed in this issue), and we also take a look at George Haddow’s amazing 1/72nd scale scratchbuilds from the 1960s. All this exciting and unique WWI aeromodelling material makes WS27/6 one of our landmark editions, rounding off 2011 in great style.”

One of the most dramatic aspects of many WWI aircraft is the rigging that one must install on the model. This issue provides an exceptional paragraph related to the actual rigging techniques used on RAF aircraft, as well as an invaluable illustration of the turnbuckles and tie rods that one may wish to model. This paragraph, in and of itself, is worth the price of this issue!

As a “wanna-be” builder of WWI aircraft, I find that the images that accompany the build logs are an excellent reference, not to mention an inspiration and challenge.

A subscription to Windsock Worldwide is highly recommended, just to prevent the chance of missing an issue, but if one were to limit their purchase to one issue, then Vol. 27, No. 6 November-December 2011 is a must. Thanks to Albatros Productions, LTD and to IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review this outstanding publication.