Each quarter, WW I aircraft enthusiasts begin to pace back and forth, nervously waiting for the latest issue of Windsock Worldwide to show up in their mailbox or at their local hobby shop. Now, that may sound like something of an exaggeration, but is an understandable occurrence if it should happen, because Ray Rimell’s labor of love has come to be recognized all over the globe as the single best source for information about WW I aircraft model building. The latest issue, Vol. 28, No. 1, is no exception. It is stocked full of what enthusiasts and model builders are hungry for.

The front cover previews what is contained in this issue. Beginning with a full-bleed photo of New Zealand-based Vintage Aviator Ltd.’s beautiful Fokker D.VIII reproduction, readers are prepared for a feature on “Fokker Monoplanes – both ancient and modern.” But, before getting to that feature, one is sidetracked by a readers’ gallery of some of the latest builds, a Front Line News column, and four book/magazine reviews. Following this intro, Josef Scott provides a well-illustrated article on the legendary Fokker Eindeckers. Then, before reaching the Fokker D.VIII photo feature, Lance Krieg presents chapter 6 of his informative Modelling Master Class, this one focused on Major Assembly (Part 1)…AKA: Alignment. Moving further into the issue, one will encounter a piece on a Rara Avis entry on the Hanriot 3 C.1 two-seater, with a center spread of 1/72 scale plans. Next, there is a three-page report on an absolutely huge radio controlled flying scale model of a Hanriot HD.1. Finely, the reader is treated to a gorgeous, comprehensive, all-color photo feature by James Fahey of the subject of the cover photo…an accurate full-size reproduction of the Fokker D.VIII. It includes more than enough to guide most any model builder who has a D.VIII in his list of upcoming projects. The diversity in this, the first issue of 2012, doesn’t end there. There are nine kit reviews, a readers’ column titled Rudder Post, and a host of advertisements for those who are fans of WW I model aviation.

There should be plenty in this issue to sustain most everyone until Windsock Worldwide Volume 28, Number 2 is ready to mail. I recommend this issue to anyone with a serious interest in WW I aviation and model building.

My thanks to Albatros Productions and to IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review this excellent publication.