The July/August 2012 issue of WINDSOCK Worldwide continues to demonstrate why the periodical can be relied upon to deliver accurate reference material for model builders interested in World War I aviation. The cover features a Ronny Barr profile of SE5a F8983 of No. 85 Squadron, RAF in 1918 and a photo of Lance Krieg's 1/48 Roden RAF SE5a to hint at what’s inside. Before getting to the main articles, the issue kicks off with an extended Reader’s Gallery that features three outstanding models: a 1:4 scale AMC DH1, a 1:5 scale Bristol Boxkite and a 1/32 scale Fokker F.I. Next up is the FRONTLINE NEWS column, followed by LOGBOOK ENTRIES that presents reviews of five new WWI books/journals. Following that, Lance Krieg continues his ‘Modelling Master Class’ with Chapter Seven: Armament, Pt. 2 – a six-page feature that describes the Schwarzlose, Parabellum, and Lewis guns, ways to improve various kit-supplied and aftermarket miniature aircraft armament, and how to cast additional parts when necessary. He also covers modeling bombs, drum holders, ammunition belts, torpedoes, and rockets. This valuable installment of his ongoing series includes 46 photos that illustrate the topic very well for modelers in all scales. It is the necessary compliment to Chapter Seven: Armament, Pt. 1 in the last issue.

Further on, Lance take the reader through how he built the Roden 1/48 scale Wolseley Viper-powered SE.5a pictured on the cover, pointing out the kit’s high points and lows. It’s the kind of review I like to consult when planning to build a kit that I am not familiar with. He includes twenty-five photos in the 4-page article to illustrate the many details he discusses. But, before getting to that, in the regular feature ON THE TRANSFER LIST, Ray Rimell describes six new decal sets recently released in 1/32 and 1/48 scale.

The center spread subject of the RARA AVIS in this issue is the Morane Saulnier Type ANS (MoS 34C.2) with text and four period photos that accompany Ian Stair’s typically excellent 3-view drawings in 1/72 and 1/48 scale of this 1919 aircraft.

Ray Rimell then jumps into the subject of authentic WWI colors and markings in a four-page feature titled FABRIC/COLOURED THINKING. He acknowledges that in doing so, he is climbing on a soapbox and offering his observations, opinions, and conclusions about what often stirs up emotions and hard-to-change attitudes of the self appointed experts who seem ready to take on anyone who advance an opinion other than their own. Author Rimell’s take on the subject makes for some very interesting reading and the footnotes and list of sources at the conclusion make for a compelling argument…or, should I say, a well-documented position.

The next four pages are devoted to Lance Krieg’s feature titled ‘Getting the best from Roden’s SE.5a’. As noted above, this well-written build article is just the ticket for anyone who is contemplating constructing the kit. The enhanced details are impressive, and the color photos of various steps in the build and of the finished model are proof that Lance knows his subject very well and how to make the most of the kit.

Following that, the KITBAG column offers up reviews of five kits in 1/144, 1/72, and 1/48 scales. Following that, the ACCESSORIES column lists reviews of aftermarket details and new WWI colors added to the MisterKit paint line, and then THE RUDDER POST provides letters to the editor and a full-color page devoted to a valuable Nieuport Color Table. Many product and vendor advertisements populate pages throughout the issue, and the rear cover features two full-color photos of twin Vickers gun installations on a Sopwith 7F1 Snipe.

There should be plenty within this issue to sustain most WWI builders until issue Vol.28, No.5 is ready to mail.

I recommend Windsock Worldwide Vol.28, No.4 (as well as each one that preceded it) to anyone with a serious interest in WW I aviation and model building.

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