JHmodels offers two different wooden stands, sometimes called “jigs,” that look similar to one another. A major difference, however, is that the item described in this review is for biplanes while the previously reviewed product, (No. 4801) is primarily used for monoplanes. There is an easy way to remember the difference….. No. 4801 is for a single wing and No. 4802 is for 2 wings. The other wooden stand, No. 4801, is reviewed at http://web.ipmsusa3.org/content/wooden-stand-building-painting-and-tran…

This product (4802) has more parts and looks more complicated than the single-wing stand (4801). That being said, this jig took about 45 minutes to assemble, and I did it, as any true modeler would appreciate, without using the instructions to any great extent. Of course, I had previously assembled product 4801 and had gained some experience with it which probably allowed for faster assembly on No. 4802.

That having been said, this jig, in fact, is more complex than No.4801. The braces and support arms that provide the resting surfaces for the kit’s wings are adjustable in two important dimensions. The wing support arms can be adjusted at varied heights above the base of the stand. The angle at which the wing support arms can be set also varies well beyond the actual angle of attack that the model wings will need to set at when the model is constructed. In simple terms, the stand can be adjusted to fit every biplane that I’ve ever built. It is also helpful that there are measurement grids printed on the jig parts that will significantly aid the modeler in getting the components of the jig adjusted to hold the model in correct alignment.

This product can be used for larger aircraft in 72nd scale, although working on something like a SPAD or an Albatros in 72nd scale might present a challenge. I cannot think of a 1/48th biplane that this product cannot accommodate, and that includes single-seat fighters up to larger multi-engine biplanes. I mounted some of my previously completed 1/32nd biplanes on the stand and found that there were no fit issues. In fact, in the accompanying images, the Sopwith Camel seen in the image is a 32nd scale kit.

Straight out of the package, the parts are held in a wooden “fret” that will remind one of PE frets that hold the parts in place with very small connecting tabs. These tabs can be cut with a hobby knife, popping the parts out of the wooden fret quickly and easily. Once the parts have been removed from the frets, one will need to do a little assembly.

Assembly took under an hour and is easily achieved using a sharp hobby knife, a cross head screwdriver (a.k.a., Phillips Head), a pair of scissors, super glue, and a few clamps. The clamps were used to squeeze the “sandwich” parts of the four posts together while the glue set up. Unlike the other wooden stand offered by JHmodels (No. 4801), this product uses wing nuts. Using wing nuts is important, as it makes adjusting the angle of the support arms a much easier task.

This jig will prove to be a highly useful tool for those who model bi-winged aircraft. The jig will hold the fuselage and wings tightly but gently in the correct alignment while assembly and rigging are taking place.

This product is highly recommended for its adjustability, strength, ease of use, and flexibility in how it is used. Thanks to UMM-USA for supplying this product to IPMS for review.