I received this in the post a day or two back, so I thought I'd share the 'unboxing' with my fellow iModelers!
The kit is the first of a new WNW collection that allows the modeller to build aircraft associated with a particular famous (or infamous) flyer. These kits come with a figurine of the airman in question.
Other airmen and their aircraft in this 'collection' due for release before Christmas (October in Europe I believe) are:
Max Immelmann - Fokker E.II
Lanoe Hawker - AMC DH2
Raymond Collishaw - Sopwith Triplane
All of these kits are based on sprues from previously available, but now sold out Wingnut Wings models.
The Richthofen kit affords the builder the opportunity to choose one of five aircraft flown by ' The Red Baron':
Essentially this is a concept kit, built around the sprues of the previously released WNW Albatros D.V. For those who missed out on the original version (long sold out) or who didn't wish to make the considerable investment in the "Jasta 5 Green Tail" triple pack (also now sold out), this is another opportunity to fill their WNW gap with an iconic aircraft - or to find the decals from the older sets if Manfred von Richthofen isn't to their liking!
Once opened, the box reveals the usual high quality WNW booklet.
All sprues are individually bagged, as are clear parts and photo-etch.
Decals are beautifully made from designs by Malcolm Laird of Ventura Decals fame.
Some are 'pre weathered', many are cut to shape. Notably there are 'bonus' decals for two other MvR planes - an Albatros DIII and the Fokker Dr1 Triplane. These are for use with the Roden kits of these planes. I'm not sure why they are included, other than as a 'kind gesture' - I will put mine in the spares box for use at a (much) later date, if ever! I'm sure many will be holding their breath for a WNW Dr1!
In no particular order, sprues A to E, are of high quality and the high level of detail associated with the brand.
The figurine is well detailed in white plastic - which is very 'light' and comes with pre-attached handling 'rods' that will please the figure painters, I'm sure! Photos of the figurine as painted by John Belcher are presented as a guide.
The instructions offer fantastic detail in full colour to guide painting and construction. They also contain a great number of photos of the original aircraft and of course von Richthofen, generally from the 1914-18 Aviation Heritage Trust. Excellent colour profiles by Ronny Bar are included to guide painting. Full credits are given to the team that designed and realised the concept and kit at the end of the booklet.
And that is where I am going to leave this until 2019! It is a fantastic thing, and I am excited to have one in the cupboard - however I have a lot to get done for the RAF100 group build before this project starts! My preference at the moment falls between the two aircraft shown in the last picture in this post - there is plenty of time to ponder that choice!
I hope you enjoy the pictures!
