Superb levels of detail
Levels of detail are superb and highly appropriate for 1:32 scale. The open cockpit will allow all that cockpit interior to be seen and admired. The engine will look superb when painted and weathered as much of it can be shown open. This is definitely one of the many highlights in this kit – high levels of detail, crisp clean moulding – you just want to start cutting and building it!!
The fuselage has the moulded in detail work – look at that amazing ‘saw-tooth’ leading edge detail on the tailplanes – incredible.
No less than four different prop blades are included (although 8 are included but the instructions say 4 aren’t to be used), depending on the version you are interested in building, but more of the excellent choice of decals later.
The wings have excellent ribbed detail moulded in and if you check out any of SMN’s builds you’ll see just how well this can be painted and weathered to create a realistic effect by other members of the SMN Review Team.
Photo etch and MGs
These are another highlight, especially as the perforated cooling jackets for the guns are included on the PE set – nice touch. Even the crew handguns for the cockpit are beautifully delicate (see photos) and so you may well want to use what’s provided rather than going elsewhere for brass replacements.
Clear parts
The small windscreen and clear parts are crystal clear and blemish-free.
Instructions
The Wingnut Wings (WW) instruction booklet is one of the big highlights with any WW kit and this one is no exception – quite superb. Full colour illustration and diagrams give very clear instructions as to where everything goes. Good use is made of different colours to make identification and placement of all parts – and rigging later in the book, straightforward.
There are also several period images in black and white and these give a very clear steer as to weathering possibilities later in the project. Add to that the all colour walkaround images covering all aspects of the airframe and you have a five-star guide to completing your WW DFW C.V Mid Production aircraft.
Decals
There are multiple (5) options on the decal sheet; all are excellent as are the decals if a little thick. Colour density looks good as does accuracy with some fantastically colourful markings for each option leaving you no choice but to create a stunner that will stand out on any club or competition table.
Summary
There is no doubt that Eduard are pioneering some superb WWI models in 1:48 scale – Revell has some perhaps surprisingly good ones in 1:72 but when it comes to 1:32, Wingnut Wings takes the prize. The whole package is available post-free from Wingnut Wings at a staggering US$ 99.00 (around £62.00), amazing value for money. These models are available from Hannants in the UK, but check the pricing first to make sure you get the best price and service.
Geoff C.
SMN Quick summary Star rating out of 5
| FEATURE | STAR RATING (out of five) |
|---|---|
| Quality of moulding | ***** |
| Accuracy | ***** |
| Level of detail | ***** |
| Instructions | ***** |
| Decals | **** |
| Subject choice | ***** |
| Overall | ***** |