A brand-new model kit manufacturer, Wingnut Wings, has exploded onto the scene with four spectacular kits of 1/32 scale World War I aircraft. Opening this LVG C.VI for the first time is an exciting experience - there are seven separately bagged sprues, a small sheet of photoetched metal, and four box-sized sheets of decals with upper and lower lozenge camouflage, three different colors of rib tapes, and aircraft markings. Also included is an exquisite instruction manual that is almost a stand-alone reference for the kit, with color detail photos of the actual aircraft, period shots including close-ups, and color profiles detailing the five sets of markings. The kit exudes high quality, and it translates into a wonderful build experience. All parts fit exceptionally well; the only filler required anywhere on the kit is the lower join between the fuselage lower surface and the tail. Options include different rear guns, exhausts, and props, additional vents, and an additional compass.
The CAD-based instructions are generally excellent, but the rigging of the internal runs for the control wires is not very clear and the kit does not include mounts - a surprising omission considering all rigging wires are pre-formed in the fuselage and flying surfaces.
Construction of the interior is straightforward with plenty of detail, but it takes some time to paint. Actually, to build this kit you really need to
like to paint - Wingnut's engineering makes the building easy, so painting and decaling are the main challenges. The only fit problem I had was mounting the spare magazines by the gunner's seat - they don't quite clear when mounted as shown, so I angled mine slightly.
Fuselage construction is quick and trouble-free. Painting of the wood grain required for most of the five options is easy and fun using the color-photo instructions provided in the kit.
The 21-part engine is a model unto itself. Wingnut supplies two sets of pistons - one with pushrods molded on, the other needing their addition. I chose the marked-out option of separate pushrods made from .018" stainless-steel wire.
Wing construction is easy enough; the main challenges are rigging and lozenge decals. I applied decals to the entire lower wing and the lower half of the upper wing. The lozenge decals, printed by Carpena of Italy, are outstanding. Pay attention to the direction of the lozenge application shown in the instructions - this is another area that could have been clearer for a lozenge neophyte like me.
After many painting and decaling sessions, and many, many hours, the LVG was ready for final assembly and rigging, a job made easier by the molded rigging mounts. I used nylon monofilament for all except the center section wires, which are stretched sprue.
After this big biplane was complete, I felt a little let down because the experience had ended. I haven't had this much fun building a kit in a long while. Wingnut has done an outstanding job producing a well-detailed, accurate kit that is still very buildable by a reasonably experienced modeler. Keep these new releases coming!
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