Picked up "Stringbag"; a Modellers guide to the art of WWI aircraft at todays Dutch IPMS Nationals (ESM).
I paid 25€ for it. It's written by Jeroen Veen and Flip Hendrickx (whom I think frequents this forum?)
What it is: a well-published, easily read guide to finishing techniques used on WWI aircraft models, like diverse methods of wood graining, painting techniques, etc etc. Things are explained with excellent photo's and some step-by-step tutorioals, both within the builds featured and in between them.
The pictures are excellent throughout, and some techniques (like wing shading) are shown (and explained) slightly overdone to make them more visible or understandable.
For seasoned WWI modellers I'm not sure if there is a lot of news, (though the method of doing the Roland D.VIa black fuselage is quite interesting) but if you are like me and like the construction part, but always struggle with the paint, decals and finish, this book is a great help with some easy to use techniques. I think this is the target-audience, too.
What I especially like is that it's nearly all done with "standard" modelling supplies, so you don't have to get brand X's engine grime wash, brand Y's anti-desintegration PE bender or Z's "how-could-you-ever-have-done-without it" Woodgrain brush.
What it is not: a step-by-step full build guide. Some construction tips and aids are given, construction is shown, but that's about it. I'd estimate 90% is about painting, decalling, finishing and (subtle!) weathering, which given that it only feature Wingut Wings models, isn't a bad thing I guess. The subtitle is clear enough in that regard on what you can expect.
What I also appreciate is that slipups or small goofs are mentioned. If Flip hadn't written about the missing spark plug wire on the W.29 I'd never have noticed...
Some points to note, though, though these are mostly nitpicks and don't interfere in any way, but me being me (I always seem to spot the errors in movies, too...) some quick things I noticed after not even reading the whole book. The picture on page 35 with its caption is repeated (larger) on page 36.
In the introduction it's written there is a Morane N build in there, but it's not, and not in the index as well.
Some other textual nitpicks are the different ways in different builds of naming the Daimer-Mercedes engines (Daimler-Benz, Mercedes, Daimler-Mercedes) and Benz engines are sometimes referred to as Mercedes; the mutual agreement wasn't signed until 1924 and the merger itself in 1926.
The Liberty engine of the DH9a is sometimes referred to as an Eagle, one time it is a 12-Valve engine, and another the correct V12.
Like I said, these are mostly nitpicks, but I do feel that these errors would not be that hard to catch? (it took me about 2 hours)
Personally I really like the book, there are some tips and techniques in there I'd really like to try.
Like I wrote, for seasoned WWI modellelers there won't be as much as for me, lousy painter that I am ;-)
I really look forward to trying some of those techniques on my WNW D.VII!
Jeroen
PS there are some sample pages on the WNW site.
