This project first began to take shape during my very first visit to Scale Model World Telford in 2011. While wandering among the countless stands, I came across a couple of truly amazing books about this aircraft. As a WWI enthusiast and follower of the Wingnut Wings brand, I had already heard rumors that they were planning to release this model — so, the moment I saw those books, it was clear what my next project would be.

A little over a month after returning from Telford, the New Zealand company launched the kit in two different versions: Early and Late. Unable to choose between them, I decided to buy both. That’s when this project began — one that, without a doubt, has tested every one of my modeling skills.

The Project:  Once the two kits were in my hands, I sat down comfortably on the sofa to enjoy and study both. The first step was to choose which aircraft to build. I went through all the markings and schemes from both versions, and since I felt like building a linen-colored aircraft, the Early version was the one. With the choice made, it was time to plan the build. Following the same approach as in my recent Wingnut Wings projects — and given the outstanding detail of both the interior and the engine — I decided that these two elements would be the main focus of this build.