AICHI HANSA W.33 by Chema Martinez “From the North Sea to the Rising Sun” Designed by Ernst Heinkel one evening on the back of a cabaret wine list, the Hansa-Brandenburg W.29 was essentially an evolved version of the earlier W.12. With improved performance — thanks to reduced drag from a 50% wing reduction — it owed its strength to the rigid float and strut layout. It proved to be a worthy successor to the W.12 in its role of patrolling the North Sea and harassing RNAS seaplanes and British surface vessels. The aircraft later reached Japan as the *Hansa-Shiki Suijo Teisatsuki* — Navy Type Hansa Reconnaissance Seaplane — with between 156 and 310 units produced. It was powered by a Mitsubishi Type Hi (a licensed Hispano-Suiza) V-12, liquid-cooled engine generating between 170 and 210 HP. The “Navy Type Hansa” was built based on the Hansa-Brandenburg W.33, which Japan had received from Germany as part of its post–World War I reparation quota. The modifications to the original design were carried out by Nakajima, while the construction was shared between Nakajima and Aichi. By 1922, the Imperial Japanese Navy had decided to adopt this aircraft for series production. The original design by Dr. Ernst Heinkel was considered structurally advanced and delivered excellent performance. To better meet Japanese operational requirements, several changes were made in the domestic production versions. By 1922, the Imperial Japanese Navy had decided to adopt this aircraft for series production. The original design by Dr. Ernst Heinkel was considered structurally advanced and delivered excellent performance. To better meet Japanese operational requirements, several changes were made in the domestic production versions. Pilots, however, were not particularly fond of the Hansa, criticizing its handling, poor directional control, and limited visibility, among other shortcomings. These aircraft were the first reconnaissance seaplanes carried aboard the battleship *Nagato*, starting in 1926. Many remained in service until around 1927–1928, when they were replaced by the Yokosho and Nakajima Type 14 and Type 15 reconnaissance seaplanes. Once retired, some surplus Hansas were converted into single-passenger civilian transports by Japan Air Transport Research. The Idea: This model was built using the Wingnut Wings 1/32 Hansa-Brandenburg as a base. I reworked the entire nose section and replaced the engine with a 1/32 Roden Hispano-Suiza. The wings also feature several modifications. My original plan was to build one of the German versions offered in the kit, but while researching online, I noticed that all models of this aircraft looked surprisingly similar. That led me to search for something different. I discovered a Finnish version fitted with skis — in similar colors — and a Japanese version in white. The Japanese one instantly captivated me. Though information was scarce, I found enough to bring it to life. I knew the work ahead would be demanding but exciting: rebuilding the front section, replacing the engine, creating homemade stencils for the markings — all the perfect challenges to keep my enthusiasm high. AICHI HANSA W.33 AICHI HANSA W.33 by Chema Martinez AICHI HANSA W.33 by Chema Martinez AICHI HANSA W.33 by Chema Martinez AICHI HANSA W.33 by Chema Martinez AICHI HANSA W.33 by Chema Martinez “Sometimes, chasing a lesser-known story gives life to a model that feels truly unique — that’s where passion meets history.” — Chema M.
RE.8 HARRY TATE
RE.8 HARRY TATE by Chema Martinez “The Eyes of the Great War” The RE.8 was a British two-seat biplane used for reconnaissance and bombing missions during the First World War. It was designed by John Kenworthy to replace the more vulnerable BE2. The RE.8, however, proved harder to fly, and at first, it was met with reluctance by the Royal Flying Corps. Although it eventually provided reasonably satisfactory service, it was never considered an outstanding combat aircraft. Despite its limitations, the RE.8 became the standard British reconnaissance and artillery observation aircraft from mid-1917 until the end of the war. More than 4,000 units were produced, serving in nearly all theatres — including Italy, Russia, Palestine, Mesopotamia, and, of course, the Western Front. The Model: This 1/32 scale model by Wingnut Wings is, as usual for the brand, a superb kit with exceptional attention to detail. It offers five different marking options and consists of 295 plastic parts and 15 photo-etched pieces. The engine itself is a miniature model, beautifully designed, and the instruction manual — complete with clear photos — guides the build perfectly step by step. RE.8 HARRY TATE by Chema Martinez RE.8 HARRY TATE by Chema Martinez RE.8 HARRY TATE by Chema Martinez RE.8 HARRY TATE by Chema Martinez RE.8 HARRY TATE by Chema Martinez RE.8 HARRY TATE by Chema Martinez “Some aircraft may not have shined in combat, but they carried the silent duty of observation — and that, too, deserves to be remembered.” — Chema M.
FE.2B EARLY
FE.2B EARLY by Chema Martinez “The Project That Took Flight” 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. FE.2B EARLY by Chema Martinez FE.2B EARLY by Chema Martinez FE.2B EARLY by Chema Martinez FE.2B EARLY by Chema Martinez FE.2B EARLY by Chema Martinez FE.2B EARLY by Chema Martinez “Some projects begin as ideas, but end up becoming journeys — this one truly made me fly further as a modeler.” — Chema M.
DH9A NAPIER 1/32
DH9A NAPIER 1/32 “You Shall Go and Return” DH.9A from the Sahara Squadron. Note on the tail the camel, the unit’s emblem, which operated in the Sahara for a brief period in 1928 before being replaced by Breguet aircraft adapted for desert operations. The commander of the Sahara Squadron during the DH.9A period was the decorated Captain Martínez Ramírez. On this aircraft, one can see a swastika painted on the fuselage — a personal marking used by pilots of various nationalities, as this symbol still lacked any political meaning at that time. The enigmatic swastika emblem that the de Havilland “Napiers” carried on their fuselage has sparked much curiosity. In a letter dated January 15th, 1974, Colonel (later General) Jesús Montesinos wrote: _I served on the Napiers in Africa in 1927, and they had magnificent engines — extremely reliable, they never failed. That’s why they bore the swastika, which, mythologically speaking, means something like “You shall go and return.” The crews, therefore, were confident they would complete every mission entrusted to them; they would never be left stranded. The camel insignia was carried by the Sahara DH.9 Squadron, as well as by later units, remaining in use as a unit emblem throughout the 1940s. This model was built using the Wingnut Wings DH.9A 1/32 scale kit. To represent the Spanish version, the entire nose section had to be rebuilt, and a 1/32 scale 450 hp Napier Lion engine was scratch-built from zero. The central fuel tank of the upper wing and the upper generators were also constructed from scratch. DH9A NAPIER 1/32 DH9A NAPIER 1/32 DH9A NAPIER 1/32 DH9A NAPIER 1/32 DH9A NAPIER 1/32 DH9A NAPIER 1/32 “You shall go and return’ — a phrase that captures the spirit of those who always trusted their wings.” — Chema M.
Scale modeling with soul—focused on WWI aircraft and the craft behind every build.
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