Wingnut Wings scale model kits - are they really that good?

Over recent years there's been a lot of hype about expensive Wingnut Wings model kits. Are they worth it? I took the plunge and started building my first ever WNW kit, and there are some pretty eye-opening results - it's not like building a standard, out of the box scale model kit. I discuss the quality of WNW plastic, decals, construction, printed references and instructions, and whether these really make the kits worth the cost.

******* CONNECT WITH ME *******

[kgqzx]

I’m a Huge Wingnut Wings Fan.
I have several kits I’ve collected and build them when I can...the manuals are almost collectors items themselves...such a nice compliment to an already impressive product. The main reason I’ve built up a collection is that I’ve noticed in the past, if you wait until you finish a kit before buying the next one you want...it is sold out! Then they sell higher on the secondary market. But I want to build mine eventually. They are pricey but you do get what you pay for.
Wonderful review and thanks for posting.
Kind Regards,
Pat

[phayzyre]

Here's my 2
As long as these kits are accurately detailed, come with instructions that have been well researched, contain resin/photoetched parts that are usually found as aftermarket and are free of fit issues (including ejector pin marks in places where they shouldn't be) I don't have no problem spending a little extra cash on kits such as these.
However, I DO NOT want to end up like I did with that Trumpeter 1/32 F-105D kit years ago where I spent $100 (US) on the kit and had to spent nearly $130 more on aftermarket accessories, most notably to fix erroneous shape issues! ANY kit that costs around $100 +/- in my opinion should be 100% accurate and you should NOT have to buy a plethora of pricey resin detail sets to fix it. As long as everything is fine in that respect I don't mind paying that price.

[TROOP]

When a kit is so good that you get phrases like ‘world of pain’ and ‘bite you in the bum’ don’t put you off wanting to build it....the enthusiasm of the builder just pulls you in and keeps you smiling (and yes I am anally retentive when it comes to detailing! 😂). awesome review! Many thanks, not enjoyed a YT build video so much in ages!

[kevinm]

Wingnut Wings models are some of the best quality models ever made! I have built a number of them and have never had a fit issue or needed to use filler. May be why they cost so much but I guess it depends on what value you put on your sanity and piece of mind if they are worth it...;)

[rarejer]

An enjoyable review. I love your comparison to taking a test in your favourite subject. I get it! 3 years ago I bought Eduard photoetch and also scratchbuilt parts for a Trumpeter 1/35th steam locomotive. Took over 3 months, I did things never before attempted and think it my best work so far. Over 750 parts. I'll keep your enthusiastic recommendation in mind. First, a few motorcycles, 1/12 Tamiya JPS Lotus, and such. Cheers, mate! Thanks!

[garyparker]

OUTRAGEOUS Details Dave, Freaking Awesome Work Brother, I be watching for more Updates For Sure, God Bless All

[kidsnosleep]

WOW, We are on similar tangents my friend...just started building a WNW SE5a first of September, my first Wingnut kit. Mouldings are superb, details screaming to be embellished, instructions like a small novel, individually packed sprue trees and box work top notch. I agree they make you WANT to build it better than other kits. They lend themselves to super detailing and it seems to be the norm with those that build them. It lives up to the hype in my mind. I was slightly disappointed in the engine sprue trees leaving excess on mating surfaces when cut off, but it was easily cleaned away. I found the instructions difficult to follow as not numbered steps, lots of pictures/diagrams and mine didn’t read left to right. You really have to pay attention to what you are doing in the instructions or you can bypass parts, steps easily. They are lovely model kits, second to none

[davidolie]

When I look at this and then think back to the 1/32 Eindekker kit I built back in the late '70s, my mind is blown. I will say what I've said a few times since I got back into this hobby: "They sure have changed this game since I used to play." Looking forward to the rest of your build.

[lancecaldwell]

The Fokker scourge strikes again. Wow. I'm a detail man as you probably guessed. This hits it out of the park. You did very well in presenting that gem. After all is said and done, you will have a kit that is museum quality. Well done Dave. Looking forward to seeing it fly. Cheers mate.

[bugler]

Wow, Wingnut Wing models are so fine! And your modeling skills are fantastic! It’ll be several years before I’d attempt one of these! Great to see you back too Dave 😊

[roberthenderson]

I've built about 10 WNW kits and loved every one.  I did learn a couple of lessons like...I put a ton of effort into building and detailing an interior.  Sure enough...when the fuselage was buttoned up you couldn't see any of the detail.  Oh well, I know it's there.

[HarryHoudiniModels]

You are right they can be challenging to build but also encourage you to improve your modelling skill set... I’ve completed the interior on my Wingnut Wings W.12 but just haven’t got back to the rest. Maybe it is that mind set of “I must do this justice and can’t just throw it together”.

[thethirdman]

So sad I missed these kits. 😢 I wasn’t even aware of what they were doing because I was out of modelling for many years. Now, in February, 2023, there are virtually none left and the ones sold on eBay are going at premium prices.

I wish some big company would buy the moulds.

[wrightflyer]

+Dave's Model Workshop: I have the Fokker D.VII F that I purchased directly from Wingnut Wings about three or four years ago. Haven't built it yet but have gone through the sprues with a fine toothed comb. Wow! I've been building aircraft models since the 1950s and I can honestly say I have never seen such a beautiful and well engineered kit! Thank you for your excellent review.

[patrickrobinson-mhjw]

In my opinion they are top notch kits built over 20 of them hope to build more if they survive this trouble that has
hit them

[usssaratogacvlefevre]

Man that's a lot of fine detail. Know you well do it justice.

[bobdyer]

The pit may have been "Nerve wracking" but your patience paid of in spades. Between Peter Jackson's dedication to the full size WWI AC and his models, I think the aviation and modeling world will be praising him for a long time to come. I'm not a WWI model builder, BUT, the Albatross is on my list and either a Spad or SE will join my stash. Beautiful work, and can't wait to see the rest of the build. Great work Dave!

[modelcitizen]

I loved that honest appraisal and some spot on comparisons with exams in a subject you love! Man I‘m standing outside the exam room(s) - I have six WnW kits in the stash as we speak – at least you‘ve entered one them! Good to hear that Mr Houdini has taken up the mantel too! Good on ya both. Looking forward to seeing what you antipodean cousins come up. Brilliant. Dave.

[tpaul]

I have a couple Wingnut kits in my pile. Working up the nerve to start one. Yours looks great so far Dave. Keep on plugging at it

[incrediblefruit]

Love it and it's the first time i've ever had to go to 1080 to actually see the level of detail that sadly my old sausage fingers wouldn't be able to accomplish anymore 😪