I, like many others have been a fan of Ray Rimell's Albatros pub. Ltd. since his early years. If you are thinking of treating yourslf to hours of fun before you crack open a model box, pick up the relevant issue of the Windsock Datafile. You will find some great historical, technical and colour information. Even those who disagree on the topic of what this was or what colour that was, will tell you it begins with the reference material. Though some say they are not perfect, these same folks collect every volume they can. I have provided a few descriptions of the ones I have on my desk at this time for various projects.
Aviatik D. I by P. M. Grosz WD 45 - The first fighter aircraft designed by Austro-Hungary to enter LFT service. This heavily-illustrated book contains 35 archive photos, 30 close-ups, 9 pages of General Arrangement drawings. £6.50 - Limited Stocks.
Fokker D.VI by P. M. Grosz WD 84 - The classic D.VI biplane fighter described in detail with over 30 photos, contemporary dimensioned drawings and reports, with 8 pages of 1/48 , 1/72 scale plans with structural detail of both V.13/1 and D.VI versions. £8.95.
Macchi M.5 by Gregory Alegi WD 86 - Italy’s fabulous flying boat fighter; revised 1/48, 1/72 scale plans, 100 rare photos, plus exotic colour plates on both covers. Another sure-fire winner! £9.25.
Albatros D. I / D. II by P.M. Grosz WD100 - Totally new book on these popular early fighters. Superb new scale plans plus extra pages and 3 pages of colour profiles - a landmark title! £10.50.
Pfalz D.III by P.M. Grosz WD 107 - Brand new study of this classic fighter with over 70 photos and sketches, four pages plus 1:48 and 1:72 scale plans. Extra colour plates. £10.00.
Bristol Fighter by L.A. Rogers WD 115 - The Bristol in Squadron service with over 100 photos; extra colour profiles, unit markings, three view in 1:48 plus airframe close-ups. £10.50.
Junkers Monoplanes at war by Harry Woodman WD 131 - Over 70 rare photos, all new D.I/CL.I GAs, development sketches, colour notes and profiles, this detailed study covers J.1-J.13 WWI Junkers in great detail. £10.80.
For me, most of the enjoyment in a build is incorporating your references and the needed details. Doing something more than out of the box. Seeing images that inspire you to better scale builds. Even conveying that detail to the viewer brings a modeler a great deal of satisfaction. Looking through their pages each one tells a story. It is the echoes from the past you hear.
Highs: excellent images & information . Their list of writers is more than impressive. Factory documents and notes all give the modeler a clearer view of his build subject.Lows: availability is limited to a few outlets and Ray's Windsock factory website. Early issue line drawings are more simple.Verdict: Even on their worst day Albatros pub. puts out better references on a consistant basis than anyone I have known.
About Stephen T. Lawson (JackFlash) FROM: COLORADO, UNITED STATES
I was building Off topic jet age kits at the age of 7. I remember building my first WWI kit way back in 1964-5 at the age of 8-9. Hundreds of 1/72 scale Revell and Airfix kits later my eyes started to change and I wanted to do more detail. With the advent of DML / Dragon and Eduard I sold off my ...
Thank-you for the review on these books . Over the past few months I have been working on getting these datafiles and they are a must to have . I only know of one place thats sells them , Roll Models . Is there any where else to which some one can purchase them ?
I just might go for the subscription in the end , but I don't know if they still do that .
Roll Models is about the best place in the USA to get them. Ofherwise you can purchase direct from Ray. They have a new-er shopping cart form that seems pretty secure.
I have the datafile and is most helpful for the build . Wasn't aware that Part has a PE set for this aircraft , when did this come out ? I don't see it listed in their catalogue at all .
Do you have a link to the item ?
I did get the Part pe fret . and a couple of magazines with builds in them. now I just need the data file.
Thanks a bunch. Here is the link to one being built on the aerodrome LINK
Kelly
Oh and all the help in the world
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