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Book Review
Windsock Datafiles
Echoes from the past.
  • Windsock Datafiles

by: Stephen T. Lawson [ JACKFLASH ]

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.

Click here for additional images for this review.

SUMMARY
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.
  HISTORY INFO:97%
  PHOTO REFERENCES:95%
  COLUR REFERENCES:96%
Percentage Rating
96%
  Scale: Other
  Mfg. ID: 1-131
  Suggested Retail: Varies
  Related Link: Lists of available volumes
  PUBLISHED: Nov 23, 2008
  NATIONALITY: United Kingdom
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 90.97%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 83.35%

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 ...

Copyright ©2021 text by Stephen T. Lawson [ JACKFLASH ]. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AeroScale. All rights reserved.



Comments

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 .
NOV 23, 2008 - 03:20 AM
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.
NOV 23, 2008 - 09:45 AM
Do you happen to know if I could still get the one on the Felixstowe? I searched and could not find one still available. Thanks Kelly
NOV 23, 2008 - 10:16 AM
Check the Datafile #82. Also it looks like a Part of Poland fret is available.
NOV 24, 2008 - 08:25 AM
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 ?
NOV 24, 2008 - 08:36 AM
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
NOV 24, 2008 - 02:09 PM
Terri, The web page is thru jadar models LINK the one you want is S72-221 later, Kelly
NOV 24, 2008 - 02:15 PM
Thanks for the link Kelly , I found some other Pe sets to pick up as well . Will place my order in this week !
NOV 24, 2008 - 03:16 PM
   
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