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Albatros Productions |
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Sopwith 2F1 Camel Datafile No. 6 Sopwith F.1 Camel Datafile No. 26 by |
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Reviewed By Clarence Wentzel, #11478 |
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Most modelers that I know seem to collect almost as much
reference material as they do “to be built” model kits. One problem that
we encounter is that the best reference material may be long out of print
when that new, latest kit is released. We then have to scramble around to
beg, borrow but preferably not steal the references. The good people at Albatros Productions Ltd., publishers of the Windsock Datafile series are well aware of this phenomenon. Their renowned series of monographs, sought after by all fans of World War One aircraft, have been published since the late ’80s. From time to time, early volumes have been reprinted and I am sure that there are always a number of enthusiasts asking them to “Please, PLEASE reprint number ___”. With the pending release of a number of new Sopwith Camel kits, Albatros have responded to their fans and have reprinted not only their definitive F.1 Camel datafile, but also their earlier datafile that covers the 2F.1 naval version. As is the practice of Albatros, these monographs include a number of excellent photos providing detail and marking information for the aircraft, some color profiles, general color and marking information and excellent 1/72 and 1/48 scale 5-view drawings. The 2F.1 book consists of twenty pages plus the covers. The F.1 book has thirty-six pages plus the covers and reflects not only the broader subject but also the content improvements that were added in the time between the initial publication of the two books. For example, the latter book includes cockpit information, a number of added “walk around” type photos and a cut-away drawing to help with rigging etc. Both books are written by J. M. Bruce, noted World War One aircraft historian.
Both of these books are well recommended as excellent reference material for anyone interested in the Sopwith Camel. Although the F.1 book has more information, I was particularly attracted to the 2F.1 book. It shows how the Camel was split in two for easy storage onboard ships, plus lots of shipboard trial photos. These books have been reprinted in limited quantities so anyone interested in these aircraft should get these books while they are again available.
These books can be obtained from the publisher for £12.00 each or from various aviation specific bookstores. Albatros can be contacted at their web site, http://www.windsockdatafilespecials.com. A source in the US is Wise Owl who carry these books for $21 and $22. |
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