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Albatros Productions |
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Windsock Datafiles #115 Bristol Fighter by L.A. Rogers |
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Reviewed By Paul Bradley, #35554 |
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MSRP: £10.50 GBP Albatros Productions Ltd 10 Long View, Chiltern Park Estate Berkhamsted, Herts, HP4 1BY www.windsockdatafilespecials.com The Bristol Fighter, or “Biff” as it was known during World War I, was perhaps the best two-seat fighter ever produced. Entering service in 1917, the “Biff” was fast, maneuverable and well-armed. So versatile was this type that it lasted in RAF service until the early 1930’s in the colonial policing role. Recent interest in the type has been engendered by the Roden and Eduard 1/48th scale kits, both of which will yield a terrific model. The latest in the ongoing series of World War I aircraft monographs, this slim volume covers the Bristol Fighter in RAF/RFC squadron service, giving a brief history of each unit’s use of the type, then detailing the markings used by those squadrons on their “Biffs.” Those looking for a more detailed history or technical description of the type should refer to Windsock’s previous two-part Datafile Special, both of which are still available from Albatros. Each squadron is illustrated by photographs. These do vary in quality (remember that photography was quite recent in WWI.), but as the author states, they are included because there are none better and also that cameras were officially forbidden on active service. Given this, the quality of photos is actually quite remarkable and most are very useful indeed. Backing up these photos are three pages of color profiles illustrating the squadron markings in detail. Three pages in the center of the book are devoted to a set of 1/48 scale plans and scratch detail drawings, plus a set of detail photos that are very helpful. This monograph will be especially useful to those looking for alternative markings for their Roden or Eduard models; I particularly liked the fish scheme used on post-war training aircraft as illustrated on page 23. I understand that this is now available as a decal set, though I cannot remember who has released them. This is a worthwhile publication, though as I stated before, its coverage is limited and those looking for more detail on other aspects of the Bristol Fighter would do well to purchase the afore mentioned Windsock Datafile Specials. However, I can certainly recommend it to those anticipating building a Bristol Fighter. This monograph is obtainable as a single copy or by subscription for the Datafile series from Albatros Publications. Call (44) 01442 875838 for details and to order, or visit their website at www.windsockdatafilespecials.com for pricing details. Our sincere thanks to Albatros for the review sample. |
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