Albatros Productions, Ltd

Windsock Datafile #55 Brandenburg W29

by  P. M. Grosz

Reviewed By  Clare Wentzel, IPMS# 1096

MSRP: £12.50 from the publisher. (~$19.35) Website: www.windsockdatafilespecials.co.uk This is a reprint of Windsock's long out-of-print datafile on the interesting Brandenburg W 29. This low-wing monoplane, two-seat, twin-float seaplane provided the German Navy with a fighter-bomber that easily bested the competition at the time. The aircraft was a very interesting, innovative and good-looking aircraft for World War I. The author of the book is Peter M. Grosz, a world-renowned expert on German Aircraft. The Hansa-Brandenburg Company (commonly referred to as Brandenburg) under the technical direction of Ernst Heinkel developed a series of floatplanes for the German Navy during World War One. This culminated in the W 29, which was produced in quantity along with its more-powerful derivatives. By war's end, over three hundred were ordered and two hundred and nine were delivered. The Brandenburg was also license-built for the Austro-Hungarian Navy as well as in Denmark, Finland, Latvia, Norway and Japan. This 34-page book contains 50 large black and white photos, six black-and-white profiles, three-color profiles and a color illustration for the front cover. While the W 29 was well known and was built in quantity, few photos still exist of the airplane. The author has done a great job of digging up photos that illustrate this interesting airplane. Over six pages are devoted to 1/72 and 1/48 scale drawings of the airplane including early and late variations and three pages contain reprints from Brandenburg factory drawings. The photos include some great shots of the front and rear cockpits. Two pages are devoted to a discussion of the camouflage and markings of the W 29. The printed lozenge fabric is illustrated and the colors are provided. Colors are defined in Methuen and where applicable, FS 595a references. Finally, Ray Rimell, editor of the Windsock series as included a listing of Brandenburg W 29 kits. The list is up-to-date and includes the latest Wingnut kit. This book is well recommended for all aviation enthusiasts and modelers who are fans of World War One and/or floatplanes. The author has done a fantastic job of digging out as much information as possible about these aircraft. Modelers should grab this reprint of this great reference book while it is available. A big thank you to Albatros Productions Ltd. for providing the sample for review. This book and other Datafiles can be purchased directly from the publisher on their website as listed above. Incidentally, the service from Albatros is very good. I recently ordered a couple of books from them via the Internet and received them within five days. These books are also available from many hobby shops, aviation booksellers and some contest vendors. Well recommended.