Windsock Datafile 136

Dornier Flying boats

by Ray Rimell

Reviewed by Rob Baumgartner

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Claudius Dornier was not afraid to be controversial.

It was he who produced some of the most revolutionary designs seen in World War One. His huge flying boats were one such example and these all metal affairs were quite different to anything around at the time.

Ray Rimell has taken it upon himself to describe these behemoths and does an excellent job in the Datafile’s usual 34 page format. There are 70 black and white photographs and most have been published here for the first time. The layout of the publication is a good canvas for these as it allows the images to be reproduced for maximum detail.

The text starts with the Rs.I of 1914 and continues through to the Rs.IV which introduced the trademark Dornier sponsons for the first time. This was a feature designed to reduce the weight, size and drag of the hull. It’s all explained in the easy to read narrative, where the author doesn’t make the mistake of getting bogged down in technical jargon.

No Datafile is complete without the obligatory plans feature. Due to the size of these aircraft, the general arrangement drawings come in the smaller sizes of 1:144 and 1:72 scales. They cover the Dornier Rs.I, Rs.II (early and late form), Rs.III, and Rs.IV No.8801. None other than George Haddow supplies these and as a bonus we also get contemporary 1918 ZWR.3 (1431) SVK drawings.

A colours and markings section completes the story along with a table that compares the specifications of the 5 aircraft types covered. Ronny Bar makes a contribution with 3 excellent colour profiles and Robert Karr compliments this with his evocative cover painting.

For those that purchased Datafile 131 “Junkers Monoplanes at War”, the missing 1:48 scale D.I underside view is presented here along with the corrected aileron scrap views for the CL.I.

Conclusion

Many will remember the pioneering work done by George Haddow and Peter Grosz in Putman’s “The German Giants” book, first published in 1962.

This Datafile builds on the Dornier component and presents the information is a manner that is both interesting and easy to digest. The collection of photographs is extraordinary and the updated scale plans make it a worthwhile acquisition for all lovers of these “gentle giants”.

Thanks to Albatros Productions for the review sample

Review Copyright © 2009 by Rob Baumgartner
This Page Created on 29 August, 2009
Last updated 31 August, 2009

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