RAF RE8 at War

by Paul R. Hare

Windsock Datafile 153

Reviewed by Rob Baumgartner

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The ungainly lines of the “Harry Tate” make it one of the most recognisable RAF two-seaters to have participated in The Great War.

It served its masters well in a variety of roles including photo reconnaissance, artillery observation and even as a light bomber. Over 4000 of these work horses were built and they provided sterling service despite its design becoming obsolete partway through the conflict.

TVAL’s airworthy reproduction of the RE8 has allowed enthusiasts to gain a much better understanding of these aircraft. And with the release of the Wingnut Wings example in 1:32 scale last year, the timing couldn’t be better for Albatros Productions to update their monograph of this iconic aircraft.

Way back in 1990, Jack Bruce authored the original Datafile on the RE8. Understandably it’s been unavailable for some time (including the 1998 reprint) but this updated study of the popular aircraft is a worthy successor.

The tried and trusted format of the series continues with 40 pages between the A4 sized covers.

Paul Hare provides the narrative and it’s an interesting and entertaining read. The history of the type is discussed as well as the construction and characteristics of the aircraft itself. Some of these machines were able to successfully defend themselves when given the opportunity and the author relates such instances in the text. Not all German Scouts survived their encounters!

One of the hallmarks of this series is the photographic coverage and this trend continues with over 50 black and white period images. Some of the photos haven’t scanned too well and we are left with a small number of distorted prints as a result. Fortunately they don’t detract from the overall quality of the publication.

The Vintage Aviation Ltd’s superb reproduction allows us to view close-up details in colour. This is also the case with the world’s only genuine WWI RAF 4a-powered example located at Duxford’s Imperial War Memorial. As a result, nearly 70 photographs reveal the secrets of the cockpit and internal structure as well as the finer points of how the various assemblies and appendages are attached to each other.

Max Davis has been busy and presents 10 pages of brand new scale plans. We get the expected 1:72 and 1:48 scale renditions with a special emphasis on airframe development.

Ronny Bar supplies more of his inspiring artwork and provides the reader with 7 stimulating profiles. This includes upper and lower views of one of the options and all subjects show excellent detail and a good variety of livery.

Rounding out the publication is a “Camouflage and Markings” section as well as an appendix that details the measurements, performance figures, and past kits of the RE8.

With such a varied and diverse collection of material, it all this adds up to the perfect “one stop” reference source for this popular workhorse.

Thanks to Albatros Productions for the review sample

Review Copyright © 2012 by Rob Baumgartner
This Page Created on 11 July, 2012
Last updated 28 September, 2012

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