Windsock Datafiles 16RAF BE2E ar War Book Review by Mark Davies

Windsock Datafile 165
RAF BE2E at War

by Paul R. Hare

S u m m a r y
Publisher and Title:	Windsock Datafiles 165 - RAF BE2E at War by Paul R. Hare ISBN: 978-1-906798-37-6
Media:	Magazine binding, A4 portrait format, 32 pages (16 in colour), around 65 photos, 1/72 & 1/48 scale plans, and 3 colour profiles.
Price:	Available online from Albatros Productions and Hannants for £11.90, and stockists worldwide.
Review Type:	First Read
Advantages:	Superb images, nicely drawn plans, and informative.
Disadvantages:
Conclusion:	This booklet on the BE2E is produced to very high standards, is replete with superb photo images, and provides excellent plans. It also is an interesting read and gives an insight into what was an important aircraft despite its obsolescence from the mid-war period onwards. Windsock Datafiles have long been a staple reference for WW1 aircraft modellers and enthusiasts; this 165th edition in the series maintains the Windsock Datafile standard and reputation established over many years of publication. I definitely recommend it, and look forward to more in the series.

Reviewed by Mark Davies

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FirstRead

Windsock Datafiles have long been essential references for WW1 Aircraft modellers; whilst Albatros Production’s managing director, Ray Rimmel, should also be a familiar name to many as an author, editor, and modeller.

The booklet reviewed here is timed to coincide with the arrival and display in the UK of two airworthy reproductions from New Zealand's The Vintage Aviator Ltd. This 165th datafile is a lavishly illustrated monograph written byPaul Hare. He has made a special study of Royal Aircraft Factory designs, and his latest work traces the wartime service of the BE2E and its derivatives (the BE2F & G).

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The datafile contains excellent images throughout; with a pleasing mix of period photos and modern colour shots of the NZ-built replicas, as well as an original airframe in the Norwegian Armed Forces Museum. The walkaround sections are superb.

Also included are well drawn 1/72 and 1/48 scale plans by the late Ian Stair and three attractive colour profiles by Ronny Bar displayed on the rear cover.

A background to the BE2E’s development, detailed colour notes, a wartime pilot's experiences of the type, plus detailed appendices, make this new datafile a most interesting read and extremely useful modeller’s reference.

Conclusion

This booklet on the BE2E is produced to very high standards, is replete with superb photo images, and provides excellent plans. It also is an interesting read and gives an insight into what was an important aircraft despite its obsolescence from the mid-war period onwards.

Windsock Datafiles have long been a staple reference for WW1 aircraft modellers and enthusiasts; this 165th edition in the series maintains the Windsock Datafile standard and reputation established over many years of publication. I definitely recommend it, and look forward to more in the series.

Thanks to Albatros Productions for the review samples.

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Review Copyright © 2015 by Mark Davies This Page Created on 13 January, 2015 Last updated 14 January, 2015

Review Copyright © 2015 by Mark Davies
This Page Created on 13 January, 2015
Last updated 14 January, 2015