Windsock Datafile 134

RAF FE2d

by P.R. Hare

Reviewed by Rob Baumgartner

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Having already covered the FE2b in Datafile 18, Albatros Productions now turn their attention to the FE2d.

Looking very much like the FE2b before it, the faster FE2d was fitted with a Rolls Royce V12 engine (later named the Eagle). Other main changes involved the installation of a larger fuel tank, adding an increased area radiator in front of the engine, and playing with the shape of the nacelle.

Although seen as quite reasonable fighting machines, they were still regarded as a stopgap solution. The problems with the 160hp Beardmore engine were close to being solved with the FE2b so it was sighted to go back into production thus depriving the FE2d of any further service.

This time it’s Paul Hare that takes the helm and he describes the development of this aircraft in an extremely easy to read style. It’s explained within the standard 34 pages of the series and is chocked with over 40 black and white period photographs.

The A4 format of the publication is perfect for these images. Many are reproduced one or two to a page and as a result the modeller is able to glean maximum detail from the remarkable collection of pictures.

A separate section deals with colours and markings and this is in the capable hands of Ray Rimell.

Ian Stair’s drawings of 1994 have been used as a basis for the general arrangement drawings and these are reproduced in both 1:72 and 1:48 scales. There are also plan and side elevations for the Rolls Royce engines.

Ronny Bar supplies his usual competent colour profiles and these comprise of 3 interesting machines with a couple of bonus views to show undersurface details.

All this is topped off with some lovely cover art by Danilo Renzuli.

So if you have the slightest interest in these ungainly looking machines then you can’t go wrong with this publication. It’s entertaining, informative, and provides a wealth of data for any modeller contemplating a project on the FE2d.

Thanks to Albatros Productions for the review sample

Review Copyright © 2009 by Rob Baumgartner
This Page Created on 27 May, 2009
Last updated 27 May, 2009

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