Windsock Datafiles
163 “RAF BE2/BE2a/BE2b”
and 164 “Handley Page V/1500”

Windsock Datafiles

Reviewed by Rob Baumgartner

HyperScale is proudly supported by Squadron.com
 

This year’s initial two Datafiles come from different ends of the aviation spectrum.

The first covers the RAF BE2, BE2a, and BE2b, which were among the first British military aircraft to enter service in WWI. The second is devoted to the Handley Page V/1500, a monster of a plane that incorporated all of the technological advances that 4 years of war demanded.

Both are presented in the familiar format of 32 pages contained within a pair of soft card covers.

#163 RAF BE2/BE2a/BE2c

The BE2 made its first flight on 1 February 1912.

It resulted from Parliament announcing a competition, the prizes being cash and a production order to supply the British Army’s air arm. Although the BE2 was not eligible, its name was put forward to the War Office by Mervyn O’Gorman, the Superintendent of the Army Aircraft Factory at Farnborough.

His proposal was always going to be looked upon favourably as he had written the December 1911 competition requirements himself. These being based on the BE1’s performance which had flown only days earlier!

And thus the series of these pioneering reconnaissance types was born.

Paul Hare knows his stuff when it comes to WWI RAF Farnborough designs. As such he is an ideal choice to author this title. The text is interesting and informative and doesn’t fall into the trap of being overly technical.
 
Over 70 black and white period photographs grace these pages. There’s also an additional 10 colour images of the RAF museum’s superb BE2b reproduction at Hendon. The detailed plans are drawn by Mick Davis and cover both the “a” and “b” versions. They are based on original factory drawings and are reproduced in 1:48 and 1:72 scales. 

There is plenty to absorb here as the drawings include not only structural details, but developmental ones as well.

Ronny Bar contributes 3 inspirational colour profiles that showcase the BE5, BE2a, and BE2b. All this is topped off by Paul Monteagle's evocative cover painting, “Colours and Markings” section, and appendices that covers production and serial details.  

#164 Handley Page V/1500

The “Super Handley Page”, as it was called by its crew, was conceived for the purpose of bombing Berlin.

It was built with four Rolls-Royce Eagle VIII engines that were mounted in tandem pairs between the wings. The purpose of this arrangement was to maintain directional stability should any of them fail. Each engine produced 375hp, the combined total of which gave rise to the type’s name.

On 9 November 1918, two machines were ready to perform their historic mission over enemy territory. Rain delayed operations for a couple of days which meant that the Armistice would ultimately put an end to any wartime service against Germany.

The type did eventually manage to drop its bombs in anger when a V/1500 named “Old Carthusian” flew in the third Afghan War.

Although 214 aircraft were ordered, it is believed that only 41 were completed, with another 23 unassembled machines stored for parts.

This Datafile gives due credit to an often forgotten aircraft. Inside are a remarkable collection of images numbering 60 in total. Reproduction is as good as the originals will allow and includes a couple of lovely full page cockpit shots.

The indefatigable Martin Digmayer supplies the technical drawings. Due to the immense size of the aircraft, these are represented in 1:72 scale only.  

The colour artwork is always a feature of these publications. This issue is no exception as we are treated to 6 new profiles from the desk of Ronny Bar and cover art by Roberto Zanella.

Once again, this series delivers as the ideal reference source for anyone interested in the fascinating world of early aviation.

Thanks to Albatros Productions for the review sample

Review Copyright © 2014 by Rob Baumgartner
This Page Created on 3 November, 2014
Last updated 3 November, 2014

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