Albatros Productions | The RAF BE2c At War
Reviewed by Kevin Williams
The "At War" series of Datafile Specials from Albatros Productions, offer up a unique look into the world of the subject WWI aircraft, with a look at the aircraft during the wartime years, as well as in the case of this particular volume, some very nice detail shots from TVAL (The Vintage Aviator Limited) examples. Adding up to around 33 pages, this is a very nice companion volume to the RAF BE2c, Datafile #42, from this same publisher.
Anyone with even a passing interest in WWI aviation, is usually familiar with the extensive line of publications offered, and the overall quality that is typical from them. This volume is certainly no exception, offering forth a glimpse into an era long since passed, but hopefully, never forgotten.
This particular volume also delves into some of the subtle (and not so subtle) differences in early vs late machines, as well as some RNAS specificity.
Typical Photo Selection/Drawings
The text is augmented with a very nice selection of period photos, as well as a small section devoted to additional references of possible interest, a nice touch that I quite frankly wish would become standard with all references of this nature.
Rear Cover
Rear cover offers up three more nice profiles by well known aviation artist Ronny Bar.
All in all, I'd recommend this book without any reservation at all. At a modest 33 pages, this volume makes for a nice addition to the library, and may well prove invaluable when I attempt to eventually model this particular machine. (Though WNW does not currently have a BE2c in their catalog, I assume (and hope) that they eventually will, so I'll certainly be looking forward to that possibility.)
If you have but even a passing interest in WWI aviation, this series of books (as well as indeed all of the other Datafiles), may just convert you into a fan.
Review copy compliments of Ray Rimell at Albatros Productions.
Recommended additional References
Albatros Productions: RAF BE2c
Crowood: Aeroplanes of the Royal Aircraft Factory
Albatros Productions: WWI British Aeroplane Colours and Markings
© Kevin Williams 2016
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This review was published on Tuesday, September 06 2016; Last modified on Monday, February 05 2018