Albatros Productions | Fokker F.I/Dr.I, Volume 2

Reviewed by Kevin Williams

Publisher: Albatros Productions
Author: Ray Rimell
Publishing date: 2021
ISBN: 978-1-906798-62-8
Pages: 72

This newest volume by Albatros Productions (volume two of a now complete two volume set), is one that the WWI aviation community has been looking forward forward to for quite some time, continuing with the great coverage of this truly iconic, rotary engined WWI fighter aircraft, and it certainly does not disappoint, offering up a unique look into the world of the ubiquitous Fokker F.I and Dr.I, an aircraft probably most closely associated with being the infamous mount of "The Red Baron" (Manfred von Richthofen), with a look at the aircraft during the wartime years, as well as some very nice model articles, illustrating some interesting details of the aircraft itself. Adding up to around 72 pages, this is a compact, but visually interesting and very informative volume.

As expected, this particular volume is authored by Ray Rimell, with Richard Alexander (formerly of Wingnut Wings fame), two men that have been very closely aligned with WWI aviation topics for quite some time, contributing with new historical data and photo discoveries, and the contents reflect their devotion and expertise in this area.

Foreword - (Richard Alexander)

Richard makes his second appearance here, with some commentary re: Ray and Meng (the folks that supplied the beautifully finished 1:24 scale kits that were designed by the now defunct Wingnut Wings team).

Introduction - (Ray Rimell)

Ray explains here some of the work and research involved in bringing these two volumes on the Triplane to print, and the efforts to point out subtle differences, supplementing the Meng kits in particular, with more clarity and detail

F.I 103/17, 23 September, 1917
Dreideckers by numbers
Dr.I 204/17, 9 March, 1918
The TVAL rotary club
Dr.I 425/17, 21 April, 1918
Dr.I 574/17, Summer, 1918
Jasta 14 Archiv
Dr.I 588/17, 9 June, 1918
Fokker Dr.I Folios II
Addenda to Volume 1
CODA

Anyone with even a passing interest in WWI aviation, is usually familiar with the extensive line of publications offered by Albatros, 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.

Numerous build articles appear throughout the publication, all wonderfully crafted by Ray himself. Some really great stuff here, as one might expect by now.

I was rather surprised to not see the Jasta 18 (Raben) Fokker Dr.I presented, so it looks like I'll just have to do that one myself (how horrible).

Of particular interest to me, are the numerous Ronny Bar profile schemes depicted in the book, several of which I was otherwise unaware of, and/or are re-interpretations of known and reasonably familiar and documented schemes. Now if we just had some 1:32 (and 1:24) decals for some of these schemes...

Sections devoted to additional references and WWI model aircraft parts suppliers, figures, decals, weapons, ground equipment and whatnot, are specifically not included, as they already exist in Volume 1, thereby saving space in this volume, and I applaud that wise decision.

There is also a nice tribute to the Late Alex Imrie (1926-2011), author of the wonderful book, The Fokker Triplane, a fantastic work that I am very proud to have on my shelves.

Typical Photo Selection/Drawings

Rear cover

Summation

All in all, I'd recommend this book without any reservation at all. At a pretty hefty 72 pages, this volume makes for a nice addition to the library, and may well prove invaluable when I attempt to eventually model one of my own 1:32 or 1:24 scale Meng Triplane kits.

Noted at various points in the publication, are referrals to two very specific publications on the Dr.I: "Fokker Dr.I Jagdstaffeln" (Greg Van Wyngarden, Albatros Productions, REF/1) and "The Fokker Triplane" (Alex Imrie, Arms and Armour Press, REF/2). Adding either one (or both) of these volumes to the aircraft library, is highly recommended by this reviewer, assuming you have a passion for the Triplane, as I most assuredly do.

While not specifically called out in this volume, another two books that I personally would unhesitatingly recommend, are The Fokker Dr.I (Leaman), and if for no other reason than the really nifty 3D representations, the Kagero volume: "Fokker Dr.I, The aces' Aircraft". These volumes, in combination with this splendid new Albatros Productions book on the Dr.I, as well as the additional references highlighted above, will really give the enthusiast/modeler a real "feel" for this vaunted and world renowned aircraft.

My review copy compliments of Ray Rimell at Albatros Productions Ltd. Thanks a ton, Ray, it's much appreciated, and I am quite proud to add it to the shelf, along with volume one.