Albatros Productions, Ltd.

Windsock Datafile 138 LVG C.VI at War

by  Ray Rimmell

Reviewed By  Roger Rasor, IPMS# 34117

MSRP: £10.90 (~$16.60) ISBN: 978-1-906798-05-5 Website: www.windsockdatafilespecials.co.uk The latest Datafile from Albatros Publications is a well researched study of the LVG C.VI; one of Germany's best two-seater observation aircraft. It is the second Datafile on the subject, but a valuable one that most WW I aviation enthusiasts and model builders will want to add to their libraries even if they have the original one. Unlike Datafile 17 (published in 1989), this expanded monograph includes 70 black & white period photos (most previously unpublished), 3 contemporary black & white photos, 68 color (yes, color) photos, 6 side-view color profiles, 3 detail color profiles and one full 3/view color profile. Detailed drawings by Martin Digmayer, in 1/72 and 1/48 scale with scrap views in 1/32 scale, fill 6+ pages and the author also includes an original manufacturer's drawing that shows airfoil sections. Datafile 138 introduces a new look for the series with a striking cover illustration by Jerry Boucher depicting Ltns. Weymar and Haselhoff, in LVG C.VI, 4802/18, about to do battle with an approaching SE5a. One of Ronny Bar's well-rendered color profiles includes a side view of the same aircraft on the back cover. The words 'at War' in the publication's title seem curious to me because the monograph is really a comprehensive study of the aircraft itself, with only a brief commentary on the history of the aircraft in service. Most of the narrative in the 36 pages is devoted to describing in detail the aircraft's construction, engine, cockpit and controls, metal and wood components, fabric covering, photographic equipment, wireless transmitter, and colors and markings. A valuable feature of the publication for model builders is the inclusion of an extensive series of splendid color photos of an original C.VI being restored along with a 100% new reproduction C.VI currently being built in France by the Memorial Flight Association. It is amazing that 68 color photos of most aspects of an aircraft that fought in the Great War over ninety years ago can be had for the cost of this Datafile. The publication also includes a list of other publications and websites for further research on the subject and a listing of kits available in 1/72, 1/48 and 1/32 scales. Obviously, anyone planning to build one of the new Wingnuts 1/32 LVG C.VI kits will find all of the information needed to accurately replicate the original. I suspect this printing will be sold out soon, so I wouldn't advise waiting very long to order one if you have a Wingnuts kit in your stash or one on your want list. Windsock Datafile 138 may be ordered directly from Albatros Publications at www.windsockdatafilesspecials.co.uk . My thanks to Albatros Publications for the review sample.