The Seaplane Years [9781902109138]
Date Added: Wednesday 30. January, 2013
Mystique and romance has always surrounded floatplanes and flying boats but, inevitably, many carried out combat roles. Great Britain's association with aircraft of this nature was long and illustrious, with victory in the famous Schneider Trophy races and much operational success with types such as the Sunderland. Here, this weighty hardback under the Hikoki imprint examines acceptance testing of British seaplanes for the Royal Air Force, along with the subjects of aerodynamic and hydrodynamic research carried out by two bodies: The Marine &Armament Experimental Establishment from 1920-1924 and, the Marine Aircraft Experimental Establishment, from 1924- 1956. The organisations in question were in the vanguard of seaplane testing and their work is explored in encyclopaedic detail.
First operating from the Isle of Grain, in Kent, the scientists and test pilots then moved to Felixstowe in Suffolk. Hikoki's book uses reports from the National Archives and Boscombe Down to relay information about the aircraft and their development. Some of the excellent images may be familiar to staunch fans of these aircraft, but for those new to the subject they provide a wealth of atmosphere and splendid reference for modelling. Some of the more interesting machinery includes our own 'Mistel' – the Short-Mayo Composite, the jet-powered Saunders-Roe A1 and marvellously named Short Knuckleduster! More famous types such as the Supermarine Stranraer, Catalina and floater-equipped Fairey Swordfish also appear. This is excellent stuff for seaplane enthusiasts and, as such, shouldn't be missed... particularly if any kit builds are on the cards!
CC
Airfix Model World – November 2012
First operating from the Isle of Grain, in Kent, the scientists and test pilots then moved to Felixstowe in Suffolk. Hikoki's book uses reports from the National Archives and Boscombe Down to relay information about the aircraft and their development. Some of the excellent images may be familiar to staunch fans of these aircraft, but for those new to the subject they provide a wealth of atmosphere and splendid reference for modelling. Some of the more interesting machinery includes our own 'Mistel' – the Short-Mayo Composite, the jet-powered Saunders-Roe A1 and marvellously named Short Knuckleduster! More famous types such as the Supermarine Stranraer, Catalina and floater-equipped Fairey Swordfish also appear. This is excellent stuff for seaplane enthusiasts and, as such, shouldn't be missed... particularly if any kit builds are on the cards!
CC
Airfix Model World – November 2012
Rating: 
[5 of 5 Stars!]
[5 of 5 Stars!]
