Windsock Datafile 139
Author: John Alcorn
Publisher: Albatros Publications
ISBN: 978-1-906798-02-4
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 36
Having seen John Alcorn's magnificent scratchbuilt DH-9A in person, I had no doubt that the author of this publication was intimately familiar with the subject. Alcorn's knowledge comes through fully in the text, which is richly detailed yet still easy to read. As the DH-9 was a follow-on to the DH-4, it is logical that the text explain the evolution of the design to the DH-9A. A major part of that evolution was the Liberty engine, which is covered in its own section.
The operational record covers both the wartime usage as well as the extensive post-war operations. The latter includes some of the lesser-known theaters such as the Russian Civil War and Mesopotamia. While this volume does not clearly say, I would assume that the second volume will further expand on the post-war usage, as this aircraft saw extensive operations throughout the world.
Like other titles in the Datafile series, this one contains scale drawings in multiple scales. These were also drawn by John Alcorn, and as such include quite a bit of extensive structural information, undoubtedly gleaned from his scratchbuilding efforts. The quality of the drawings is excellent, and are likely the best drawings available to date. Complementing these drawings are copious period photos as well as close-ups from museum examples, and the expected color plates on the rear cover.
With an increase of interest in the DH-9A, it is good to see this aircraft get its due in the Datafile lineup, and I look forward to seeing Volume 2. My thanks to Albatros Publications for the review copy.