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Windsock Datafile 138 The subject of one of the first Datafile titles, the LVG C.VI has had some good coverage by Albatros Publications in the past. With the recent release of the superb Wingnut Wings 1/32 kit, though, it was time to revisit the subject. In the twenty years since that first Datafile, quite a bit of new information has cropped up, including several new photographs. As such, this new Datafile forms a solid complement to the first edition (Datafile #17, from back in 1989!), with more operational history and more never-before-seen photos. The book begins with a short history of Luft-Verkehrs-Gesellschaft (LVG), which is really a condensed summation of Peter Grosz' comprehensive analysis of this company found throughout all his writings. A short technical description and an examination of the controls and armament follows, and then the book gets into the real interesting stuff: colors and markings. The color and markings section is a great read, and really highlights the changes in WWI research over the past twenty years. While the basic colors of the LVG were pretty well known (mainly, varnished ply and lozenge fabric), it is the more unique one-off applications that are really fascinating. These are documented in the photo record, and include extensive coverage of post-war LVG C.VI aircraft (I am particularly taken by the Montblanc LVG, which is a very clean looking aircraft with large titles on the fuselage). Wartime examples also feature interesting examples of aircraft names and at least one camouflaged example. As we have come to expect with Datafile titles, this book comes with a set of scale drawings that are quite well detailed, as well as a handful of color profile illustrations on the back cover. What is uncommon for Datafiles is the rather large full-color walkaround photo sets showing off museum examples. For those building the large Wingnut Wings kit, these photos will be of immense use. Overall, this is a highly detailed volume on the LVG C.VI, and should form essential reference for anyone building a model of the type, whether the 1/32 kit or one of the small scale options available. My thanks to Albatros Publications for the review copy. |
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