THE ART OF THE DOGFIGHT
I HAVE READ and even reviewed a few books from Aeronaut Books and they never disappoint when it comes to providing a high level of detail regarding the subject matter. Many of the company’s publications focus on World War I aviation. I asked Jack Herris, who owns Aeronaut Books, how the company was able to provide the level of understanding and the amount of detail about the war and aviation from more than 100 years ago. He shared that one resource was to purchase as many newspapers from as many different countries as possible.
The Art of the Dogfight caught my attention because it combines many great artists’ work, as well as photos, to share the story and accompany the text. The cover art was done by Jim Dietz and it sets the stage perfectly for what you will find inside. Here is the synopsis from the back of the book:
“The Art of the Dogfight, by noted aviation historian and aviation art enthusiast and supporter James Wilberg, M.D., is a four-volume set of essays on WW I aviation describing various aspects of aviation
history heavily illustrated by paintings, photographs, and color profiles. The result is a rich tapestry of early aviation with many personal stories.
“Volume 1 focuses on the early history of The Great War in the air and includes 78 paintings, 212 photos (18 in color), and 11 color profiles in its 212 pages.”
Several notable artists are represented, including Jim Dietz, Russell Smith, and Steve Anderson, who all have their own publications dedicated to their art and published by Aeronaut Books. James does a nice job of providing the text that compliments the art.
James reminds the reader that in 1909, Louis Blériot was the first to cross the English Channel. The first contingent of the Royal Flying Corps flew across the same channel with 60 aircraft almost exactly five years later. It is amazing to think how far aviation had come in such a short time. Other interesting stories, such as an aviator in training being attacked by an eagle in flight, are ones I have never read before.
Once read, books often sit on the bookshelf with maybe an occasional look for research. The Art of the Dogfight continues to be perused to enjoy the art and has made me aware of additional aviation artists, such as Keith Burns, whose exceptional art on page 203 inspired me to learn more about the artist.
I now have all four volumes, which can be purchased separately, and I am excited to read the other three. Anyone interested in WW I aviation history, and specifically artwork from the Great War, should definitely consider these books!
New Products From the Modeler’s Mall
SH Engines Four-Stroke Glow Plug @ $9.99 + S&H from Mike Goes Flying
Email: service@mikegoesflying.com; website: www.mikegoesflying.com
The SH Engines glow plug is optimized for four-stroke glow engines and large-bore displacement two-stroke nitro engines. This plug works great and stays hot, with a solid idle and reliable operation at all rpms.
SH Engines is located in Taiwan and sold in the US through Mike Goes Flying. The brand is affordable, without compromises, and has been in business for decades making helicopter engines, as well as high-performance racing engines and reliable sport car engines for nearly every major car maker around the world.
Fun Fly Bay Drop Kit Module @ $17.95 + S&H from Old School Model Works
Tel.: (513) 755-7494; website: www.oldschoolmodels.com
Add the optional Fun Fly Bay Drop accessory kit to your Old School Model Works GHOST to open up your capabilities! Once assembled, it bolts into the fuselage and gives you the ability to responsibly drop the included parachute action man or other things, such as candy.
This all-laser-cut kit is made from lightweight plywood and can be quickly assembled in approximately an hour using CA glue. All hardware is included for the door mechanism: hinges, pushrods, the clevis, etc. Simply use your own standard-size servo (or smaller) and servo-mounting hardware. The adjustable servo mounts allow a wide variety of servo sizes to be used. The Drop module bolts into the GHOST fuselage with two bolts, and then you can simply plug your servo into a spare channel and adjust the throw.
The included parachute action man’s chute is a tangle-free design, so there’s no time wasted in straightening out the cords like the old days!
HC-VP Sinbad (Mini 48-inch and Super 100-inch) @ $49.95-$149.95 + S&H from Hobby Club
Tel.: (949) 425-1362; website: www.hobbyclub.com
The Sinbad was originally designed in 1943 and manufactured by Berkeley Models as a Towline Glider with a 157.5mm wingspan. Hobby Club’s two versions, the Sinbad Mini, with a 48-inch wingspan, and the Sinbad Super, with a 100-inch wingspan, can be flown as pure gliders or with electric power.
The Sinbad Mini’s length is 27.5 inches with an all-up weight of 6.66 ounces. A power pack consisting of a brushless motor, ESC, three micro servos, and a 5-inch propeller is available and sold separately.
The Sinbad Super’s length is 60 inches with an all-up weight of 66.6 ounces. A power pack for it is also available and sold separately and consists of a brushless motor, ESC, four standard servos, and a 12-inch folding propeller.
Both kits are laser cut with excellent quality materials and come with full-size sets of plans.
SOURCES:
Aeronaut Books
(775) 750-2349
www.aeronautbooks.com
