Windsock Datafiles from Albatros Productions are considered by many to be the most comprehensive reference/historical publications available for those who build WW I scale aircraft models. Each volume focuses on a specific aircraft and can be counted on to provide a thorough study of the subject. The most recent volume, Windsock Datafile No. 159, details the history of the AD Flying Boats.

The First World War saw the rapid development and use of aircraft that could land and take off from water. Small types quickly evolved into majestic flying boats, crewed by two or more, that were intended to serve in a variety of roles. Developed from successive designs over a two-year period, the 1917 Admiralty flying boat was one of several WWI designs by the talented Harris Booth, and it became the best known and most successful of them. Production was spread among three manufacturers, one of whom was Supermarine. Although praised for its robust construction and reliable strength, the design was criticized for being “intolerably wet at take off” and acknowledged as ”very difficult to get off the water although good sea boats for their size.”

In Windsock Datafile No. 159, author Owens presents the wartime history of the type as well as its post-war use with several nations (New Zealand, Japan, Sweden, Norway, and Chile) with a rare collection of over 45 archival photos (some of specific details) that embrace not only the original AD (a name derived from its developer, the Admiralty’s Air Department), but also the reconfigured Channel boats that followed. Both are fully covered in the extensive narrative and a total of twelve pages of detailed 1/72 and 1/48 scale drawings by Marty Digmayer. In addition, there are nine new color profiles by Ronny Bar, a bibliography for further study, and numerous detailed footnotes and technical specifications for both AD and Channel boats. The comprehensive data found in Windsock Datafile No 159 just may be enough to encourage scratchbuilders to consider building a model of this unique aircraft. With a stirring cover painting by Paul Monteagle, the 159th Datafile is a unique addition to this long-running series.

Windsock Datafile No. 159 does a wonderful job of covering the whole subject of the AD Flying Boats. It is highly recommended. My thanks to Albatros Productions for providing the review sample and IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review it.