Avro York - Warpaint Series No.98

[bootneck]

Avro York

 

Warpaint Series No.98

 

 

The latest in the Warpaint Series from Guideline Publications is No.98 the Avro York and I am sure this should be a welcome addition. This quote, from Wikipedia, basically says it all: "The Avro York was a British transport aircraft that was derived from the Second World War Lancaster heavy bomber, and used in both military and civilian roles between 1943 and 1964"

The concept of the Avro York came from Avro's design team, headed up by Roy Chadwick, as early as 1941 who recognised a future requirement for large bodied transport aircraft that would have the capability for long-haul flight both for the RAF and for commercial operators post-war. Out of this came the proposal for a four engined aircraft which, due to wartime constraints on materials, would utilise airframe parts already in production with the construction of the Avro Lancaster. The main items used would be wings, tail and undercarriage.

It was hoped that both the RAF and commercial companies would see the benefits of this large bodied, long haul transport/passenger aircraft and that orders would soon be forthcoming, however the RAF did not apparently see the need for this and no orders were placed to start with.

Later, in 1942, the concept was raised again when a Government led advisory committee (The Brabazon Committee) was formed to evaluate aircraft types which would be suitable for post-war commercial air routes around the British Empire, especially for Great Britain and Europe but also to India and the Far East.

The book is set out to the now very familiar layout of an A4 portrait format, with heavy duty paper cover that shows a full colour photograph of a camouflaged York with civil registration of BOAC. The research and textual content of this 52 page volume has been provided by William Harrison and is illustrated throughout with fine full-colour drawings from Richard J. Caruana.

Most pages contain descriptive narratives detailing the history, advancements and variants and are supplemented by either photographs or profile drawings of Yorks in various liveries and guises.

There are 30 full colour profile drawings, laid out six to a page as shown below, with each profile having a short descriptive narrative alongside. These descriptives provide a snapshot which describes the serial, squadron and location for the aircraft at the particular date described.

In addition to the profiles there are two full page sets of drawings that show all four sides of a particular aircraft and these are a real boon for anyone wishing to detail a model of this aircraft.
 

The history of the Avro York is very interesting, especially in the early prototype and production years, when sizeable numbers of aircraft were ordered, reduced and then eventually cancelled. To help visualise this there are tabulated data sections which show, as with the example below, the serial numbers and fates of Avro's York production.

Each Warpaint Series volume has had a pull out general arrangement diagram inserted and this edition is no exception. The plan is to 1:72 scale, is printed to A3 format and covers two full pages, a section of which is illustrated here.
 

This book is litterally full of photographs, both black & white and colour, with the division being 34 black & white plus 20 in colour.

Additional tabulated data sheets, totalling 30 in all, have been printed throughout the book that provide lists of task, owners, serials and locations etc.

There is also a section, again in tabulated format, detailing the kits, decals and accessories which have been produced. This list has been produced by Hannants and therefore it can be assumed that these items are available at the time of printing.
 

 

The book finishes of nicely with a series of in detail colour photographs, with close up views of pertinent areas which again will be invaluable to anyone wishing to build a model of this fine aircraft.
 

 

 

Conclusion

 

This latest edition in the series from Guideline Publications arrives neatly in time to obtain at SMW2104 (or a present for Christmas?). It is a good choice of subject, mainly as it is of one of the lesser publiced aircraft from a British manufacturer; but also as the subject should please both military and civilian aircraft enthusiasts. The information and images surrounding the events during the Berlin Airlift, for example; plus the colours and markings of the various post-war companies should have the modeller diving for the tape and airbrush! These images, both photographic and those superbly illustrated by Richard J. Caruana, are impressive enough and when combined with all the historical information and tables of explicit data then you have a comprehensive record of the Avro York in a single publication.

This is yet another book which should become an essential reference work and be kept near to the modelling bench.

 

 

Review sample courtesy of

 

 

[kev67]

I shall be buying this one

[woody37]

More money...arggghhhh!!!!!

Resistance is futile

[stevehnz]

Gunna have to have one of these, enjoyed seeing the Yorks at Cosford & Duxford recently, just wish someone would do a decent conversion for these other the the rediculously over priced Contrail ones that come up on ebay.

Steve.