Vintage Warbirds No. 1 The Royal Flying Corps in World War One By Raymond Laur
Vintage Warbirds No. 1
The Royal Flying Corps in World War One
By Raymond Laurence Rimell
Published in 1985 by Arms & Armour Press/Weidenfeld Military, this was the very first title in the influential Vintage Warbirds series. The book focuses on the aircraft, pilots, operations, and equipment of the Royal Flying Corps during World War I and became especially popular among WWI aircraft historians and scale modelers.
The book contains:
64 pages
Large-format softcover layout
110–120 black-and-white photographs
Squadron and aircraft references
Operational history
Aircraft markings and details
Rare archival imagery
Collectors and readers consistently praise:
Excellent photographic content
Rare RFC imagery
Useful technical references
Compact but information-dense format
Strong value for model research
One review specifically described it as:
“Great book referencing the Royal Flying Corp in WWI.”
Another bookseller description praised the series for:
“rare or unusual photographs” and operational imagery.
The book is especially valuable for modelers building:
Sopwith Camel
S.E.5a
Bristol F.2B
Airco DH aircraft
Nieuport fighters
RFC dioramas and figures
Builders and aviation historians frequently mention:
Excellent photo references for weathering
Useful rigging reference imagery
Uniform and equipment details
Valuable markings references
Strong inspiration for WWI aircraft projects
Collectors also note:
Early printings have noticeably better photo reproduction
Some reprints appear softer or blurrier
Original Arms & Armour editions are preferred
The softcover spine can wear easily with age
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner to Advanced aviation historians and WWI aircraft modelers
Features
Vintage Warbirds Series No. 1
Written by Raymond Laurence Rimell
First published in 1985
64-page large-format softcover
Extensive WWI archival photography
Royal Flying Corps operational history
Excellent modeling reference value
Aircraft and squadron coverage
Rare technical imagery
Recommended Companion References
A strong companion WWI aviation title is:
World War I in the Air by Raymond L. Rimell
Companion WWI aviation volume expanding on aircraft, combat operations, and aerial warfare themes covered in the Vintage Warbirds series.
Another excellent general WWI aviation reference is:
British Aircraft of World War I ·
Comprehensive reference covering British WWI aircraft development, specifications, and operational history.
Store Recommendation
One of the classic compact WWI aviation references and still highly respected among aircraft historians and scale modelers. The combination of rare archival photography and practical aircraft reference material makes this an excellent addition to any WWI aviation library.
