F.E.8

[Jim]

An interesting bit of history goes with this model, an F.E. 8 of No. 40 Squadron RFC, as flown by the redoubtable Lt. Edwin L. Benbow, the only man to qualify as an ace in that aeroplane. "Lobo" Benbow was cedited with 8 victories, the last of which, most historians agree, occurred on March 6, 1917, when he brought down Manfred von Richtofen with bullets through the baron's engine and fuel tank. Richthofen narrowly avoided being incinerated by switching off his engine and diving away to a forced landing near the village of Henin-Lietard.
The FE 8 was late arriving at the front and equipped only two squadrons, Nos. 40 and 41. By spring of 1917, it was by badly outclassed by the Albatros and Halberstadt, so it took an exceptional FE 8 pilot to survive, much less succeed, in combat with them. In fact, 40 Squadron suffered a severe mauling by Richtofen's Jasta 11 only three days later and immediately, if belatedly, began transitioning to Nieuports.
Benbow was wounded by anti-aircraft fire on March 12 and invalided home. After a period of recovery he served as an instructor until he promoted to captain and assigned as a flight commander in Billy Bishop's 85 Squadron in May 1918. Flying the much-superior SE-5a, one might have expected he would have gone on to even greater success. But the air war had changed dramatically in his absence, becoming much faster, intense and specialized. On May 30 he was shot down and killed by Hans-Eberhardt Gandert of Jasta 51.
Benbow's "Blue 4" is represented here in 1:60 scale, standard basswood construction, featuring laserjet-printed decals.
Hope you enjoy.

[Jim]

The rest...

[lastvautour]

Magnificent workmanship Jim. The personal history adds greatly to the enjoyment of the article.

Lou

[Boomerang]

 A great model Jim. Well Done !

Gordon

[Gearup]

I've really enjoyed looking at the details you've put into the model. It looks great from any angle. Very nicely done!

Thanks
Fraser

[Jim]

Thank you all very much