Curtiss F11C/BFC & BF2C
By Matt Bittner
Allied Wings No. 11
Author: Phil H. Listemann
Publisher: Philedition
ISBN: 978-2-9532544-6-4
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 25
As seen in the previously reviewed Grumman SF book, Philedition has changed how they publish their books into a "publish on demand" system. With this new system, the books are larger but the content mainly unchanged. One area that is left out of this new book, though, is a "Detail" section that was provided in their older books. That section was excellent for modelers displaying photographs that would help with any build. It may be because there are no detail photos available for this series of aircraft, but in any event - for this modeler - it is missed.
The book starts off discussing the prototypes and lineage of the F11C-2. The Curtiss F11C-2 (and later BFC-2) actually served quite a long time, for the period. It was on frontline status from 1933 until 1938, and the book reflects that fact in the next sections that outline frontline service. It was also during this time that the F11C-2 was changed into the BFC-2, which was more than just a type change. It was an actual modification to the turtle deck (the area behind the pilot) by enlarging it and adding a half-sized sliding canopy, and changing the role from primarily "fighter with dive bombing capabilites", to a fighter-bomber.
The next section of the book deals with each and every airframe, showing its actual life: when it was acquired, what units it served with and when, and, if the aircraft had an unfortunate incident, what that incident was. Finally, the last section on the F11C/BFC-2 are the color profiles, which are nicely done.
The final parts of the book deal with the BF2C-1. This was an F11C/BFC airframe to which was added a larger underside that housed the retractable landing gear. In addition, a new engine was installed and a new wing was designed, with the internals being mostly metal. It was that change that ultimately doomed the BF2C. There was a harmonic between the engine and the wing that would make the aircraft want to break up in flight. That was the reason why the BF2C-1 only served for a year. Like the section on the F11C/BFC, the section on the BF2C-1 is broken into prototype, usage, all airframe details, and color profile sub-sections.
The number of photographs supplied in the book is reason enough to purchase this. There are quite a lot of period photographs that really make the publication shine.
As seen in the SF book this one also has a fair number of spelling errors. However, do NOT keep let that from you purchasing this book. It's the only title I know of on these Curtiss frontline aircraft, and is a must, especially if you're building the MPM (and now newly re-tooled Special Hobby) 1/72 Curtiss BF2C-1, or building the Monogram 1/72 F11C or using the Starfighter Decals BFC-2 conversion on that Monogram kit. Heck, this book is a must if you're a student of US Navy 'tweener aircraft in general.
Many thanks to RAF in Combat for sending the review copy.