Vickers VC10 & Super VC10 – Book Review

New this month from Pen & Sword, and author Lance Cole, is ‘Vickers VC10 & Super VC10‘, a new addition to the Flight Craft series of books.

These books offer enthusiasts a detailed history and overview of an aircraft type, with the added bonus of including detailed information and guidance for aircraft modellers hoping to create realistic models of the aircraft either from kits or scratch built.

The VC10

By Steve Fitzgerald [GFDL 1.2 (http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html) or GFDL 1.2 (http://www.gnu.org/licenses/old-licenses/fdl-1.2.html)], via Wikimedia Commons

The purpose of the VC10 was to compete with the jet airliner designs coming out of America, like the Boeing 707 and Douglas DC-8. However, built to specifications by the national carrier BOAC, the VC10 would incorporate the ability to operate out of short runways at higher altitude – perfect for the Empire routes flown by the airline in Africa and Asia.

Sadly this didn’t greatly appeal to many other airlines, and only 54 aircraft were built across the original and the Super VC10 variants.

Later in life the VC10 flew with the Royal Air Force both as a troop transport and air-to-air refueller. The last examples were retired in 2013 (although there is talk of getting one flying again!)

[Vickers VC10s: Where Are They Now?]

The Book

This smart, magazine-sized book looks at the history of the VC10, from its design and early development, through the engineering behind the aircraft and its introduction into service with BOAC.

Later chapters look at the different VC10 variants, the other airlines that flew it, and its life as a RAF transport and tanker.

It has lots of archive photographs as well as modern photography of the VC10 in development and service, along with concept drawings, advertising, and interior shots detailing the cockpit and cabin.

Modelling the VC10

The final chapter looks at creating models of the VC10.

It goes through the different kits available (including some die-cast ones), the decals you can use, and details of how to create a realistic reconstruction of the aircraft for your model shelf.

This includes lots of photographs and diagrams to aid you.

Eight pages of VC10 profiles show the different liveries worn by all the airlines that flew the VC10 (including some over different periods, like BOAC). This is really useful for the modeller, and very interesting for the enthusiast.

Summary

You don’t need to be an aircraft modeller to enjoy this book. It is packed full of interesting information and history, and amazing photographs of the VC10 throughout its life.

The book is 84 pages long, and priced £16.99.

You can buy a copy here: https://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/Flight-Craft-20-Vickers-VC10-Super-VC10-Paperback/p/17687