The path of creation is never clear. In this instance, youthful enthusiasm plus the wonders of model airplanes played a part. Adult immersion in aero engineering and ballistics research came next, a process leading to familiarity with key British sources at the IWM (Imperial War Museum) and TNA (The National Archives). It is their vaults that currently hold the world of Red Baron raw data. Given the files, an understanding of the contradictory literature surrounding Richthofen and his achievements became possible. It was only necessary to nail it down.
Through all, my ever-patient wife R. made the book possible by assuming far more than her share of the ancillary chores. Her ability to translate both French and German made for comprehension of otherwise hopeless memos. In her hands, even loony software instructions were turned into clear English, resulting in the text you now hold.