Save for my F-105 Thunderchief, and my A-6E Intruder books, the only research tools I have are Jane's Aircraft Recognition Guide(MAGNIFICIENT three-views in there!), and FSM and the FSM Forums! But mostly, I just trust the model companies. I mean, they wouldn't stay in business long if they were'nt making accurate models, right? So I just go with the instruction manual, mostly. Besides, most of my detail is not only scratchbuilt, but imaginary(ever seen a Bradley IFV with a flagpole and cargo box behind the turret? Didn't think so...)!
Speaking of imaginary, I LOVE that Cessna 150HS in this month's Reader Gallery, the one with the Jolly Rogers markings and the Pheonix missiles! WOW! That's one AMAZING conversion/mindjob!!