Best modeling book for tips

I know this probably isn't what you wanted to hear but there really isn't anything that you can get in the books that you can't find on the internet for free.  My modeling has improved drastically mainly because of the things that I learned on forums like this one.

If you really want to get a book I'd suggest that you get books about specific planes that are made for modelers.  Those books usually have photos of areas on the planes that are important to modelers.

"Detail & Scale" makes some good books featuring Navy planes.  I just used one to help me complete an F/A-18F.

Fly-n-hi

I know this probably isn't what you wanted to hear but there really isn't anything that you can get in the books that you can't find on the internet for free.  My modeling has improved drastically mainly because of the things that I learned on forums like this one.

If you really want to get a book I'd suggest that you get books about specific planes that are made for modelers.  Those books usually have photos of areas on the planes that are important to modelers.

"Detail & Scale" makes some good books featuring Navy planes.  I just used one to help me complete an F/A-18F.

I would have to agree with Fly-n-hi.   There is so much information on the internet I haven't bought a book regarding aircraft in a while.  Go to www.aircraftresourcecenter.com    They have a lot of information on a lot of....well aircraft and its geared toward scale modeling.

Although I do have a few of the "Detail & Scale" books that Fly-n-hi mentioned including the F/A-18.  They are great resources as well.

Would you reccomend Osprey"s Modelling the F/A-18?

Squadron probably has a 'walk around' series of book for your specific aircraft. They have a modelers interest in mind and show multiple views, technical drawings and marking diagrams.

If you're asking me then the answer is no because I have never seen it. 

What planes are you building?  If you tell us I'll bet somebody can recommend something.

Mainly Vietnam era jets to post war aircraft such as Tomcats, hornets, Eagles, Falcons, B-1s,F-22s etc. Pretty much F-4s and Fourth and 4.5 generation aircraft

I haven't read/looked at the Ospreys offering. 

I highly recommend the Walk-Around and the In-Action series from Squadron for the planes you want to build.  I have the F-14 and F-15 Walk Around and In Action series books.  Both are very informative.  They go on sale from time to time for a few dollars.

I agree with others - there is absolutely a ton of info available on the net for free.  That being said, I also like to purchase the books to look at and read.  The main reason for this is that it's difficult to take my laptop in the bathroom with me.  Modeling books and magazines make great study materials for the time spent on the throne.

I know the Squadron in action series is great. i have about 20 or more and the numbers still continue to grow on how many I have cause I buy them all the time. I have used the F-14 in action alot for the 1/72 Cat I'm working on right now. And the F/A-18 in action for the 1/48 Super Hornet I'm working on. Thanks for the help. ;)

burner12

Can somebody recommend the best modeling book for tips on mainly USAF USN and USMC jets. From Vietnam to today. I can't find one?

My favorite general modeling book is the Scale Aircraft Modelling by Mark Stanton. The technique is current and most of the tools and after market parts reference are up to date. It is published in England and mentioned brands and tools popular in Europe, but US reader should have no problem finding the US equivalent.

I notice that the price is 2 times what I paid in 2004, but worth every penny. You judge whether it is the best.

Another excellent book is the BUILDING AND DETAILING SCALE MODEL AIRCRAFT by Mike Ashey. The whole book can be read on line for free. The content is excellent. You can't beat that. BUT Mike deals with only WW2 planes in this book.

The Osprey Modelling series has two books on Naval jets: Modelling the F/A-18 Hornet and Modelling the F-4 Phantom II, both edited by Geoff Coughlin. They fit the topic of interest you cited.

As many have already said, the Internet is a very useful resource for this type of stuff.

One think I would chime in with though, is to look for BUILD reviews on whatever kit you are first making / currently making. You will no doubt find reviews on several different makes of kit on each of the several aircraft you have mentioned. Build reviews are very useful for deciding which manufacturer makes the easier built or most accurate kit & usually include information on the problems each kit has & workarounds for these problems. There is little point in directing you to any specific place, as there are so many reviews out there, just Google for example  f-14+1/72+review  .

The reason build is in caps earlier is because you will also find many "in the box" reviews, which are based solely on the contents of the box. While these can have their uses, they fail to cover the build & so are often limited in their real worth - they should be considered more of a "first look / preview".

Hello,

I would be remiss if I didn't chime in here and mention a recent book from Kalmbach by longtime FSM contributor Pat Hawkey, one of your ace authors, called "Building and Detailing Model Aircraft." I think you'll find it's right up your alley.

Regards,

Mark

WOW! Alot of choices, I'll have to do some research on these. Thanks for the choices guys. You're  a big help for an amateur like me.