F-8 & RF-8 Crusader in Detail & Scale (Detail & Scale Series) [Print Replica] Kindle Edition

So I want to lead off with this: I’ve got just about ALL of the previous Detail and Scale volumes from the previous iterations up until about volume 69. I have always liked the format, the amount of information, the detail pictures and most especially the 3 view drawings that used to be in there (most of which were done by Lloyd S. Jones). As a model builder, these volumes were gold mines of information.So fast forward to these most recent issues of the Detail and Scale series. The first issue I purchased was the F6F Hellcat, and it was good. It had a nice set of drawings, with dimensional data and the traditional indications of differences between the different versions of the airframe etc. More pages, more pictures, overall very much what one has come to expect from a D&S publication. Then I picked up this issue, the F-8 Crusader. Not feeling the same here.Upon arrival, the first thing I did was scour the book looking for the highlight of the book in my opinion, the 3 view line drawings. After going through the book several times, I was disappointed to find that the old format with page size side, top, front etc. drawings in 1/72 scale were NOT in this volume. The inclusion of side view color profiles is noted, but for me the D&S line drawings have been a model bible of sorts. Allowing one to figure out if a model kit’s fuselage length, wing planform, shape etc. were correct, needed work or whatnot. So for this volume NOT to have those drawings was really a letdown for me. Also in the negative was the printing. The new series is printed on matt paper so the profiles and pictures that are in color don’t quite have that pop or semi-gloss quality to them like the older series. The print quality itself isn't horrible, just not up to what the older series had.All in all, the series is still good. There is a lot of well researched information, a ton of pictures, more content overall than the previous series. And the price point is still good. But I can’t help but be disappointed by the lack of 3 view drawings and choice of matt paper. I’ll be a little more selective on future D&S volumes. Fortunately, I still have the older series and will likely continue to rely on those for future model building endeavors.

This 2019 release is a re-release of the original art-quality paper Volume 8 and an expansion of the later Vol. 31 D&S that featured only the F-8 fighter variant.Unfortunately, the new release is on standard quality paper and not art-quality paper. Despite this drawback, the 104-pages are full of developmental history, photographs, specification and other tables, and several drawings. This inludes pages 16 and 17, devoted to Characteristics and and Differences tables for each variant, and Crusader Performance Data for each version, respectively. Another useful table lists Fighter Squadron Carrier Deployment (includes Marine MF-(AW) squadron deployments - Da Nang) to Vietnam and a color schematic of the infamous Gulf of Tonkin Incident (p. 49) as seen by the two involved F-8 squadron pilots involved. Included are three pages on the prototype F-8U-3 Crusader III variant, more on NASA's use and aircraft, as well the both Phiiippine air force and French navy aircraft.As the D&S suggests, the "details" are outstanding, including cockpit details, all-around aircraft details, ejection sets, nose configurations, landing gear, wings, etc.Author Bert Kinsey is author of all the D&S Crusader releases [though intriguingly was his military service was USAF!].HIGHLY RECOMMENDED title for any modern aviation buffs and for modeller's who want to detail this outstanding fighter design.

Great information on one of the premier U.S. Navy/Marine Corps fighter planes from the 1950's through the early 1970's. THE top-scoring 'Mig killing machine' from the Vietnam air war, with the best air-to-air kill-ratio of any U.S. fighter plane for that period.Great format that is an updated version of the earlier. 'In Detail & Scale' book on the F-8. An essential reference-source for the F-8 Crusader model builder, that covers all currently-available scale sizes and manufacturer's models from 1/72 through the huge Trumpeter 1/32nd editions of the F-8E and F-8J variants.

Good shots of most Crusader models...very useful for internal details like wheel wells, engine, etc.

This is one of the best references one the F-8. There is a very well done history of the "Last Gunfighter" and a clear explanation of the various versions of the Crusader (for example, what makes an E a J). The new D&S books have a ot more pages, info and photos - and so I say "Yea! Bert! Anyway, this is an airplane about which fairly little has been written, so I think it's worth the money esp. if you want to do an excellent job on, say, the 48th Hasegawa model.

Nice to remember the great planes from when I was serving

Well written book with excellent topic. I see just two imperfections - lack of scale drawings and little bit more details needed in storyline. But in general highly advisable position for app aviation enthusiasts.

Great book. Pictures are outstanding.

This is a great book for the modeller. Not too heavy with technicalities but enough to understand the differences between marks. Excellent detail photo references too. If you have a Crusader, especially a larger one such as manufactured by Trumpeter then I would consider it essential reading.

Based on favourable reviews, bought this book in printed format as I already own many D & S titles and know what to expect. However, I discovered to my great disappointment that the book is printed (by Amazon) on poor quality matt paper and colour photo / diagram reproduction is washed out and indistinct. Overall, a good book badly let down by substandard reproduction. This really does look and feel like it a cheap product, so I won't be buying any more D & S printed books via Amazon if this is the 'new norm'.

Very keen on Bert Kinsey's books and this tome is well up to the usual standard in terms of content and illustration. If I had a complaint it is a general one about a lot of these digital updates in that the paper quality is nowhere near that of earlier volumes in my collection. I suppose that's progress.

A very detailed work, with lots if info, richly illustrated. Highly recommended.

An excellent reference