JJN Posted October 9, 2019 Share Posted October 9, 2019 Can anybody tell me what the best modeling reference books there are for the F-14. I am interested in color photos and color schemes including color plates. The only reason I am asking is because I went a little overboard (and over budget) trying to find good B-52 books and I don’t want to go there again. Thank you, Jeff Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Whiskey Posted October 9, 2019 Share Posted October 9, 2019 Daco Publications "Uncovering the F-14." For a modeler's reference it's a one-stop shop. That and maybe the SAM Publications "Grumman F-14 Tomcat." Quote Link to post Share on other sites
FASTEAGLE107 Posted October 9, 2019 Share Posted October 9, 2019 For early birds i will add the HTF koku fan publications. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Quixote74 Posted October 10, 2019 Share Posted October 10, 2019 The DACO book has an unparalleled level of detail, but it wouldn't be a true "one stop shop" as far as color schemes and unit markings are concerned. The book is pretty much a stem-to-stern walkaround including open panels, cockpit, engines, and weapons. The SAM Publications "Comprehensive Guide" (from the "Modeller's Datafile" series) is a decent source of general color photos but the modeling info is limited and the factual accuracy, especially in captions, is less than stellar. I would say ir's worth consideration but only if you can find a copy for no more than $15 or so. A far more comprehensive resource is Airtime Publishing's "F-14 Tomcat - Shipborne Superfighter." This is lavishly illustrated (mostly in full color) and covers development, operating units, and service history. Unfortunately this one has been out of print for a while, but I'd consider it worth "collector" prices if you have any love for the Tomcat. On more of a budget, Squadron's "In Action" series has covered the F-14 in three different editions (No. 32 from 1977, No. 105 from 1990, and an un-numbered 2018 release in the current "all color" format) plus a "Walkaround" book. All editions should be reasonably available new or used for no more than $20 each. Each has mostly unique content so all are worth having, but if you're on a tight budget the 2018 version would be the "best buy." Quote Link to post Share on other sites
jbryan911 Posted October 11, 2019 Share Posted October 11, 2019 I would also consider this book as well. Written by Tomcat photographer extraordinaire David Brown https://www.amazon.com/F14-Tomcat-Grummans-Vietnam-Persian/dp/0764356623/ref=rtpb_1/139-5179451-4974260?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0764356623&pd_rd_r=b2e7ad7b-51c2-46a4-954b-3b81c7e68c76&pd_rd_w=O7xzN&pd_rd_wg=gM7ct&pf_rd_p=5da730bb-0163-4dd7-b781-c970ec169872&pf_rd_r=BWQBRAN9A0SV35R0V5B6&psc=1&refRID=BWQBRAN9A0SV35R0V5B6 Detail and Scale also has a couple of Kindle books that are also very good. Lot's of color pictures of different markings. https://www.amazon.com/Colors-Markings-Navy-F-14-Tomcats-ebook/dp/B00Y1I9V4S/ref=sr_1_14?crid=2J6HWPEQLNE2Q&keywords=detail+and+scale+books&qid=1570803580&s=digital-text&sprefix=detail+and+%2Caps%2C160&sr=1-14 Furball Decals has done a series of sheets based on photos from these books. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JJN Posted October 13, 2019 Author Share Posted October 13, 2019 Thank you guys, you gave me some really great leads and I appreciate it. I will have to start saving my money! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
tomthegrom Posted May 29, 2022 Share Posted May 29, 2022 Be wary of the detail and scale colors and markings books. While the photos are magnificent, some of the captions are not so good. One of the sundowners jets wears an "RR" badge on the nose. The captions says its unknown but might be a rollsroyce logo. Minimal research shows it is in fact a badge for the Recce Rally meet it participated in. That is just one example off the top of my head. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dehowie Posted May 31, 2022 Share Posted May 31, 2022 Daco book, D&S digital colour and markings series has hundreds of stunning interesting photos, Bye Bye Baby Farewell Tomcat book has the best collection of anecdotal stories and utterly magnificent photos a true coffee table book. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Brandon Cooper Posted July 11, 2022 Share Posted July 11, 2022 (edited) On 10/11/2019 at 5:22 PM, jbryan911 said: I would also consider this book as well. Written by Tomcat photographer extraordinaire David Brown https://www.amazon.com/F14-Tomcat-Grummans-Vietnam-Persian/dp/0764356623/ref=rtpb_1/139-5179451-4974260?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=0764356623&pd_rd_r=b2e7ad7b-51c2-46a4-954b-3b81c7e68c76&pd_rd_w=O7xzN&pd_rd_wg=gM7ct&pf_rd_p=5da730bb-0163-4dd7-b781-c970ec169872&pf_rd_r=BWQBRAN9A0SV35R0V5B6&psc=1&refRID=BWQBRAN9A0SV35R0V5B6 Detail and Scale also has a couple of Kindle books that are also very good. Lot's of color pictures of different markings. https://www.amazon.com/Colors-Markings-Navy-F-14-Tomcats-ebook/dp/B00Y1I9V4S/ref=sr_1_14?crid=2J6HWPEQLNE2Q&keywords=detail+and+scale+books&qid=1570803580&s=digital-text&sprefix=detail+and+%2Caps%2C160&sr=1-14 Furball Decals has done a series of sheets based on photos from these books. Also, lately I have been reading literature about the environment and methods of its preservation. On the page https://samploon.com/free-essays/environmental-issues/ you can find very useful and constructive articles about the current state of the environment and how the human factor has a detrimental effect on the environment. Great, thanks! Edited July 24, 2022 by Brandon Cooper Quote Link to post Share on other sites
JEN722 Posted July 15, 2022 Share Posted July 15, 2022 On 10/10/2019 at 6:47 PM, Quixote74 said: The SAM Publications "Comprehensive Guide" (from the "Modeller's Datafile" series) is a decent source of general color photos but the modeling info is limited and the factual accuracy, especially in captions, is less than stellar. I would say ir's worth consideration but only if you can find a copy for no more than $15 or so. Added to that is the fact that some of the photos appear more than once in the book, and some are photoshopped to look different to previous ones. Jens Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.