The Boeing XF8B-1 Fighter: Last of the Line by Jared Zichek

[Madoc]

The Boeing Xf8b-1 Fighter: Last of the Line
by Jared A. Zichek
Schiffer Publishing

Folks,

This makes for an excellent read! The book is very nicely done and is packed to the gills with information about this big Boeing beastie. Yeah, they only made three aircraft and the thing was never accepted for service by either the US Navy or Army Air Forces but it's still a fascinating subject that this book covers in beautiful detail.

Aside from a detailed history of the type and its development, Zichek has also seen fit to include many, many photos taken by Boeing of the various components as they went through production. There's also included the full pilots manual!

If you're at all interested in off-beat US Navy birds of the WWII era then this book is a must.

Madoc

 

[overscan (PaulMM)]

Missed this review earlier. Think this book deserves more exposure.

http://www.schifferbooks.com/newschiffer/book_template.php?isbn=0764325876
http://www.amazon.com/Boeing-Xf8b-1-Fighter-Schiffer-Military/dp/0764325876

 

[jzichek]

Greetings All,

I am the author of this book, and for those who remain on the fence about purchasing it, I have created a thumbnail slide show on my website, <a href="http://aeroarchivepress.com/?p=76">aeroarchivepress.com</a>, where you may preview the entire book at reduced resolution. (Scroll to the bottom of the page to see the posting on the XF8B-1 book). For those who are particularly interested in paper projects, the book covers several projected but unrealized variations of the aircraft - early design studies, a two-seat attacker, nightfighter, many ordnance variations, and an ASW derivative. These are shown in line drawings and color 3D renderings prepared especially for the book. I think it is reasonably priced at $43.76 on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764325876/ref=s9sims_c1_14_img1-rfc_p-frt_g1-3237_g1_si1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-3&pf_rd_r=00DP17WMBPAHHE1E5S1C&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=463383391&pf_rd_i=507846">Amazon.com</a> given the huge amount of information and images presented, as well as the generally high quality of reproduction. Recently, some kind readers have posted very positive reviews of the book on Amazon, and I have posted a few others under the <a href="http://aeroarchivepress.com/?page_id=122">Reviews</a> section of my site. They're worth checking out.

Best Regards,

Jared Zichek

 

[Orionblamblam]

I am the author of this book, and for those who remain on the fence about purchasing it, I have created a thumbnail slide show on my website, <a href="http://aeroarchivepress.com/?p=76">aeroarchivepress.com</a>, where you may preview the entire book at reduced resolution.

I am shocked, SHOCKED to see that authors are self promoting here!

;D

 

[Antonio]

Jared, since your first post here last Sunday I have ordered the Naval F-107 and Civil Mars books, I have also pre-ordered the USN attack unbuilt designs book and I've just been convinced to order the F8B volume too!. Please don't stop publishing about US unbuilt projects ;D

Congratulations for your excellent work!

Antonio

I think it is a great idea to have authors here close to readers and enjoy promotion of their works.
I'd like to hear in the near future about Scott's US Bomber Projects being ready to order

 

[jzichek]

Antonio,

Thanks very much - I believe I packaged up your order last night, wife will be mailing it out this afternoon. Thanks very much for ordering my Schiffer books as well! I emailed my editor at Schiffer and he said that Secret Aerospace Projects of the USN Vol. 1 is part of their Spring '09 releases, but wouldn't confirm when they are actually shipping. Soon than later, I hope! I'm as anxious as you all to see how it looks in print.

I'm in the midst of studying for an exam (may be returning to graduate school next fall), so I will do a large post on the book and initiate production of the third magazine after Dec. 19.

R\Jared

 

[saturncanuck]

Congrats and good luck with the title.

My new book comes out in March (hopefully)

I love books aobut aircraft that never made it.

Greetings All,

I am the author of this book, and for those who remain on the fence about purchasing it, I have created a thumbnail slide show on my website, <a href="http://aeroarchivepress.com/?p=76">aeroarchivepress.com</a>, where you may preview the entire book at reduced resolution. (Scroll to the bottom of the page to see the posting on the XF8B-1 book). For those who are particularly interested in paper projects, the book covers several projected but unrealized variations of the aircraft - early design studies, a two-seat attacker, nightfighter, many ordnance variations, and an ASW derivative. These are shown in line drawings and color 3D renderings prepared especially for the book. I think it is reasonably priced at $43.76 on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0764325876/ref=s9sims_c1_14_img1-rfc_p-frt_g1-3237_g1_si1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-3&pf_rd_r=00DP17WMBPAHHE1E5S1C&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=463383391&pf_rd_i=507846">Amazon.com</a> given the huge amount of information and images presented, as well as the generally high quality of reproduction. Recently, some kind readers have posted very positive reviews of the book on Amazon, and I have posted a few others under the <a href="http://aeroarchivepress.com/?page_id=122">Reviews</a> section of my site. They're worth checking out.

Best Regards,

Jared Zichek

 

[Skyraider3D]

That looks like a fantastic book with an amazing amount of source material.
The cover image got me thinking though... would Navy fighters escort Army heavy bombers?

 

[saturncanuck]

Its also interesting to see the gap between the F7B and the F8B in years.... 1933 to 1944!

 

[M. A. Rozon]

I have yet to acquire a copy of this book. Just a couple of questions: Does the book address the carrier suitability of the aircraft? Did development of the aircraft proceed far enough for deck-landing trials to be carried out?

Thanks in advance.
Bigger Guns, MORE POWER!
B)

 

[Steve Pace]

I am the author of this book, and for those who remain on the fence about purchasing it, I have created a thumbnail slide show on my website, <a href="http://aeroarchivepress.com/?p=76">aeroarchivepress.com</a>, where you may preview the entire book at reduced resolution.

I am shocked, SHOCKED to see that authors are self promoting here!

;D

You're so funny - You made my day! -SP

 

[edwest4]

Mr. Zichek,


Please continue writing about unbuilt projects. Secret Aerospace Projects of the US Navy. It was incredible. Another book covering non-Navy designs would be wonderful.




Ed

 

[XP67_Moonbat]

Jared,

We miss your books.