Boeing F4B and Export Variants
By Matt Bittner
Author: Richard S. Dannn
Publisher: Steve Ginter
ISBN: 979-8-9854726-7-7
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 160
I believe I have all of the between-the-wars books put out by Ginter; however, this is the first one I've reviewed. And I'm extremely impressed by it. This book is number 116 in the series.
While there isn't a table-of-contents, the book is broken out by sections:
- The Boeing F4B
- Boeing Model 83
- Boeing Model 89
- Boeing F4B-1 (Boeing Model 99)
- F4B-1 Fuselage Dimension Diagram (In Inches)
- Boeing F4B-1 Engine Installation
- Boeing F4B-1 Cowling Installation
- F4B-1 Fuselage Details
- F4B-1 BuNos, Aircraft Allocations and Histories
- F4B-1A, BuNo A-8133
- F4B-2 (Boeing Model 223)
- F4B-2 Engine Installation
- F4B-2 BuNos, Aircraft Allocations and Histories
- Boeing Model 218
- Boeing Model 218 Outboard Profile (November 1930)
- Boeing Model 218 Outboard Profile (Wheels Fairings)
- F4B-3 (Boeing Model 235)
- F4B-3 BuNos, Aircraft Allocations and Histories
- Forward FUselage F4B-3
- F4B-3 (Without Raft Compartment) Outboard Profile
- Boeing Model 235 (F4B-4)
- F4B-4 Inboard Profile
- F4B-4 Outboard Profile With Dimensions
- F4B-4 BuNos, Aircraft Allocations and Histories
- Outboard Profile, F4B-4 BuNos 8912 Through 8920
- Engine Installation - F4B-4
- F4B-4 Forward Fuselage Details
- F4B-4 Fuselage Assembly
- Cockpit Sidewalls - F4B-4
- F4B-4A BuNos, Aircraft Allocations and Histories
- F4B-4A
- Boeing Model 256 and 267
- NACA F4B Usage
- Fighting Squadron One B, VF-1B "Top Hats"
- Fighting Squadron Two B, VF-2B "Flying Chiefs"
- Fighting Squadron Six B, VF-6B
- Fighting Squadron 3B, VF3B
- Bombing Squadron One B, VB-1B/Fighting Squadron 5B, VF-5B
- Fighting Squadron One B, VF-1B/Fighting Squadron Six, VF-6
- Marine Fighting Squadron 10M/Bombing 4M (VF-10M/VB-4M)
- Maring Fighting Squadron 9M, VF-9M/VMF-1
- Bombing Squadron Five b and Two, VB-5B/VB-2
- Director, Marine Corps Aviation
- Naval Proving Ground, Dahlgren, VA
- Training Command
- Naval Air Station Anacostia
- Fleet Air Base Peal Harbor
- Fleet Air Base Coco Solo, CZ
- F4Bs as Target Drones
- Surplus, Survivors, Replicas and Reproductions
- Willow Aircraft F4B/P-12/Model 100 Reproductions
- Odds & Ends
- Boeing Model 261 (F4B-5)
- Boeing Model 236 (Xf6B-1/XBFB-1)
- Models
If you're either a historian interested in the Boeing F4B series of aircraft - or 'tweeners in general - this book is definitely one to track down. If you're a modeler interested in building this aircraft, then this book is a must. Everything you need for the F4B series is included.
The only issue I have with the book is in the F4B-1 section. While the text claims that both the top and bottom of the lower wing is supplied in photographs, in truth only photos of the top of the lower wing are included. But this is my only complaint with the book. Everything else is top-notch. Sure, there aren't any color profiles, but that appears to be a Ginter policy as all the 'tweener books I have by the publisher, none of them have color profiles. But to me that's a non-issue because what is covered in the book is wonderful enough.
The last section of the book covers all known models of the types in all scales. These aren't detailed reviews, just a general overview and what each kit entails and its accuracy. I have built the Monogram 1/72 kit (with all the Starfighter Decals goodies) and will build at least two more, plus with having the Olimp 1/72 F4B-2 kit, I will be referencing this book a lot.