Rick Koehnen

Punches above its Weight
This is the smaller and less expensive resource that is readily available for anybody interested in the XF8B. Given that this monograph represents 50% of the market, it begged comparison to the more expensive volume by Zichek. Comparing the two volumes shows that this monograph by Mr Koehnen is indeed a bargain. With relatively scant 66 pages (There both inside covers are utilized but not included in the page count.) a lot of mileage still gets covered undoubtedly helped by a lack of squadron service and a paucity of models.

Unusually for an older NF monograph, probably 1/3 of the volume is used to describe the aircraft and it's history. Consistent with other NF volumes there is also significant photographic coverage of the technical details and operational life of the aircraft.

If you want the pilots manual and pictures of sub-assemblies under construction, buy the larger book as you'll also get the service and maintenance manual as well.

From the historical perspective the volume also covers how the aircraft became an also-ran in the context of the other Navy heavy lifter piston powered aircraft the AD-1 and AM-1 in the immediate post-war period.

Recommended without hesitation for anyone interested in post-war navy aircraft, attack aircraft, and modelers in general.… (mehr)