The Modern Eagle Guide 2nd Edition Book Review

By Michael Benolkin

Review

Reid Air Publications has updated their Modern Eagle Guide with this 2nd edition release and here is one of those times where you'll want to update your copy as well. As before, this title has a very organized detailed walk around of the F-15, but what makes this an essential reference is the side-by-side look at all of the variants to see the detail differences between versions. As before, this title has coverage of the F-15A/B, F-15C/D, and F-15E, with looks at the the F-15J/DJ, F-15I, F-15K, F-15S and F-15SG. With the addition of this broader coverage also comes the essential look at the aircraft updates/upgrades including new pods and weapons like the SNIPER XR and AIM-9X.

You get full access under the radome, in the cockpit(s), inside maintenance panels, back in the 'pit', inside the engine bays, and all around the airframe. Unlike some of the other 'in detail-type' books that have been released on this subject, this title looks at all of the varlants including an extensive look at conformal packs, pods, weapons, and pylons. If there were any more detail, this would be a maintenance technical order (and I think the photos are better in this title than what the maintenance troops get!).

This is the best detail reference for the Eagle ever published. There are literally hundreds of excellent color photos of the Eagles and up-close details. If you keep only one reference title around for any given subject, you can trade away those other walk around titles and you'll be in 'hog heaven' with this great work. If you already have the first edition of this title, sell it at the next IPMS swap and upgrade to this ultimate modeler's reference.

Definitely recommended!