Bob's Aircraft Documentation
Here is a fabulous resource for aircraft designers!
According to the author, Bob's Aircraft Documentation is the world's largest commercial collection of photos and 3-view line drawings of Civilian, Fighters WWI and WWII, Multi-engine, Jets, Aerobatic, Racing, Sailplanes, Helicopters, etc. The collection includes 8,000 different Foto-Paaks (500,000+ photos) and 38,000 pages of 3-view line drawings and information.
The FOTO-PAAKS (detailed aircraft studies) are full-color 3.5"x 5" pictures taken, with the modeler / restorer in mind, to show details like paint scheme, markings, instruments, landing gear, etc. Each set usually includes 2 to 8 walk-around photos, with the balance of pictures concentrating on details (such as instruments, gear, markings, tail wheel, etc.) -- essential to accurate model building and finishing.The FOTO-PAAKS include:
280 -pre 1920 airplanes
210 -seaplanes
710 -multi-engine aircraft
335 -sailplanes
650 -jets, military and commercial
4,000- civilian aircraft
350 -helicopters
1,600-WWII fighters and trainers
615 -aerobatic performers
200 - racing aircraft 120 - aircraft engines and miscellaneous related items
Sample Sheet - Piper Cub
The 3-view line drawings are gleaned from modeling and aircraft magazines and other sources.
(click for larger image)
Catalog
A 200+ page catalog is available. It can be downloaded as an Adobe Acrobat PDF file, or a hard-copy version can be ordered for $10.00. The hard-copy version includes 40 pages of scale-related articles (not included in the PDF version of the catalog).
Sample page from Catalog - Fokker Listings
Bob's also offers research assistance.
According to his site, he has over 20,000 pages of 3-views and information that has not yet been cataloged. If you can not find what you need listed in the catalog, send $25.00 for each aircraft search desired. $10.00 will be returned if he draws a blank. There is a 50¢ charge per photocopied page ($3.00 for color laser copied page). Plus $3.00 shipping & handling.
There is also a WANT LIST maintained. If you want an aircraft not listed, let them know and they’ll put it on their list and contact you when we get it. You can also contact them regarding the use of your own aircraft photo and studies in their listings.
Bob's Aircraft Documentation
3114 Yukon Ave.,
Costa Mesa, CA. 92626
phone: (714) 979-8058
fax: (714) 979-7279http://www.bobsairdoc.com/default.htm
