Well, I don’t have a lot of time to track down primary sources, so a few authors…well known and less so, are my references.

Luckily, I have a very good memory when it comes to nerd stuff (if I harnessed that ability for “good”, I’d be a wealthy businessman or..gasp…groan…attorney), so I can retain the details presented. I like nothing more than good developmental histories of types.

The trick of course is to pick your sources (books) carefully. I’m very pleased with my library.

It’s really not hard to find authoritative works, the Putnam manufacturers series is a good start. And I’ve found similar books on non military U.S. aircraft…written by a historian who specializes in general aviation types.

Of course those are backed up by biography and autobiographies.A sub hobby is collecting autographed books by famous aviators, so I have a few of those which are special to me.