Maximum Boost : Designing, Testing, and Installing Turbocharger Systems
by Corky Bell

This is THE book on turbochargers. It gives the amateur real insight into how these deceptively complex machines work. Whether you are contemplating doing something mundane like turbocharging your car, or something extreme like building a turbocharger based jet engine, this book is packed with useful information you need.

Genesis of the Jet : Frank Whittle and the Invention of the Jet Engine
by John Golley, Sir Frank Whittle, Bill Gunston (Editor)

This is the story of Sir Frank Whittle, the man who invented the jet engine in 1937. It covers all the technical challenges, ground breaking science, military bureaucracy, political intrigue and interesting characters associated with one of the most important inventions of the 20th century. A fascinating read for anyone walking in Whittle's footsteps and attempting to build their own jet engine.

Gas Turbine Engines for Model Aircraft
by Kurt Schreckling, Keith Thomas

Kurt Schreckling's Book is now available in English. In it he explains how to build his turbojet motor, the FD3/64 containing full construction, photographs and working drawings. This book is now out of print and getting hard to find. Snap up a copy if you find one. Amazon sometimes has used ones available.

Model Jet Engines
by Thomas Kamps, Keith Thomas

My first experience with amateur built jet engines was at a model airplane fly-in. I was amazed that such powerful engines could be built by amateurs. From that day on I was hooked. This book explains how to build your own small and lightweight but very powerful jet engines capable of propelling large model aircraft at high speeds. Unfortunately this book is also now out of print. But Amazon sometimes has a used copy or two for sale.

Handbook of Model Rocketry
by G. Harry Stine

Rocketry is another of my passions. I was very active for years in the Tripoli Rocketry Society and even attended LDRS 3 times at the Black Rock Desert in Northern Nevada where we could launch the really big monsters without fear of hurting anything, except ourselves. I have been less active in rocketry the last few years, but that may change soon. Here is an interesting book for those of you also interested in rocketry like me.