Hi Jon
I have not found a good book or mag. that is up to date and some of the other forum sites live in the past, but , very helpful on the scale side of the build.
The English site like model boats mag like to talk mainly of English stuff.
I get my gear for Hobbyking as the price is right and the motors are good.
http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/
http://www.modelboats.co.uk/