Essential Skills for Scale Modelers (FineScale Modeler Books) Paperback – October 1, 2011

This is a very good intro for the newbie scale modeler. Through different well illustrated project builds many skills are well explained. The author is also FSM's editor and obviously writes clearly and includes good close up photos. It's an enjoyable read that I'll continue to use as a reference. The only minor cons are the lack of an index; and many of the instructional photos are on different pages to the associated text. Thhough not really an issue, but to my eye the color rendering of finished model photos don't match the model's colors during the builds. Anyway the book is still a great reference and highly recommended.

This is a great reference covering all aspects of model building. I'm just getting back into modeling after about a 40-year break, and this was a good refresher on the basics as well as a good introduction to new materials and techniques. It gives you a good starting point from which to do further research online looking for YouTube tutorials for more in-depth information.

I picked up this book for my 7 year old son (sure it's a little advanced, but it's not beyond an interested young childs grasp), who is just getting into scale modeling at the Snap-Level but is constantly wanting to learn some of the techniques that I've picked up over the years. Once I got the book in my hands, it's not come off my workbench or out of my hands. The author explores the basics and essentials of modeling in a thorough and easy to understand manner (even with a touch of humor) and shows you step by step some of the intermediate and advanced methods in the best possible manner - by example on a real model project from start to finish. Most of us who have been modeling for a while will recognize most of the methods and tricks in the book, but it's great to get a refresher and even learn a thing or two along the way. This is an even greater asset to the beginner who can get start modeling with a good base of knowledge and start dabbling in the more advanced techniques. This book certainly is aimed at the beginner, but I can't say enough for how in depth it gets at times.I would have liked to have seen a little more work put into painting cockpits and canopies though - just saying you can buy a pre-cut mask at an aftermarket dealer doesn't cut it. This is problematic because not all models have this option available and a good number of hobbyists (especially beginners) still have to make their own masks either by cutting masking tape or using a masking solution. This hobby can be expensive enough as it is and telling beginners that they need to buy aftermarket parts or masks is an instant turn-off to many who already dropped a sizable penny on the kit, paint, and essentials. Not a big deal to an expert, but for a hobby that's not seen as "cool" as it once was, this doesn't do the book any favors.

A great guide to scale model kits. It covers essential skills, just like the title says, of scale modeling. It includes guides, tips, and tricks for using the tools of the trade, like hobby knives, sprue cutters, and sanding. Instructions on painting, hand and air-brushing. It covers different types of scale modeling, military vehicles, planes, cars, ships, and figures by giving step-by-step instructions with detailed pictures that walk you through building the kits and includes the kit names so that you can buy it and follow along. It also includes a chapter on framing (mini dioramas).

I used to build models when I was in grade school, and am now getting back into it. Easy to read, and follow step by step, you'll learn a lot!

Excellent source for someone getting into scale models or even veterans to brush back up on basics or learn new skills.

This book offers a lot of great tips on a wide variety of modeling techniques. Although you may not necessarily be building all of the types of models described in the book, it's a great primer on several different styles and techniques. It really does a great job of breaking down specific techniques into clear step-by-step sections. Also, there are lots of great photos (that are numbered so they can be noted in the text) that clearly demonstrate the techniques being introduced. Overall, a great reference.

Good book for a beginner just getting into scale modeling or in my case, returning to it after decades. Scale models have significantly changes over the years and this book gives you a solid foundation to get started into it for the first time or after a layoff for a few years.