FineScale Modeler

FineScale Modeler teaches you to build models of aircraft, armor, ships and more. Clear articles show you how to assemble, paint, and finish the latest model kits. Every issue includes unbiased reviews of kits that were built and tested for accuracy, product announcements, tips from the experts, and a gallery of readers’ models.

Gratitude in modeling goes both ways

Off the sprue: What do you like/dislike about winter? • FSM’s home is Wisconsin, which may not have the worst winters on Earth, but they do seem to linger for months. Good news? More time at the workbench!

SCALE TALK • Your voice in FSM

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Reader tips

Q&A

NEW PRODUCTS

Spotlight

Detailing a gnome arcanist • 23mm looks mysteriously big with light sourcing trickery

Enhance a Zero • Add photo-etched parts and a smidge of subtle weathering for a well rounded Zero

Improving HobbyBoss’ Skyhawk • Monogram flaps and slats properly ground an A-4E

U.S. Navy aircraft identification markings — a history • Part 3 of 4: From blue to gray in Korea, Vietnam, and the Cold War

MMSI 2018 • In late October, hundreds of the best figure modelers and painters gathered for the Military Miniature Society of Illinois annual Chicago show. The tables in the contest area were crowded with subjects as varied as ancient, medieval, and modern soldiers, stunning dioramas, and extraordinary fantasy characters. Here’s a sampling of the photos shot by FSM Senior Editor Aaron Skinner.

Inside an M113 • Superdetail the interior of Trumpeter’s 1/72 scale ACAV

How building models helped my recovery • Constructing an old kit helps build hand-eye coordination

Improve Trumpeter’s Type 033G sub • Building and painting a 1/144 scale Chinese Romeo

READER GALLERY

Decals for a “paper” panzer • This is field-applied camouflage with a difference

First M19A1 in plastic from Bronco

Ryefield Sturmtiger RM 61 L/5.4 38cm

Takom M60A1 with ERA

Roden M43 ¾-ton ambulance

Takom SMK Soviet heavy tank

Building a museum collection