December 2004

December 2004

FineScale Modeler magazine is the essential tool for modelers of all skill levels. Learn how to create models of aircraft, armor, ships, cars and more. Every issue provides clear, well-instructed articles that show how to assemble the latest model kits and how to master painting and finishing techniques.

Kit reviews, new kit and product announcements, tips from experts, and a gallery of readers' models make every issue packed with value.

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Features

Stunning World War II aircraft

For Bill Pettyjohn, the delight is in the detail – and incredibly realistic finishes.

Nine ways to beat the airbrush blues

BY Matthew Usher

Try these tips for getting your airbrush to spray the paint where you want it when you want it – and without blemishes.

Dressing up Dora

BY Alfonso Martínez Berlana

Simple conversion and detailing – plus a killer paint job – turn Dragon/Revell’s 1/48 scale kit into an Fw 190D to die for.

Build a different kind of Sherman

BY Lawrence Hansen

Ready to go a step beyond straight-from-the-box? Take the plunge with us as we correct and upgrade Dragon’s Sherman Firefly Vc.

Making armored vehicle optics

BY Graeme Davidson

Here are three great techniques for simulating the brightly colored lenses and viewports on modern AFVs.

Shore leave in Shanghai

Inspired by the rare visit of two U.S. warships to China in 1989, Ray Bean built his amazing hand-painted diorama around two 1/350 scale resin kits.

Build a terrific T-28 trainer

BY Gil Hodges

Still the only 1/48 scale Trojan, Monogram’s old kit just needs some aftermarket and scratchbuilt detail to be an up-to-date winner.

Departments

Online Extra

Armored vehicle optics explained

BY Graeme Davidson

Laser devices have greatly improved the effectiveness of AFVs. To learn more - and see photos of real AFV optics - click here.

MMSI 2004 show

IPMS Vancouver 2004 fall show

Reader Gallery

Photos of models of all types, submitted by their builders.

French knight at Poitiers

WWII U.S. soldiers in bombed city

U.S.S. Olympia

Ki-44 Tojo

F-111 Aardvark

SdKfz 223

Texaco station

2001 Honda NSR 50 Grand Prix

M1A1 Abrams

PB4Y-2 Privateer

Show Gallery

IPMS Seattle show

Workbench Reviews

FSM's unmatched reviews of the latest kits, every one built by a modeler.

Tamiya Tiger I (late)

Academy F-89D Scorpion

Special Hobby Gloster E.28/39 Pioneer

Tamiya Challenger 2

Fonderie Miniature Piasecki H-21

Special Hobby Phönix D.I

Pavla Lysander Mk.II

Classic Airframes Hawker Sea Hawk

Trumpeter 1963 Chevy Nova SS

Dragon M2A2 Bradley

History You Can Model

Short stories about subjects you can build.

The fabulous F-15 Eagle

Editor's Page

A letter from FSM's Editor, Mark Thompson.

Scale Talk

Letters from modelers around the world.

News

The latest news about the hobby.

New Products

The latest products to help you enjoy your hobby.

Reader Tips

Tips for enjoying your hobby, from your fellow readers.

Questions & Answers

Have a question? FSM is here to help.

Coming Events

The who, when, and where of modeling events.

From the Forum

The FSM online modeling experience.

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Features

Stunning World War II aircraft

Nine ways to beat the airbrush blues

Dressing up Dora

Build a different kind of Sherman

Making armored vehicle optics

Shore leave in Shanghai

Build a terrific T-28 trainer

Departments

Online Extra

Armored vehicle optics explained

MMSI 2004 show

IPMS Vancouver 2004 fall show

Reader Gallery

French knight at Poitiers

WWII U.S. soldiers in bombed city

U.S.S. Olympia

Ki-44 Tojo

F-111 Aardvark

SdKfz 223

Texaco station

2001 Honda NSR 50 Grand Prix

M1A1 Abrams

PB4Y-2 Privateer

Show Gallery

IPMS Seattle show

Workbench Reviews

Tamiya Tiger I (late)

Academy F-89D Scorpion

Special Hobby Gloster E.28/39 Pioneer

Tamiya Challenger 2

Fonderie Miniature Piasecki H-21

Special Hobby Phönix D.I

Pavla Lysander Mk.II

Classic Airframes Hawker Sea Hawk

Trumpeter 1963 Chevy Nova SS

Dragon M2A2 Bradley

History You Can Model

The fabulous F-15 Eagle

Editor's Page

Scale Talk

News

New Products

Reader Tips

Questions & Answers

Coming Events

From the Forum

Index of Advertisers

Classified Marketplace

Hobby Shop Directory

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