Finescale Modeler

This magazine is well written. Currently, Matt Usher is the editor and he is slowly making the magazine more like some of the British Magazines. That's a good thing because if things don't change then they become obsolete.

FSM is easy to use and every month follows a standard format. There is the magazine index of articles; a break down section of what's new and that is divided up by scale, type of vehicle or model, and books/supplies usually a featured article or build of a model; several conversion articles or how-to articles; and then important work bench reviews.

FSM is very influential on the industry. Every year they offer a poll on the most requested models. Since 2000 nearly every requested 1/350th large scale ship has been made. Also, FSM will pull no punches on the work bench reviews. Lindberg made a ghastly 1/72 scale Japanese submarine with a miss-formed bow. FSM slammed Lindberg on that and challenged the firm on where they did their research. Furthermore, FSM has lamented the fact that Lindberg may produce a 1/200th scale "Graf Zeppelin" aircraft carrier and not one person can figure their marketing campaign.

Another thing a potential reader of this magazine should know is FSM does not go down in value. This reviewer has been reading the magazine since the mid-1990s and once sold a large collection of the magazine when moving into a new house. It was quite nice to find out there is a large market for the used magazines. Indeed, if you're doing a special conversion, such as making the proposed F2N-4 "swept wing Banshee" (competitor to the F9F Cougar) then you'll need this magazine because it will tell you how to convert the kits.

FSM is the best general military modeling magazine on the market. They cover everything from cars to rockets but spend 95% of their printed material on military items and of that amount the bulk covers the subject of WWII. So, a reader will see more than a few write ups on various models of M-4s, Panzer IVs, and T34s but will be treated to occasional articles on Hummers in Baghdad or a write up on scratch building a giant 1/96th scale ship model.

This magazine has helped me develope my skills as a modeler for quite a while. I am still a novice but I have to say, using some of the tips and tricks found in these articles has really helped me. Every now and then I look at some of the detail that I would have otherwise missed. It makes the difference between being a toy and being a historical story. My dad used to build models all the time and I remember he always told me that building the model was the easy part, making it look real is the FUN (hard) part! The weathering tricks and scratch building how to's are all awesome even for an intermediate/skilled modeler. Okay, now I am rambling on. It's a great buy! Get it now, you won't regret it!

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Fine Scale Modeler is the outstanding modeling magazine. Filled with great photos and tips as well as detailed feature articles. No matter your favorite modeling subject, Fine Scale Modeler has it covered.

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The only real downside to this is the heavy emphasis on tanks and planes. I wish they'd put up more articles on other things. Ships or rockets, for example. That's why it doesn't get my 5 stars.

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I have been reading Finescale since about 1986. It has covered just about ever kind of modeling there is, so there is always some new information no matter what kind of modeler you are. There are other model magazines out there, that may be slightly better (depending on what kind of models you build), but those are more expensive. I build all kinds of models, so I have stayed with this one for many years. Once you start reading it, you will want to keep re-subscribing as well. It also makes a great gift for kids who have an interest in creating things.

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