MSRP: Softbound, $49.95 US
ISBN: 978-84-96658-08-0
159 pages, 652 color photos, plus two galleries with another 56 color photos

Review Copy Supplied by Casemate Publishing: www.casematepublishing.com

Andrea Press offers the third book in their FAQ series as an in-depth guide to finishing models cars and motorcycles. The techniques are well-explained, and cover most any "shiny" vehicle model. The book is a well-written step-by-step explanation of virtually any and all techniques for finishing model cars. The book is big (8" x 12") and packed full of color photographs. The steps are listed in a logical sequence, and the photographs are arranged to visually explain each and every step.

The book begins with a section examining the workplace, tools and equipment necessary to build and finish an award-winning model. Under the workplace, the book explains proper lighting, reference sources, and storage ideas. The tools subsection covers the basic tools that a modeler would need, including tweezers, knives, cutters, paint brushes, and motor tools. Under the equipment, it includes such things as pencils, cotton swabs, latex gloves, and masking materials. There is also a subsection covering only abrasive materials, such as sandpaper, steel wool, and Scotchbrite pads.

The next section covers kit preparation. It goes through reference inspecting and comparing the kit parts to reference materials, removing chrome plating, correcting flaws such as mold separation lines and ejector pin marks, and making improvements as in rescribing panel lines and drilling out openings. The author examines the different types of glues and explains how they are used, then moves on to cover filler putties and their use.

Primers are covered in great depth, as are air compressors and airbrushes. Included is a thorough step-by-step cleaning tutorial for an airbrush. The paint section of the book looks at the different types of paint and explains the proper methods for thinning each type. There is also information regarding safety precautions when spraying paint of any type.

Decals are covered in the next section. Surface preparation, application, and setting solutions are explained, with clear photographs depicting each step. The author discusses making patterns and cutting carbon fiber decals for specific uses. Correct storage for decals, as well as printing decals, is also covered in this section.

The book also covers scratch building roll cages, details, and harnesses, using photoetched detail parts, engine detailing, flocking interior items, foiling trim and other items, and even molding resin parts.

I think every person building a model car or motorcycle should have this book on the shelf. For the beginner, this is an unbelievably valuable step-by-step training manual. For the experienced car modeler, this book could be the best reference on the shelf.

From one modeler who occasionally builds a car, but has always wished he could do the job better, I have to give this book my highest recommendation… "Gotta Have It!!!"

I would like to thank Tara Lichterman and Casemate Publishing, Inc. for this review sample.