Customer Reviews

Building and Detailing Realistic Sherman Tanks (Finescale Modeler Books)

5 star:		(4)
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Great collection of photos and description of how several diverse Sherman models/dioramas were created. Impressive collection of Sherman model photos in the last portion of the book. Worth purchasing by anyone modeling armored vehicles, WWII or other as the techniques are universal. A great way to learn the history of the Sherman tank and the evolution of armor over the past 60 years. Until now, I've always modeled WWII German armor but now look forward to "switching sides" and making a US Army WWII M4A3E2 Sherman assault tank. Inspirational book, every modeler should add it to their collection.

Having read two articles is Fine Scale Modeler(FSM) by Jim Wechsler I had an idea what to expect as far as his model building and writing style. As with the FSM articles I was not disappointed in his book. The book was very well written and packed full of illustrations of 'how to' and finished models. I found Mr. Wechsler's step by step 'how to' illustrations and text to be informative and well written. He guides the reader through several 1/35 Sherman projects from beginner to advanced. One item I particular appreciated was a well documented list of after market products used on the model. This book will not make you an expert on the Sherman tank (and it does not claim to) but certainly helped me appreciate the Sherman tank. Mr. Wechsler on the other hand seems to be a Sherman expert with a passion for the vehicle that shows in his finished model gallery. In fact my only complaint with the book is a good majority of it is taken up by the finished model gallery. These pictures were interesting to look at and admire but did not do anything to sharpen my skills at modeling. All in all I believe this is a fine book and good investment for the money. I have been modeling on and off for about 12 years with an emphasis on modern 1/35 scale vehicles, and found his techniques well thought out and explained. Like I said for the money a good investment, if for nothing else to see his amazing Sherman gallery.

Modelers interested in military scenarios can enjoy James K. Wechsler's BUILDING AND DETAILING REALISTIC SHERMAN TANKS, a how-to construction guide for the Sherman tank that includes nearly fifty other models representing some 60 years of Shermans. From building a single Sherman to converting one Sherman type to another, this teaches how to build a customized Sherman from a resin kit and teaches all the basics of handling other fittings, using airbrushes and washes, and more.

The author attempted to build every single variant in every theater and army that the sherman served with. The fact that he built some 50-60 tanks and is still missing some goes to show you how widespread sherman use has been worldwide. Highly recommended, well researced with some building suggestions to boot. Really nice book.

This is a marvelous book. The volume includes a brief history of the Sherman and then moves right into bulding models of the tank. The first build discussed is an out-of-box project with great tips on fundamental construction techniques, advice on painting, and effective methods of weathering. In this section, Wechsler explains that his techniques are relatively easy for anyone to master. Using his book as a source, I built a Sherman and found the author's suggestions very helpful. The author also has a section on building a tank using aftermarket etched metal and cast resin parts, another section on building a tank and creating a small diorama for it, and a final construction sequence of building a cast resin model Sherman for ultimate detail from the kit. The last section of the book is made up of a comprehensive gallery of forty-eight different Sherman models. Each model in the gallery has two high-quality photographs that illustrate different views of the model in question.

Wechsler's "Building and Detailing Realistic Sherman Tanks" is a great resource for modelers of the Sherman, but the techniques described and illustrated in the book will work when building a model of any armored fighting vehicle. Highly recommended.