Customer Reviews

F.A.Q.: CARS AND MOTORCYCLES: Frequently Asked Questions about Techniques Used for Painting Cars and Motorcycles (Modelling Manuals)

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I found this book to cover many great details about model building race sedans , yet lacking in coverage . All the models and subjects covered are european and asian racing sedans and a couple racing motorcycles.There is no coverage of the very popular american cars and techniques whatsoever.
The book puts alot of coverage into detailing carbon fiber ,exotic racing engines and applying extensive racing decals.
I was hoping for some tips on scratch building, dealing with suspensions and wheelbase mods.There is very little coverage on painting and detailing auto interiors..aside from some racing details.

For what it is.... it's a great book if your only specific modeling category is modern race sedans and motorcycles box stock with a few photo etch and resin parts tossed in.
For the cost.. The book was much too specific to be titled "F.A.Q. cars and motorcycles"To be honest, It answered very few for me.

Very good book for modelers of all levels.

Like other books in this ("FAQ") series, contents is presented as a series of questions and answers. Each answer comprises a series of captioned photos. I think it works very well in this case.

The book goes over some basics - tools, paints, materials, basic construction techniques - which are probably applicable to other genres of modeling. It then covers painting - body, interior and all the other elements found in car / motorcycle models - and applying decals. And finally detailing (exterior, engine, suspension, interior, etc.) is thoroughly explained.

Most models are 1/24 or 1/20, but there is also small (1/43) resin kit shown. Detailing is shown with the use of aftermarket PE, metal and resin parts, as well as scratchbuilt bits.

Overall contents is very well presented and easy to digest. Complete novice might feel overwhelmed by the heavy dose of advanced topics, but everyone should find something interesting here. The only reason I'm giving the book 4 stars, is somewhat short treatment of body finishes. This is I feel the most important part of car / motorcycle modeling, and I'd have preferred more space devoted to it. But the book is very good as is - I doubt anyone interested in the subject would regret buying it.

I just received my copy of this book and found it to be excellent. The authors did a fine job covering the building of scale model cars (and motorcycles) in great detail. The book covers a wide variety of topics, including assembly, modification of parts, resin and photo-etch details, decals, detailing for increased realism and the all important finishes. Every topic is well illustrated with close-up color photographs demonstrating the technique. A very useful area to me was examples of what can go wrong with finishes and how to avoid or fix these problems. At the end of the book the authors also showcase some of their completed models and they are things of beauty ! I hope my models will someday look as good as those of the "Two Juans". I would say this book and a copy of "Building and Detailing Scale Model Cars" by Pat Covert will get any beginner off to a great start and will help more experienced modelers improve their craft. Well done !