FineScale Modeler teaches you to build models of aircraft, armor, ships and more. Clear articles show you how to assemble, paint, and finish the latest model kits. Every issue includes unbiased reviews of kits that were built and tested for accuracy, product announcements, tips from the experts, and a gallery of readers’ models.

Has it really been 30 years?

FineScale Modeler

SCALE TALK • Your voice in FSM

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DESERT STORM at 30

Building SPIRIT OF SYRACUSE • Commemorating the F-16s that flew in Desert Storm

Through the STORM • Detail a 1/35 scale Iraqi APC in desert camo

THE VICTOR and the VANQUISHED • Double-teaming a Desert Storm diorama

THE BRADLEY • During Desert Storm, Bradleys proved their worth, even going toe to toe — or should that be TOW to toe? — with T-72 main battle tanks. I usually model airplanes, so the challenge of modeling a Bradley in overall CARC tan appealed to me. But I was also shy of references, spare parts, and general knowledge. Tamiya’s M2A2 is a decent, albeit older, kit, and there aren’t many accessories available for it, so I was on my own to a large degree.

THE T-72 AND BASE • Looking for a T-72 I was willing to destroy, I came across Hobbycraft’s kit in a box of kits I was planning to get rid of. I picked it up on clearance in 2005, took one look at the contents, and decided I got exactly what I’d paid for. The biggest issue I had turning it into a destroyed tank was resisting the urge to truly destroy it. I based the damage on photos of Iraqi tanks knocked out during Desert Storm, but it doesn’t represent a specific vehicle. I imagined whatever took it out caused a quick, hot fire on one side, burning the road-wheel tires and scorching the hull and turret.

Improve Eduard’s TORNADO • Accurate ordnance and weathering for a Gulf War striker

READER GALLERY

DESTROY all Martians • Build a 1/350 scale monster mashup of Godzilla battling alien tripods

George’s Jeep • Scratchbuilt modification make a stunning tribute

The Phantom of the Opera or bust! • Painting tricks give a resin bust of a classic monster life

Prevent color showing through a decal • Simple technique enhances marking realism

A Triebflügel worth taking for a spin • FSM experts build and evaluate new kits

Italeri BMW M1 Procar

Scratchbuild an entire scene • Cut up metal coffee cans, cardboard, and earrings make a 1/24 scale WWII diorama