Building and Detailing Realistic Sherman Tanks (Finescale Modeler Books)

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.

I read the previous online reviews of this book, so I went into this purchase with "eyes wide open". And still, this has been a very useful and inspiring reference for my modeling. I am returning to armor modeling after an absence of several years so it was good to read the author's perspective on how he rediscovered modeling Sherman tanks. The text flows well, is easy to read and the photography is excellent too. My only wish is that he had described his great techniques for painting the figures that accompany his models more, but admittedly this is a book about Sherman tank models and there are plenty other great references on figure painting. I tend to favor acrylics like Vallejo and Tamiya and the author favors Testors Model Master enamels, and yet I still gleaned a lot from this book, which is now a favorite reference in my library.

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.

Mr. Wechler's book is a fantastic resource for the modeler and historian alike. A great how-to guide covering assembly, conversions, painting and weathering the Sherman as well as a thorough primer to various versions and the 60 year combat history of this iconic tank. Well worth adding to your reference library!

As I am just getting into scale modeling I have been researching my Father In law's history in WWII. This book helped me narrow down the types of Shermans he encountered in Northern France and near the Battle of the Bulge. It's a source of well researched history and a great guidance for a new-by like me.

It has words too. I know the author, great guy, knows his business and explains it very well.

I'm a M4 tank fan and build many myself, so for this reason alone I liked the book. Lots of photographs of over 40 different M4s the author has built. Lots of inspiration here. The tips and how to build sections are good and will really help the beginning to moderate builder. I recommend it, if this fits you. If youre already ahighly experienced armor builder, and are already a avid student of the M4, no. This is not up there with the best of the books, or Son of Sherman, etc.

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.

Good book it will be very useful when future builds as I build a number sherman

Das Buch zeigt an Hand von ein Paar Modellen wie diese gesupert werden können ein großer Teil beschäftigt sich mit den produzierten Varienten des Shermans. Ein schönes Nachschlgewerk.

Very good

This is a great resource for military modellers looking for an introduction to building detailed and accurate models of this iconic tank. The text is easy to read and doesn't expect from the reader a high level of knowledge of the subject. The illustrations are clear and fully supports the text. The illustrations of the author's collection of 50+ Shermans is stunning but it does raise my only criticism. The captions give good information on the mark or designation of the tank modelled but fails to identify the base model from which the kit is built. It's only a minor quibble but would have been very helpful to me. Overall a great book which I will be using as both a reference as well as a source of inspiration.

This is a nice book for browsing through and the photos of the authors Sherman collection are all of a high quality. However I was a little disappointed that only three of the 40 plus tanks had a detailed description of how they were built, The rest are all depicted in two photos per tank. In fairness to the author, a comprehensive step-by-step account per model would doubtless have been repetitive in many areas but I think the balance has been missed. Of course, more text would probably have increased the price. I got it second hand via Amazon marketplace and am happy with it for that price but probably would not have bought it at the RRP.