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FSM Direct article collections provide an easy way to learn essential modeling tips and techniques. With a click of the mouse, you can instantly download article collections to your computer.

Covering all aspects of the hobby, each collection includes some of the best articles from more than 25 years of FineScale Modeler. Browse the complete line of FSM Direct article collections.

Here are some recently published collections.

October 23, 2009

Paint modern military figures -- $3.95

This 21-page article collection shows you how to mix acrylic paints for military-figure uniforms, color uniforms with acrylic paints, and paint camouflage uniforms, including World War II German camouflage. You'll also learn how to build and paint "Captain Miller," Tom Hanks' character from the 1998 movie "Saving Private Ryan," as well as make wall fragments for figure displays.

The best of Modeling the Second World War -- $4.95

In the 1990s, FineScale Modeler published two volumes of Modeling the Second World War. This 48-page collection comprises the best stories from those issues and shows you how to build Revell's 1/125 scale Type VII-B U-boat, model the V1 buzz bomb and launcher in 1/35 scale, detail Tamiya's 1/35 scale T-34/85, and sandbag Tamiya's 1/35 scale M4A3 Sherman. We'll show you how to convert Revell's 1/720 scale USS Arizona to the Pennsylvania as well as Tamiya's 1/35 scale M3 Stuart to a M2A4. You'll also learn how to paint checkerboard patterns on aircraft and apply eye-popping paint schemes on four Minicraft 1/72 scale B-24 bombers. All for $4.95!

Figure painting 101 -- $3.95

This 23-page article collection shows you how to paint figures with acrylics, how to paint figures with artist's oils, how to paint flats (engravings that are almost two-dimensional), and how to use oils to produce convincing metal finishes. You'll also learn the basics of painting figure eyes, as well as how to paint metal figures with acrylics.

Modeling World War II British aircraft -- $4.95

This 37-page collection shows you how to paint Tamiya's 1/48 scale Fairey Swordfish, detail Tamiya's 1/48 scale Avro Lancaster, improve Matchbox's 1/72 scale Vickers Wellesley, install photoetched-metal cockpit details in Arii's 1/48 scale Spitfire, convert Hasegawa's 1/32 scale Mk.V Spitfire to a Griffon-engined Mk.XIV, and combine Airfix and Monogram kits to make a USAAF Mosquito P.R. Mk.XVI. You'll also learn construction hints to build a 1/72 scale Spitfire as well as 10 tips to put a fabulous finish on a 1/48 scale Mosquito.

Improve your airbrushing: Part 1 -- $4.95

This 22-page article collection provides simple steps to airbrush camouflage, shadows, and natural metal. It also includes fundamental information about airbrushing, such as troubleshooting and cleaning tips.

Modeling Russian and Soviet fighters -- $4.95

This 38-page collection shows you how to add winter camouflage to Trumpeter's 1/32 scale MiG-3, detail Esci's 1/48 scale MiG-23E, accurize Smer/Airfix's 1/48 scale MiG-17, and build Bilek's 1/72 scale MiG-19PM "Farmer" E. You'll also learn how to kitbash a 1/72 scale Sukhoi Su-22 "Fitter J," convert Fujimi's 1/72 scale MiG-21bis to the MiG-21l "Analog 144," and model the "donated" MiG-15 test flown by Chuck Yeager in 1/72 scale.

Model modern armor (non-American) -- $3.95

This seven-article collection shows you how to update Tamiya's 1/35 scale Challenger, detail Dragon's 1/35 scale BTR-80, upgrade AFV Club's 1/35 scale Scimitar, and convert Tamiya's 1/35 scale Centurion Mk.III to an Mk.V. You'll also learn how to build a pair of Iraqi T-72s as well as an Iraqi T-62M in 1/35 scale.

Modeling real space -- $4.95

This 43-page article collection shows you how to model a 1/48 scale Apollo 13, 1/48 scale Eagle lunar module, 1/35 scale Mercury capsule, and a 1/96 scale Soyuz spacecraft, as well as how to scratchbuild a 1/72 scale Mir space station and build a 1/32 scale Apollo 11 diorama. You'll also learn how to improve Revell's 1/12 scale Astronaut in Space and Glencoe's 1/350 scale nuclear-powered space station.

Modeling World War II German fighters -- $4.95

This 39-page article collection shows you how to build Hasegawa's 1/32 scale Fw 190D-9, superdetail Revell's 1/32 scale Bf 110G-4, improve Hasegawa's 1/32 scale Me 163 Komet, spruce up Trimaster's 1/48 scale He 162 Volksjager, and paint and weather Trimaster/Dragon's 1/48 scale Ta 152H-0. You'll also learn how to convert Dragon/Revell's 1/48 scale Fw 190D-11 to a Fw 190D-13/R-11, as well as add detail and damage to Hasegawa's 1/32 scale Fw 190F-8. For information on the Bf 109, check out the article collection "Modeling the Bf 109."

Model modern American armor -- $4.95

This 44-page article collection reveals essential tips and techniques to build armor in 1/35 scale, including how to detail Tamiya's M2A2 Bradley and Dragon's M1A2 Abrams; up-armor Tamiya's Humvee; and wash and dry-brush Tamiya's M1A1 Abrams. You'll also learn how to accurize Esci's LAV-25 and LAV-TUA TOW launcher, as well as how to improve Italeri's M109A6 Paladin.

Pat Covert's painting and weathering tips -- $4.95

Longtime FineScale contributor Pat Covert shares techniques to paint and weather, including how to finish with powdered pastels, use full-scale paints on small-scale models, and achieve a high-gloss finish. Pat reveals tips to replicate rust and weathered wood as well as create grease, grime, grunge, and other wear and tear on your models. You'll also learn smart ways to use enamels.

Modeling submarines -- $3.95

This 28-page article collection shows you how to model ICM's 1/144 scale XXIII U-boat in a weekend, build a 1/144 scale Type XXI U-boat and dry dock, and backdate Revell's 1/178 scale USS Lionfish to the USS Gato. You'll also learn how to superdetail Revell's 1/72 scale Type 7c U-boat and improve Raccoon's 1/200 scale Uzushio.

Modeling science fiction and fantasy figures -- $3.95

This 25-page article collection shows you how to model some of the most popular science-fiction and fantasy characters of the 20th century, including: Indiana Jones in 1/6 scale, Robocop in 1/6 scale, The Terminator in 1/6 scale, The Predator in 1/6 scale, and “Star Wars” Boba Fett in 1/12 scale. You’ll also learn how to paint your first figure (Frank Frazetta’s 54mm Death Dealer) as well as paint metal figures with acrylics.

Browse the complete line of FSM Direct article collections.

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