This book is a perfect example of what this series should be like. Author Steve Zaloga is well known for his other historical books on armor and he brings that and his modeling expertise to this edition on the Stuart light tank. The author states right up front that this is book does not focus on the beginning, or even the intermediate modeler, but on the upper 5% who are willing to put forth the extra work and cost to make something out of the ordinary. That is not to say that the rest of us cannot learn from the techniques in the book or simply enjoy looking at the fine models produced, but the reality is that most of us are not willing or able to go on to that next plateau.

There are three major builds in the book and a half dozen other projects highlighted. It is in the major construction articles where this book sets itself above the others in the series that I have read. Rather than just stating 'I did this...I did that', Steve goes into more detail and actually takes us through the steps that were used. I find this much more helpful. Even though I may never achieve the same results, the more we know how to do something, the greater are chances at success. As the author so sagely states, the only way to get good at these things is to practice, practice, practice. That is especially true when one goes into the more artistic areas of our hobby. The more one does a thing, the better one gets and the easier it becomes.

Anyway, past the intro to the book is a section on kits and materials. This is then followed by the AFV Club M3A3, a kit-bash of the Tamiya M3 and Academy M3A1, and finally the cover kit, the Tamiya M4A1. These comprise the major articles. There are smaller articles on a British 'Honey', an M3 in the Philippines, an M3A1 in Tunisia, a Yugoslav M3 with a Pak 40, and finally an M8 Howitzer Motor Carriage. Even the minor articles show 'under construction' images to help the reader. All this is followed by a bibliography and a color chart (which is nice, but of dubious value as it is in 4 color printing and not actual paint chips). Many of the articles include close-up photos of the real deal to help the modeler when it comes to modifying or replacing kit parts.

Overall, this is really a fine modeling book. I'm not an armor builder, but found many helpful ideas and techniques. If you like building armor, then I'm sure you will find this a book of great value to you.

Available in bookstores everywhere, through Classic Motorbooks at (800) 826-6600 or at www.motorbooks.com

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