This is Michael Rinaldi’s second book in this series, the first being on the Industria Mechanika 1/35 FichtenFoo's Fantastical Fish-shaped Submersible resin kit. This issue focuses on the Trumpeter Stalinetz S.65 Russian Army tractor kit. The Single Model (SM) series represents a focus on a specific kit and as such is a limited edition (i.e. Only One Print Run!). This singular focus permits Michael Rinaldi to tackle topics outside of his successful TankArt series and allows him to address finishes that he has not attempted before. Indeed, the next in this series is on the Bandai Sazabi Master Grade Mobile Suit. A core premise of the new book series is to explore and redefine artistic and creative finishes for each subject.

This edition uses all the style and methodology that is on display in Rinaldi’s Tank Art series of books. The print quality of the photographs is truly superb. As in SM01, Michael Rinaldi demonstrates a step by step method of building this Russian tractor with the focus on bringing finishes to life. Each of his techniques are demonstrated and are painstakingly explained in the text. Just seeing what Michael Rinaldi makes me anxious to get in and try it myself, especially dumping pigments on the tractor tracks (Page 27). The last chapter is essentially an index, in sequence, of all the steps outlined in the previous 120 pages. I found it a nice touch and an easy reference to quickly refer back to the right pages in the book.

The Table of Contents includes the following sections:

• Introduction
• Paint Schemes
• Weathering Philosophy
• Technique Proficiency
• Hair Spray Technique (Page 11)
  • Practice & Testing (Page 23)
  • Oil Paint Rendering (Page 35)
• Assembly (Page 47)
• Painting
• Reference (Page 53)
• Weathering (Page 78)
• Tracks (Page 97)
• Seat Painting
• Last Details (Page 107)
• Model Gallery (Page 114)
• Step-By-Step Reference (Page 126)

I think that any modeler can learn a lot from this book and apply these techniques to any type of model they wish. The focus is on painting and weathering, and this book easily demonstrates how both can be utilized to produce a great model. My thanks to Rinaldi Studio Press and IPMS/USA for the chance to review this great book.

Highly recommended!