SM.02 S-65 City Tractor features a civilian-based project created from the excellent 1/35 Trumpeter Stalinetz S-65 Russian Army tractor kit, with a finish that is designed to explore other realms of possibilities. This model will illustrate how a city owned operation might have utilized this one-time military tractor. The finish was heavily influenced by the many worn-out city tractors seen in the great Pacific Northwest.

6.5" x 7.5", 128-page softcover, perfect bound, uniquely designed uncoated Linen cover stock. Interior pages are the same high-quality paper stock as the TANKART books, which helps to create a stylish and cool presentation with tons of character.

In the Book

If you are interested in building painting and weathering something other than a military vehicle, this book is about a tractor and all the different layers of painting and weathering involved with the process.

One technique discussed in the book is a Windex removal technique used on Tamiya paints. What the technique dose, is leave a faded edge of paints showing wear on a surface. This is different than that of the Hair Spray chipping technique in that the hair spray and paint chipping leave hard edges on the chips. I have not tried Windex on any of my models so far but will include it with my next one.

The author has established himself as one the world’s premier modeling and weathering personalities having numerous books on the subject. In this book it is solely dedicated to a tractor you might find in the community and how to make it look used and realistic using techniques described.

The book is a paper back, has 127 pages and has great photos of the tractor build, painting, and weathering

The book is divided into 12 chapters

• Introduction
• Paint Schemes
• Weathering Philosophy
• Technique Proficiency
  • Hairspray Technique
  • Practice and Testing
  • Oil Paint Rendering
• Assembly
• Painting
  • Reference
• Weathering
• Tracks
• Seat Painting
• Last Details
• Model Gallery
• Step-by-Step Reference
• At the end of the book is an interesting quick reference build and paint in steps from beginning to the end of the project.
• Summary

I wasn’t sure what the book would be about but once I investigated it, I was intrigued by the process of weathering this tractor and the realistic look attained. I am now considering building models of civilian construction equipment and using various techniques shown in the book. Now I can see myself opening a new stash of models around heavy equipment.

If you are also looking to build a different type of model from the usual military subjects this book would be a big help as a guide to gain a realistic looking model. I don’t want to forget that if you are building a military subject, this book could also be a great reference.

This book is highly recommended.

Thank you to IPMS USA, Casemate Publishers and Rinaldi Studios to have the ability to review this book.