Reviews (27)

Boom, Fling, Bang, What fun!
Silly me, I used Ether starting fluid in my first potato cannon. That is downright dangerous. But this was prior to having a nicely written book with several projects that I didn't even think of. I haven't tried any of these projects yet, but they have been carefully thought out with safety in mind. The author also gives interesting backgrounds to the projects. I wouldn't want to be "hoisted with my own petard" as Shakespeare wrote. I'm going to wait till winter with a snow cover before attempting the fire kite. Great stuff! I recommend this.

Backyard Ballistics
Great for dad's to indulge their childhood daydreams whilst spending time with their kids.

good read
very interesting--shows some of the ways we entertained ourselves before computers and play stations. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ballistics    2. Experiments    3. Experiments & Projects    4. Rockets (Aeronautics)    5. Science    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Mechanics of solids    8. Models & model-making    9. Science / Experiments & Projects    10. Science: General Issues   

Reviews (4)

Pure modeling eye candy
Sure it's spendy, but you will spend countless hours drooling over this book by one of the premier modellers in the world right now.As mentioned, every facet of AFV modeling is covered in this publication.From equipment to the process of painting the entire vehicle, groundwork, accessories, etc.
Best AFV Work Book To Date!
Up until now Tony Greenland's book "Panzer Modeling" was the one book I pulled out when I start a new AFV. Mig's Book F.A.Q. will now sit on my workbench for a long time. This book is to be used as a reference anytime you are looking for a step-by-step way to paint anything from an Ammo Crate to an entire Tank! It's definitely worth the $ Dollars spent. My book was advertised as a hardcover from an Amazon retailer but came to me as a soft cover. This book will probably never see my bookshelf and is made to sit next to you as you work.
The "Masterclass" for finishing techniques
If Tony Greenland's book set the standard for building AFV's then Mig's "FAQ" has just set the standard for finishing AFV's. Like the title suggests, Mig lays out basicly everything you would want or need to know (and then some!) about different finishing techniques in this book. From what tools and materials are used, to tips on how to paint and prepare groundwork, and everything in between.The book is printed on nice, heavy stock glossy paper, it's laid out well, and the pictures are nothing short of gorgeous. I have heard one person who bought the book complain that there wasn't enough text to explain things, but the pictures more than speak for themselves and it is easy to see what Mig is explaining. To conclude, if you build AFV's get this book, I'm sure you will find yourself referring to it very often. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. History    2. History - Military / War    3. Military    4. Military - Other    5. Military Science    6. History / Military / Other    7. Models & model-making   

Reviews (3)

more needed
good book for the most part. however, despite it being reprinted in '04, it is really lacking in up-to-date info for anyone considering electric helis as an entrypoint to the hobby. also, the section on flight simulators is woefully inadequate and in no way reflects what is available today (eg G3, XTR etc).
A real guide for the beginner
The best thing about this book is that it is really a guide - it gives you all the information you need from the basics, through choosing your first helicopter model to flying and repairing it. After reading it you will feel you know something about this great hobby and be ready to get into it. Plus it's written in understandable and entertaining style so even if you know something about the topic you won't be bored to read about it.
New and Improved and a Must-Have
Papillon's book has been revised substantially, but even the old one was a keeper.The new one has more information and less of the risible Anglicisms that peppered the text of the previous edition.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Non-Classifiable    2. Nonfiction    3. Personal & Practical Guides    4. Reference    5. Model aircraft    6. Radio-controlled models   

Reviews (1)

A necessary book for the model ship builder
I purchased this book several years past.This Amazon.com reviewer is an avid ship modeler.I use this book nearly constantly.I give this book five stars.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Boating - General    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Models    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Transportation    7. Model boats & ships    8. Sports & Recreation / Boating   

Reviews (16)

I doubt a 4-year-old would be able to read this.
This is probably a good paper airplane book, but I'm assuming that the reviewers here who have small children are largely reading the book themselves and then showing their kids how to do it, or even just making the planes for the kids.
First Place in Science Fair (for first-graders)
Our seven-year-old boy loves to make these paper airplanes at his desk in his room. The book has so many styles, there are plenty to share with his little sister and brother. He can easily reconstruct the styles in the book on regular sheets of paper.
RichO from Phila.
Fantastic book for kids over 40! (I'm a kid 65 and shared it with a kid who was 80. Lots of fun. Also sharing with my Grandchild, 6 years of age, but needs some help. More fun! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's 4-8 - Crafts / Hobbies    2. Children's Books/Ages 4-8 Nonfiction    3. Children: Grades 3-4    4. Crafts & Hobbies - General    5. Juvenile Nonfiction    6. Juvenile literature    7. Paper airplanes    8. Specimens    9. Toy and movable books    10. Juvenile Nonfiction / Crafts & Hobbies    11. Models & model-making   

Reviews (6)

Fastrack
This book gives a pretty good overview of Fastrack and layout building in general.A lot of the information has been covered in other books, but the areas specific to Fastrack made this worth the purchase.I suppose that had I not had the other books, this would have made 5 stars and been more valuable.I think this is a must have for folks that are just getting into O gauge railroading as many who have starter sets have Fastrack.

Lionel Fastrack Book review
This is a must have book before doing a model railroad layout using Lionel's Fastrack. Using Lionel 036 track is pretty easy but using O60 and O72 requires technical information presented well in this book. The author covers how to do layouts and wiring for conventional control and digital control (Trainmaster Command Control, TMCC). Excellent color pictures of sample layouts. I highly recommend purchasing this book.

FasTrack for Lionel O-Gauge Trains
The book provides a very thorough treatment of the FasTrack product line covering the individual FasTrack components.There is a great amount of detail on the FasTrack switches, their design and use, as well as how to wire and operate them.Extensive track layouts are shown, in photos and schematics, from very simple to extremely complex. The legends for the track components on the schematics are sometimes hard to follow, but that was only a minor nuisance.Overall, an excellent book for the FasTrack user, or if one is contemplating investing in the product line for their Lionel layout. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Collectors and collecting    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Model Railroading    6. Models    7. Railroads    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Models    9. Model railways   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (22)

Not what we expected
My husband and I reviewed this book and found it too technical.He is an aeronautical engineer and able to fix or build nearly anything.Our sons are Lego fanatics and I bought this book with the hope of it being a jumping off point for them and my husband.
GREAT Jumping off point for the hobby
If you have/are a lego fan BUY THIS BOOK.
Good book, a must for any serious lego collector
This book has a lot of great models to build and teaches some great builing methods and explains many different aspects. It has a very good appendix listing almost every element and providing graphs that are a huge help in building projects. The only two negative feelings i have for the book is that it really is the only book out on the subject. You do not have a choice to pick another book. One other thing is that on the supporting website, which is nice, they do not have the instructions posted yet.(by the time you read this they might have posted them, www.apotome.com) If your a serious collector you need this book, it is worth the price to me. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Crafts for Children    3. LEGO toys    4. Manufacturing    5. Models    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Technology    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Models    9. Crafts & Hobbies/Crafts for Children    10. Robotics   

Reviews (5)

One of the best books on Matchbox Toys.
Its a big book and plenty of clear colour photos of so many examples throughout.covers every era of Matchbox toys.This type of book is superior over the wide but short books printed by this publisher.There is so much information here no matter whether you are devoted collector or just love looking at the old toys you had.This book will please most people.Its good value and high quality.

Great Matchbox reference book !!!
This is a great reference book, full of details and history aboutevolution of Matchbox toys. If you love Matchbox, this is a must. CharlieMack is a true expert on the subject, and this is for sure the mostcomplete and updated information about the subject. The only complains are:cover picture is not representative at all. Pictures are excelent but couldbe larger for the "reg. wheels" and "miniatures", andseveral rare cars and boxes are ommited (no space probably). However,"Tomart's Price Guide for Hot Wheels" have a much better andcontemporary graphic design and many more pictures in a smaller book, andalso with more description of individual models.

Encyclopedia of Matchbox Toys Review
I feel this is a great book.Why?It has very much attention to the details of the hobby.The pictures are helpful.They price guide is quite accurate and good for reference.Mr. Mack did a wonderful job putting thisbook together.Alot of time and energy must have went into the book and itpaid off.I recommend it to new and experienced collectors alike. Greatbook! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Catalogs    2. Collectors and collecting    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Matchbox toys    5. Models    6. Motor vehicles    7. Reference    8. Antiques & collectables: toys, games & models   

Reviews (5)

This book's price guide needs to be changed completely!
I feel that the price guide was very badly placed, it is in the back of the book. The listings of the cars were in alphabetical order to some extent. I prefer the prices to be right under their corresponding cars.

A must need book for serious Hot Wheels collectors
I came across this book while shopping at my local bookstore, I started looking through it, and without a moments hesitation, I knew I needed this book. It is very good as a refrence book, also for giving me information onmy collection. Very well done book.

Poorly organized and difficult to use
Due to the organization of this book it is extremely hard to locate any particular diecast unless you have the diecast number or item name or designation. Photos are very small and indistinct making it hard toidentify items.It appears that not all diecasts produced are listed inthe yearly listings nor are all photos shown.Overall rating on thispublication is 2 stars or less! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques & Collectibles    2. Antiques/Collectibles    3. Automobiles    4. Catalogs    5. Collectors and collecting    6. Crafts / Hobbies    7. Hot Wheels toys    8. Models    9. Prices    10. Toys    11. Antiques & Collectables    12. Model cars & road vehicles   

Reviews (1)

The Great Book of Dinky Toys
Mike and Sue Richardson have been toy collectorsRead more

Subjects:  1. Antiques & Collectibles    2. Antiques / Collectibles    3. Antiques/Collectibles    4. Automobiles    5. Catalogs    6. Collectors and collecting    7. Die-cast toys    8. Dinky toys    9. Models    10. Reference - Price Guides    11. Toys    12. Antiques & collectables: toys, games & models    13. Other manufacturing technologies   

Features

• Illustrated

Reviews (2)

Whoa
This is the perfect compilation set of fun, and challenging projects which can easily be manipulated for your own robotic tastes. The sources of this book are the masters in the field, and do an astounding job sharing their wealth of knowledge.

Where do they get these people?
Once again Syngres has put together a top notch team of Lego builders. The robots in here are incredible to say the least. I was amazed to see that CS Soh had a hand in this book as I've been a big fan of his LEGO work on the web for some time. I just finished building all of the robots in the prequel to this book for the Star Wars Dark side lego kit when I saw this become available. These are all top notch robots built by people who know their lego robots. They don't beat around the bush-they give you step by step instructions for buidling these robots. They go one step beyond the first book by giving you alternate building instructions for download. I'm going to use this in my high school robotics class. Top notch. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Automation    2. Computer Books: General    3. Design and construction    4. Games    5. Games/Puzzles    6. LEGO toys    7. Popular works    8. Robotics    9. Robots    10. Technology & Industrial Arts    11. Video & Electronic - General    12. Computers / Computer Engineering    13. Games/Video & Electronic - General    14. Models & model-making    15. Technology & Applied Sciences    16. Technology / Robotics    17. Technology/Automation   

Reviews (13)

Very informative video
This video was well worth the purchase. The instructor walks us through what we need (which you can easily pause and write down), and shows us step by step how to make a mold and subsequently the object. Not only was the host knowledgeable and nice to watch but it was a very clear and understandable lesson.

gives you the basics
This video will give you the basics of what you need to know to make something plastic (wax, metal, rubber are mentioned but not covered.)It also gives you sources for materials, but only making things will teach you how to make what you want to make.It's a satisfactory introduction into mold making and though it's painfully clear Ben Ridge relied on a script, I'm satisfied with what I've gotten out of it and glad I bought it at amazon rather than another source for more money.

Impressed Customer
I taught courses in plastics technology at San Francisco State University for twenty years and I'm sure that my students throughout those years would have found this videotape and workbook of great value. Part of our curriculum involved mold making with silicone elastomers for prototypes and short run production. If Mr. Ridge's program were available at that time, I would have used it for our laboratory work. Mr. Ridge has absolutely captured the most important core concepts and has communicated those concepts with uncommon clarity and good instructional technique. There is no doubt that the use of 3D animation makes the process of information transfer just that much more easily understood. I highly recommend this program to anyone who wants a good basic introduction. Its the perfect way to get started, especially for those with little or no experience. Mr. Ridge does an especially good job with safety and material handling. Also, there are valuable references for advanced study and more complicated mold and prototype projects.This program is perfect for inventors, craftsmen, artists, and hobbyists in addition to industrial and commercial use.An excellent value that can be used by anyone interested in learning about mold making and casting methods for fun and profit ! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts & Hobbies / Models    3. Models    4. Plastics Molding    5. Silicone   

Reviews (3)

Fascinating book of highly practical techniques
Even though I just bought this book (not from Amazon), my edition appears to be the 1999 one, not 2000. At any rate, the book is really excellent. What impressed me most was the simple design of the tools employed, from the hot wire cutter to the vacuum bagger, all appear to be buildable from stuff at the local auto parts store, junkyard, and hardware store. Things like a cheap auto battery charger, old refrigerator compressor, etc. Nothing exotic.
Radio Control Foam Modelling
Thank you NEXUS Special Interest Books (UK) for putting this book back in circulation. If anyone is even thinking about building their first Foamie, this book is a must, for it will answer your basic questions on the "dos and don't" about FOAM,a very well though out book for any modeller's first Foam aeroplane.. Thank You David Thomas, Sid King

Great book for beginners and intermediate skilled modellers
Even though the book was written in Europe (it refers to some materials, which are hard to find in the U.S.), its quite useful and well written. I consider myself an experienced scratch builder, but I found a lot of useful information, building techniques, and construction ideas in this book. Highly recommend to everybody using foam in the airplane construction. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Models    5. Model aircraft   

Reviews (14)

A memorial from his loving daughter
July 13,2006
Ship Modeling Simplified
I found this book to be a good primer on model ship building and worth reading for the novice builder such as myself but its a little disorganized and has some mileading steps in applying planks to the bulkhead or frame of the ship, they just seemed to be short cuts or cheats on doing it right. But all in all a good read and recomend it to any virgin ship buider! I found Ship modeling from stem to stern by Milton Roth more up to speed for me as i am 44 and have a lot of experiance working with wood. There is a vast amount of imformation out there for the model ship builder which is a blessing to us all. Ship Modeling Simplified was the first book i purchased on this vast subject and i can say i was not disappointed it is a great first read!

MUST READ for Any Beginner
I seldom write critics, but this time, I just want to say, thank you to the author, it makes me clear about what ship model building is. I wish I have bought this book before starting the hobby, so won't have been so frustrated! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Boating - General    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Models    5. Model boats & ships    6. Sports & Recreation / Boating   

Reviews (6)

Veyr Clear and well presented
I highly recommend this book to anyone thinking about getting checked out in a tailwheel.No book is gonna replace the practical of flying, but this will satisfy anyone interested in taildraggers or the purchase of one and to even help make an educated descision on buying one of tailwheel kits out there. A first-class guide to flying "conventional" a/c
I learned to fly in a Piper Cub, and my instructor suggested this book.It's a homespun gem, with lots of simple line drawings and advice to keepyou and your plane from "heading for the bushes." Yes! It's toughto tame the taildragger. (On my first takeoff, from a private field, I wentoff into the high grass beside the mowed runway and came home with hayfestooned from the flying wires. Not too subtle!) With special attention tothe quirks of various taildraggers and the most complete discussion of"P-factor" you're ever likely to find. Highly recommended for thestudent pilot who finds himself in a taildragger, or to any licensed pilotwho wants to complete his education by transitioning to a"conventional" landing-gear craft.

The Compleat Taildragger Pilot
Although the book is not long in length, it covers the basics as well as a chapter on "crosswind gear" and some words on specific model idiocyncrasies.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Models    3. Reference   

Reviews (6)

Architectural my rear-end
This book is the worst depiction of model-making I have yet seen.I lost money sending it back but I'd be embarrassed to have it in my library.Should carry a warning label: `written by authors having only a passing interest in the subject'.

WOW What a let down!!
I agree one star is way to gracious. I wished I had read the reviews rather than be exciting about finding a new "building structures" book and just ordering.
1 Star is being too generous
Total of waste of time and money.... Nothing of value in this magazine whatsoever. They pumped it full of color photos of basic structures and offered no instruction of any value. I opened it, scanned the contents and Threw it in the trash.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Architectural models    2. Architecture    3. General    4. Technique    5. Models & model-making   

Reviews (9)

Projects that require the solution of complex problems
In the fall semester of 2003, I taught a special topics course in robotics at Mount Mercy College with two students. A Lego Mindstorms kit was purchased and in the first segment of the class, the students built a robot and programmed it to move around the halls. We then moved on and used a more advanced robot in the remainder of the class, because I did not consider the Lego kit to be sophisticated enough. From some of my professional communications, I learned that entire college classes are being taught using only Lego Mindstorms kits. Great stuff
This book is a great introduction to the world of LEGO Mindstorms robots.I've been working with the LEGO Mindstorms kits for about 6 months, and I've often been frustrated by the lack of detail in the manuals for the kits.This book provides quite a bit of the missing information.For instance, it explains that you lose your firmware if you take your batteries out of your RCX for more than a minute or two (I wish that I'd seen that in a manual somewhere!).It provides a broad overview of alternatives to programming in RCX code, together with examples from each alternative mentioned for comparison.These coding examples are discussed in the text and they are also included on the accompanying CD.In addition to the coding examples, the CD also includes videos and stills of the robots described in the book.The book includes descriptions of a broad range of robots, from the very simple Acrobot robot featured in the Constructopedia, to robots designed by school kids, to robots designed by parent-kid teams, to advanced robots using IR communication and data logging.In each case, Erwin provides the details of the development process, how the robot was first conceived, how it was developed,and how the design problems were identified and solved. This approach makes the book much more than a simple code cookbook- -it explains to parents, teachers, and older kids how robots actually come about.Scattered throughout the book are "Asides" that explain various topics such as LEGO geometry, how to calculate gear ratios, understanding compound gear trains, programming decisions, etc.The book includes appendices of useful information, a bibliography, an excellent glossary, and an index.

Geared towards a younger audience
I've read both this book and Dave Baum's Definitive Guide and both are excellent. I enjoyed Baum's book more because it caters to an older audience: Baum seems to be writing to an older reader,there's an emphasis on the programming aspect of Mindstorms, and there are more semi-advanced projects. Read more

Subjects:  1. Automation    2. Design and construction    3. Engineering - Mechanical    4. LEGO toys    5. Robotics    6. Robots    7. Science/Mathematics    8. Technology    9. Technology & Industrial Arts    10. Video & Electronic - General    11. Computer games    12. Computers / Networking / General    13. Model engineering   

Reviews (8)

Good ideas, but hard to understand.
This book had great ideas for some great displays, but be prepared to spend some time deciphering it. It's so involved that I decided to wait and attempt something before next Halloween.

Good Animatronics knowledge
This book was a great guidline for someone like myself who wants to utilize electrical engineering skills and gain knowledge of mechanical engineering principles. I designed a Animatronic coffin with an AC Motor linked with levers to open and close the lid while lifting the prop in snych with the coffin lid. Also added internal lighting controlled by Micro switches to turn on/off lights.
Best (and only) book for building Haunted House animations
This is a great book.If you like to build haunted houses, and want to add some moving and jumping animatronics to your haunt, you need this book.Commercial, finished animatronics cost thousands of dollars.You can build them yourself, do a higher-quality job, save a ton of money, and have a lot of fun doing it, using this book.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Engineering - Electrical & Electronic    2. Reference    3. Robotics    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Seasonal    6. Technology    7. Technology & Industrial Arts    8. Models & model-making    9. Technology / Engineering / Electrical   

Reviews (9)

A Great read
I am beginnig to learn about model ship building. I have bought several books on modeling and wooden ships. It seemed that the more I read, the less I learned, UNTIL I purchased this book. I gives more details, more information, and more additional resources than anything I have found thusfar.
Broad But Not Deep
This book is more of an introduction to ship modeling than a comprehensive volume.It might be appropriate as (one of) the first book(s) one reads on the subject, but is not sufficiently detailed to live up to its highly ambitious title.The chapter on gunnery fittings is the most detailed, but still can't impart the detail and volume of information available from other sources.The author communicates his palpable enthusiasm for the hobby.This, combined with the broad but somewhat thin material he offers, will stimulate readers to further and more detailed exploration of ship modeling.This book is a good choice as a gift for someone (early teen or older) who may be interested in the field.

Take a "Bow"...
I'm all new in the modeling wooden ships game, though I have been fascinated since my early childhood and grew up working plastic aircraft models. I always saw wooden modeling as the Holy Grail and finally decided to get on with it. I was captivated at age 7 watching the Cpt from the "Ghost and Mrs Muir", seizing lines and tending to his ratlins whilst educating the youngest boy about the moral to-do's and don'ts.Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Models    5. Ship models    6. Ships    7. Ships & Shipbuilding - Engineering    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Models    9. Model boats & ships   

Reviews (9)

The best ever
For aeromodelers or for guys who want to learn about low reynolds behavior, this is the Bible.

Great for understanding planes of all sizes
Even though its focus is models, this book is a great inexpensive companion to the far more costly textbooks on full-scale airplane design. A lot of its discussion is applicable to aircraft of any scale. About 1/3 of the book is devoted to airfoils, including discussions of section shape, camber, turbulent flow, laminar flow and the impact of Reynolds number. Like the other reviewer I particular like the appendixes which cover almost 130 pages of this book. The appendixes contain most of the math in the book, including the mathematical formulas for computing lift coefficient, camber, drag, static margin, etc. Mostly, though, they contain wind tunnel test results and profile shapes for many airfoils, not just the NACA ones, but also Eppler, Wortmann and Selig profiles and a few others that I had never heard of. The NACA profiles are easy to find (like in 'Theory of Wing Sections') but its nice to see such an extensive list of the harder-to-find profiles as well.

Interesting
Unfortunatly, the author uses Bernoulli's principle to explain lift.Also, his use of equations is minimal.Please see John D. Anderson's book if you wish to understand aerodynamic theory.Otherwise, the other customers' reviews stand. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aerodynamics    2. Aeronautics & Astronautics    3. Airplanes    4. Crafts & Hobbies    5. Crafts / Hobbies    6. Hobbies/Crafts    7. Models    8. Model aircraft