The titles listed below are ones that we have identified but unfortunately have either limited information, missing start and end dates, or incomplete cover images. We feel it is important to list them, even with incomplete information, so future researchers may be able to expand our body of knowledge.

The focus of this section is on static, scale model cars and trucks made of plastic, metal and wood and that are customized by their owners. It includes magazines that covered cars as well as other types of models such as airplanes, ships, etc. At this time, we have generally excluded any magazines associated with diecast models.

Sample Image Title Summary
American Modeler American Modeler (1903? - ??). A title that seems to have started in the early 1900s, it covered all forms to modeling including cars, plane, radio controlled, etc. Over a long time span, it likely had multiple owners. In the 1960s, Conde Nast owned it and MAY have tried to pivot content to car models which was in a period of growth. We have only seen two issues that were model car focused. But by 1967, it was owned by Potomac Aviation Publications and likely shifted content back to model airplanes.
Auto Modeler Auto Modeler (Spring 1973 - 1983??). Published by Challenge Publications in Canoga Park, California. It started as a quarterly title, and we have found issues up to the early 1980s.
Car Modeler Car Modeler (May 1990 - early 2000s). Car Modeler was a niche hobbyist magazine published by Kalmbach Media (then Kalmbach Publishing) out of Waukesha, Wisconsin. It launched in May 1990 to cater specifically to plastic and resin scale automobile building enthusiasts, complementing their broader modeling titles. It was printed bi-monthly until around 1998 when it went to annual and special issue publications. It ended in the early 2000s.
Fine Scale Modeler Fine Scale Modeler (1982 - present). Originally launched by Kalmbach Publishing (later Kalmbach Media) in Waukesha/Brookfield, Wisconsin, the magazine filled a major void for builders of scale aircraft, armor, ships, cars, figures, and sci-fi models. Kalmbach was well established with Model Railroader, so the addition of FSM allowed them to concentrate content on static models and how-to guides and tutorials.
International Modeler International Modeler (1972 - 1979??). This title was published by Sensory Perceptions of North Hollywood, California. It was a re-title of Miniature Auto Racing magazine. The title had several early editor-owners including Raymond E. Hoy, but by 1976 or 1977 the new editors and owners were Brick and Ray Price. Recognizing that dedicated slot-car or isolated kit content alone could no longer sustain a standalone print run, the editors took a generalized approach and covered a broad spectrum of scale modeling—including miniature cars, radio-controlled (R/C) vehicles, planes, and specialized model building.
Miniature Auto Racing Miniature Auto Racing (1972 - 1973?). This title was published by owner-editor Raymond Hoy from Thousand Oaks, California. It was a newspaper-style format and covered regional events across the U.S. as well as new product news. It was dedicated to organized scale model and competitive slot car racing, predominantly 1/24-scale events, builders, and local racing circuits during the golden age of hobbyist slot car competition.
Model Car Journal Miniature Auto Racing (September 1974 - 1998?). It was launched around 1974 by founders Bob Wooley (Publisher) and Dennis Doty (Editor), and it featured specialized build guides, Pro Stock and custom car features, historical retrospectives on promo and model companies like Jo-Han, and networking directories for local modeling clubs
Model Car Journal Model Car Promotional & Kit Guide (1980s - 1990s). Published by Paul Bender in book form, it was a price guide for plastic promotionals and model kits. We have found versions from the early 1980s to the mid to late 1990s.
Model Car Racing Model Car Racing (2002 - 2023, 2025 - present). The title launched in 2002 by veteran writer and slot car expert Robert Schleicher. Focused primarily on home slot car racing (predominantly 1/32 scale and HO scale), the bi-monthly publication provided track plans, product reviews, and technical guides for over two decades before briefly ceasing print in 2023. It was later acquired by Electric Dreams and began a quarterly print cycle in 2025.
Model Cars Model Cars (Oct 1999 - 2025?). Published starting in October 1999, Model Cars magazine was co-founded and co-owned by publisher Larry Bell (of Denver-based Golden Bell Press) and editor Gregg Hutchings. The print magazine catered heavily to scale modeling hobbyists, vintage kits, and hot rods. Mr. Bell stopped handling print and distribution, so Mr. Hutchings continues on his own. This title still may be in print, but the last issue was in 2025.
Model Cars UK Model Cars U.K. (1964 - 1966??). This is a U.K. magazine that was distributed in the U.S. and Canada. It was published Model & Allied Publications Ltd (MAP), the same entity that published the predecessor title, Model Maker. Model car content was split off from it to become Model Cars in 1964, and volume series numbers was restarted.
Model Kars Model Kars (1962? - ??). This magazine was published by George Barris Enterprises of North Hollywood, California. We have only seen a 1962 issue, and it appears to be a one-shot or annual. The editor was Jim Gilbert. Content focused on kustom car and hot rod models, and it was packaged as a 36 page magazine.
Model Maker Model Maker(Dec 1950 - March 1964). This is a U.K. magazine that was distributed in the U.S. and Canada. Published by Model & Allied Publications, the same entity that published AeroModeler. Model car content was split off in March, 1964 at volume 14 and became the U.K. version of Model Cars.
Model Maker Models & Modelers World (Summer 1963??). Published quarterly by Joseph Hardie and his Rajo Publications organization, it covered all forms of modeling with how-to tips and design ideas.
Plastic Fanatic Plastic Fanatic (1989 - June, 1999?). Published by Roy Sorenson, content focused on detailed scale automotive modeling, custom building techniques, and community artwork. There was a dedicated following among serious scale modelers during the late 1980s and early 1990s. The title was sold in 1999 to Gregg Hutchings and seeded the formation of Model Cars magazine out of Denver.
Scale Auto Racing News Scale Auto Racing News (1980s - 2009??). SARN was published primarily by John Ford (Ford Publishing) and served as a foundational print lifeline for the niche slot car racing and commercial track hobby. During the 1990s, SARN documented slot car racing developments from around the globe. Issues featured technical layouts, large commercial and club track profiles (such as major 8-lane ovals and 240-foot road courses), race results, classified ads, and organizational updates from groups like the USRA and regional associations. In the pre-internet era, the publication acted as a primary communication conduit for track owners, manufacturers, and competitive racers to share layout designs, parts availability, and event schedules. Content covered all sizes of slot cars.
Scale Model Life Scale Model Life (2014 - 2025?). ) This was an independent, periodic print-on-demand hobby publication created, written, and published by award-winning scale modeler Bruce Kimball starting in December 2014. Mr. Kimball has been an active scale modeler since roughly 1970 and still runs the modeling community resource Rocketfin.com. Rather than a traditional subscription-based gloss periodical with advertisements, each "issue" functioned as a softcover book or collectible magazine volume (typically 50 to 65 pages). Content centered on hands-on kit assembly, painting, weathering, customization, and detailing techniques. It covered a wide array of subjects including automotive hot rods, military vehicles, science fiction figures, and dioramas.
Scale Modeler Scale Modeler (December 1965 - late 1990s). Published by Challenge Publications, content covered detailed build guides, painting tips, historical references, and new aftermarket accessory releases. It filled a major void for kit reviews and industry news. The editor engaged the hobby community with a first-ever reader survey in 1966 to gauge interest in desired kit subjects.
Scale Models Scale Models (late 1969 to 1983). This is a U.K. publication published by Model & Allied Publications Ltd (MAP) in Hempstead. Created as a spin-off from AeroModeller, it chronicled the golden age of static plastic model kits. Content covered aircraft, armor, military figures, ships, cars, motorbikes, and space vehicles. The magazine was renamed to Scale Models International starting in August 1983.
Scale Models International Scale Models International (August 1983 - July 2008) . A re-titling of the U.K. magazine Scale Models.
The Car Room The Car Room (2008 - 2010). The magazine began publication highlighting high-end 1:18 and 1:43 scale replicas, brand histories, and collector items (such as CMC models and specialty releases). The publication had a relatively short independent print and media run before key figures transitioned back to other die-cast outlets like Die Cast X magazine.
The Model Craftsman The Model Craftsman (1933 - 1949) . This title was launched in March 1933 by Emanuele Stieri in New York City. Originally, it covered general scale modeling like ships, aviation, and woodturning. It transitioned to focus entirely on model trains, changing its name to Railroad Model Craftsman in April 1949.
Toy Cars and Models Toy Cars and Models (late 1990s to mid-2000s). An American hobbyist publication, it focused on die-cast collectibles, scale models, and pricing guides, published by F+W Publications and Krause Publications. Content provided comprehensive secondary-market price guides (often indexing thousands of listings), spotlights on vintage brands like Matchbox, Hot Wheels, Johnny Lightning, and Dinky, alongside customization and decal-making tips.