Saturday, June 30, 2012

Scale Modelling: Web and Literature Resources


In addition to the build up of my tools, I researched heavily on scale modelling mostly through the internet but I managed to buy some books also. At that juncture, I was already leaning on building armor kits but was not decided yet. Below are but some of the more significant resources which were mostly on armor kit building:

Books:
1. Modeling Realistic Tanks and Artillery: An Illustrated Guide Mike Ashey

This was one of the first books that I read on the topic which helped me a lot specially on the basics of scale modelling. This downloadable  literature is offered by the author in his website for free.This was referred to me by one of the members of the IPMS Philippines website where I am also a member.


Modelling Realistic Tanks and Artillery


Kalmbach Publishing, Co., Jun 1, 2000 - 128 pages- "Learn how to make realistic models of tanks, towed and self-propelled artillery, and trucks. This easy-to-understand book includes over 400 photos and is written by Kalmbach's most prolific author. Also offers tips on solving common modeling problems."

2. How to Build Armor Dioramas [Paperback] Lynn Kessler
At the onset, I was already thinking of setting up dioramas also for my built kits and this book helped prepare me for that. This book is a very useful resource for the basics and advance techniques.
How to Build Armor Dioramas

Award-winning modeler Lynn Kessler leads, photo by photo, through the steps of building detailed armor vehicles and displaying them in a realistic scene. Topics include beginning and advanced kit assembly, designing a diorama concept, modeling and painting figures, finishing details and more. Perfect for beginner to advanced modelers.


This OSPREY Modelling Masterclass book is a must have for the novice and the Pro Scale Modeller. I bought this book as a guide on airbrushing as this was the very first time I will be doing airbrushing. It turned out that it offers more of the advanced techniques (at least for me) but also touched on the basics also which is a good reference for newbies. It can be a good constant reference moving forward as I get better.. 

Airbrushing and Finishing Scale Models

Book Description
Publication Date: September 23, 2008 | Series: Modelling Masterclass
A convincing paint finish is essential for any model, be it military or civilian, aircraft, vehicles, figures or even background items such as terrain or buildings - and good airbrushing and finishing techniques can be the key to creating a superior model. Over the last few years there have been huge strides made in the development of airbrushes, paints and thinners, and consequently, this new book will provide up-to-date practical information and illustrated techniques to take full advantage of these new technologies.

Brett Green details the prerequisites of airbrushing, including the different types of spray equipment and air sources available, offering advice on appropriate thinners, paint ratios and air pressures to ensure the most appropriate paint coverage across a range of different airbrushing applications. He then examines various airbrushing techniques across a wide range of models. Ten step-by-step, illustrated case studies ranging from heavily weathered military aircraft to pristine, high gloss motor vehicles, science fiction models, fantasy figures, groundwork and buildings will complete this in-depth guide to getting the best results on your models.

About the Author.
Brett Green is the editor of HyperScale, an online model magazine established in 1998, and a highly respected aviation modeler. He has published two books on the colors and markings of Luftwaffe aircraft: Augsburg's Last Eagles, on the late-war Messerschmitt Bf 109, and Stormbird Colors on the Me 262. For Osprey Publishing he has written Modeling 2: Modeling the Messerschmitt Bf 110 and Modeling 11: Modeling the P-47 Thunderbolt, and has co-written World War 2 US Army Fighter Modeling in the Masterclass series.


This was actually the first book I bought since I was firming up on y decision to have the King Tiger (KT) as my very first kit. The Tigers are a very popular subject for scale modellers but I was having second thoughts since it appeared very intimidating to make especially for a first time builder. I bought the book mostly as a security blanket when I do decide to build my KT. It was a good reference book for me when I was making my KT.
Tamiya Steel Wheeled TIGER 1

This is a highly collectible book for Military Scale Modeling enthusiasts authored by a highly respected author in this field. The book itself is hard to find nowadays and is a must for scale modelers with a passion for the Tiger I which is one of the most popular modeling subjects in 1:35 scale.
The Tiger I itself is a very popular Military modeling kit subject with probably more versions produced by more manufacturers than any other armored fighting vehicle. In this book, world-renowned modeler Angus Creighton takes a break from writing for Tamiya Model Magazine International and concentrates on the Steel Wheeled version of the famous German WW2 Tank. With five versions of the Tiger portrayed in great detail, particular attention is paid to subtle production differences, as well as focusing on the rare command version and Borgward BIV control vehicle. With step-by-step guides covering and painting, applying zimmerit and adding markings, this book is an essential reference guide for the modelers wishing to build the Steel Wheeled Tiger I. Full colour throughout.

To complete my initial book collection, I had to have a good book for building, converting and detailing figures. As I was also planning on making diorama scenes for my built kits, I realized that it was not always that satisfying to build kit figures out of the box-as is. You have sometimes to “fit” the figures to the diorama scenery to create a more realistic and dynamic presentation. This is a very good guide for figure conversions and detailing.

Converting and Detailing Plastic Figures

Publication Date: 2008
Converting and Detailing Plastic Figures. Chilstrom. Renowned miniaturist Bill Chilstrom shares his tips and techniques for bringing injection molded plastic figures to life. His award winning diorama 'In the Footsteps of the Grand Armee' is the focus of this book. Bill detailed and converted 28 figures, three horses, two wagons and a mule in the building of this diorama. Many step-by-step and in-progress photos accompany the informative text clearly illustrating what to do to really enhance stock plastic figures. All color; 64 pages.


This was a general guide for me on future projects. Though I was more into armor kits when I started with scale modellling, I was planning to venture into other genre pretty  soon. This books covers several project subjects such as model figures, ships, armored vehicles, planes, dioramas so it will be a good resource I can keep in my library.
Scale Model Detailing

Book Description
Publication Date: August 1995

Shows how to work with paints and finishes, adapt scale figures, add weathering, and use detailing techniques to add realistic details to cars, tanks, aircraft, ships, and diorama scale models. From FineScale Modeler Magazine.

Spohn has drawn 20 projects from the pages of FineScale Modeler magazine and, utilizing these projects, guides hobbyists through the techniques for detailing model figures, ships, armored vehicles, planes, dioramas, and more. Drawings and excellent, well-sequenced photos, some in full color, clearly visualize procedures for applying color washes, making parts from scrap materials, and airbrushing, as well as for achieving such effects as weathering and battle damage. Most projects are accompanied by sources for special materials and a selection of references that contain pictures or actual photos of the project's subject. Modelers with a few kits to their credit and ready to hone their skills will find this a great, nicely comprehensive resource, chockablock with information that's not always easy to obtain. 

PREVIOUS RELATED POSTS:



NEXT:


Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

No comments:

Post a Comment