Hi, I am what you would call a beginner; I have built some plastic models in the past. But now I want to finally try and do that right [:)]
Can anyone recommend some good book(s) on the subject? I am interested in techniques recommendations and such, not in “how to build and finish model X”.
I am most interested in model cars and airplanes.
Thank you!
Kalmbach Publishing, the company that publishes Fine Scale Modeler, has many books on building scale models. Go to their web site and take a look at what they offer. They offer some general building books, as well as many detailed ones aimed at specific genre.
Agree with, Don. Kalmbach Books have books that cover the basics (probably what you’ll want) to books covering advanced detailing techniques and scratchbuilding.
I must admit…I have learned way more here, and other forums, than I ever did with books. Posting WIPs (work in progress) threads has made me push my limits and make the next model better than the last model…in the past, I’d say “screw it, good enough”…but doing a WIP thread, knowing that I was being “watched”, made me take that extra step.
Anyway…all you’ll need to know is right here! Start a WIP thread…mention that you are a beginer…ask for any tips that someone may have…if you get to a point where you want a little help, just ask. You may get a few different answers (there’s more than one way to produce a good model!)…try one method on this model, try another on the next.
That said…there is one book that did help me out, in the begining…“Building and Displaying Scale Model Aircraft”, by Paul Boyer (Kalmbach). Covers all the basics and then some. I must say, it was quite handy to have at hand…back before my days on the forums.
Here are a few I have.
Adam’s armour vol. 1&2 by Adam Wilder
Tank art Vol. 1-4 by Michael Rinaldi
Aircraft encyclopedia by squadron publications
Armor encyclopedia by squadron publications
Good reading!
Panzer Modelling by Tony Greenland is a great book
I would start with buying a few magazines first - you could probably pick up 4-6 different magazines for the same price as a good book.
I started with Fine Scale Modeler, but as my addiction grew and as i started to want a bit more detail and information, then i bought some books - but mainly for my armour builds.
The ones i recommend (and as have been previously stated above) are:
Adam Wilder’s Armour Construction (Book 1) and Armour Painting (Book 2) - normally you buy as a set.
Rinaldi’s Tank Art Vol 1, 2 or 3. I also have book 4, but don’t feel it added very much.
Hi;
Well , there are a lot out there . If you like , both Fine Scale Modeler and Scale Auto have many inspiring articles on both how to and here’s mine ( the Galleries ) , with a small note of how they did it ( the Galleries again ! ) . I believe you could learn a lot !
The other thing is this . If you go to the Forums you will find lots of modelers will help you along the way with instructions and , Yes , Constructive criticism .This is always needed in a gentle way to bring out the great modeler deep inside . Also remember this , and I remind many of this . We as modelers are our own worst critics !
Tanker-Builder
Thank you, gentlemen! [:)]
Found a couple of Kalmbach oldies, too:
“Detailing Scale Model Aircraft,” by Mike Ashey (1994). It has some general information.
“Painting and Finishing Scale Models,” by Paul Boyer (1991)