Modelers Bible?

General Discussion General Modeling Discussion
1

Had an interesting question that I hope you guys could help me out here. I know that there are magazines and extensive online communities tailored for modelers… but I was just wondering if there are any recommended books that can almost be deemed scripture to the modeler. I bound resource that takes you through, inside and out all the techniques of modeling, from painting to sanding to detailing to decals, EVERYTHING.

Is there anything that you guys recommend?

Thanks!

2

tallguylehigh;

“The Modelmaker’s Handbook” by Albert Jackson and David Day.

I bought mine from eBay. It covers pretty much everything, some of the highlights are:

  • Figures - Posing and reposing figures, how to sculpt and cast your own
  • Vehicles - Military/Civilian, Trains, Aircraft, Ships
  • Dioramas - Groundwork, Trees, Structures, Water
  • Remote Control Models are even covered
  • Painting and assembling tips
  • Weathering
  • Seam filling
  • Making accessories for vehicles
  • Painting

And the list goes on. This is one I would put into a “Bible” category, but like the true Bible my reference shelf has many books.

Cheers;

Gregory

3

Shep Paine’s “How to Build Dioramas” is one of the best…I would also add Richard Windrow’s “Terrain Modeling” book as it covers anything you would ever want to do-- from trees to snow and ice to deserts!

4

Not that this totally applies to this thread but I do have a question. Does anyone have any creative ideas for what to do with all of those used instructions from your kits??? I thought about compiling a notebook or something. A better idea might be to throw them away. Any suggestions??

5

Maybe an issue with copyrights, but I thought about scanning them and putting them up on my website so other people can refer to them if they lost theirs, or take a peek to before they purchase.

6

Emo 1;

I keep my instruction sheets. Some of the reference material on them does not always get reprinted on a later re-release. Also I have used duplicate ones as wokbench liners for painting on prior to building my spraybooth. I have also seen a friend use them to make wallpaper for his modelling room. The book idea is a good one too. You could easily store them in a 3-Ring binder filled with page protectors. Just slip the sheet into a page protector and organize according to whatever index method you choose. Either, scale, country, type, era, etc. etc.

Hope this helps.

Cheers;

Gregory

7

Neat ideas Gregory! You have given me some good ideas to think about. I am just a pack rat and hate to throw anything away[:D]

8

It is a great resource, and if you will build dios, a must have. However, the book is very descriptive literally, but does not contain many (or any) step-by-step how-tos.

9

That is a really good idea. I am really liking the wallpaper idea to, now if I can just talk the little lady into it [:D]