Model-making and construction Books

Book SynopsisAimed at modellers of all abilities, this lavishly illustrated book presents a step-by-step guide to figure painting and modelling using traditional techniques. From the multipart hard-plastic 28mm miniature to the metal and resin models common in all other scales, this book provides wargamers, collectors and gamers with a wealth of information to achieve the best results. It demonstrates a variety of modelling and painting techniques at different scales; it provides step-by-step guidance on building, converting and painting models; it covers working in plastic, resin and white metal; it explains dry brushing techniques, the three-colour method, multilayering and shading with washes and, finally, it considers basing techniques and maintaining the compatibility of miniatures between different gaming systems.

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Book SynopsisA practical, highly illustrated guide to the ancient art of origami. Though highly illustrated, with step-by-step instructions, the Gem enables you to make a range of models.Collins Gem Origami outlines all the tools and skills necessary to making up to 200 models from the very simple to the complex.For each model there are illustrated, step-by-step diagrams to show you what to do along with a photograph of the finished result.With around 200 illustrations, this guide will give anyone the confidence to make some origami models.Table of ContentsLearn how to make both useful and decorative objects Clear step-by-step instructions to creating items from a simple box to a Japanese samurai A pastime that costs little and can be taken on holiday

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Book SynopsisModel-making is centuries old, but the introduction of polystyrene – a stable plastic – in the mid-20th century, provided the opportunity to make the 'plastic construction kit' available to the amateur model-maker. Nearly 70 years later, despite suffering from ups-and-downs, the vibrant plastic model-making scene has grown tremendously and is now a world-wide hobby., This manual takes the reader through how modern model kits are designed and manufactured, how the scale is decided upon (most modern kits are made to established scales so that models and accessories are compatible with one another), as well as providing advice on model-building tools and techniques. The down-to-earth text, complemented by numerous photographs, provides details of the ideal 'workshop' set-up for building models; tools and adhesives required; paint types and application techniques – from brushing to using aerosol cans, airbrushing and paint booths; the wide variety of decals available, and how to make your own; basic building techniques, and how to construct dioramas to put models into an appropriate 'setting'., In recent years the growth of 'multi-material' kits has become far more common, and details are provided of 'non-plastic' materials, such as resins, white metal and photo-etch parts, all of which need to be dealt with slightly differently to polystyrene., A comprehensive introduction for those new to model-making, along with expert advice for those already experienced in making models who wish to hone their skills., • The world of model making History of model-making, kit manufacture, scales, model ranges., • Model building Places to work, tools, adhesives, paint, decals, basic building techniques, displays and dioramas, advanced techniques and alternative materials, collecting kits, clubs, competition, displays and photography., • Useful contacts Model companies and suppliers., Author: Mat Irvine has been involved with model making over most of his lifetime. He moved from 'amateur' to 'professional', when he joined the BBC Visual Effects Department. Here, the work covered all aspects of special effects, including model making, and he designed 'miniature' sequences for Doctor Who and Blake's 7, and science programmes including Tomorrow's World, Horizon and The Sky at Night., Mat regularly appeared in front of cameras for Saturday morning programmes such as Swap Shop and Saturday Superstore, demonstrating model-building techniques., Mat has acted as a consultant with many of the model-making companies around the world. He has written 15 books, a number on model building, and many hundreds of articles for model magazines.Table of ContentsForeword 1 In the beginning 2 The manufacture of a model kit 3 Scale 4 The range 5 Tools, cement and a place to work 6 Paint 7 Basic building 8 Decals 9 Displays and dioramas 10 Alternative and advanced techniques and the future 11 Collecting vs. Building 12 Clubs, competitions, displays and photography Appendix References and model companies Index

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Book SynopsisWith its unparalleled level of visual information - paint schemes, models, line drawings and photographs - this book is simply the best reference for any modelmaker setting out to build one of these famous cruisers.

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Book SynopsisThe ShipCraft series provides in-depth information about building and modifying model kits of famous warship types. Lavishly illustrated, each book takes the modeller through a brief history of the subject class, highlighting differences between sister-ships and changes in their appearance over their careers. This includes paint schemes and camouflage, featuring colour profiles and highly detailed line drawings and scale plans. The modelling section reviews the strengths and weaknesses of available kits, lists commercial accessory sets for super-detailing of the ships, and provides hints on modifying and improving the basic kit. This is followed by an extensive photographic gallery of selected high-quality models in a variety of scales, and the book concludes with a section on research references books, monographs, large-scale plans and relevant websites. This volume covers the large and powerful German destroyers of the Second World War era. Always popular as modelling subjects, interest in them has been further increased recently by the release of a number of very fine large scale kits. With its unparalleled level of visual information paint schemes, models, line drawings and photographs this book is simply the best reference for any modelmaker setting out to build one of these unusual ships.

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Book SynopsisThe ShipCraft' series provides in-depth information about building and modifying model kits of famous warship types. Lavishly illustrated, each book takes the modeller through a brief history of the subject, highlighting differences between ships and changes in their appearance over their careers. This includes paint schemes and camouflage, featuring colour profiles and highly detailed line drawings and scale plans. The modelling section reviews the strengths and weaknesses of available kits, lists commercial accessory sets for super-detailing of the subjects, and provides hints on modifying and improving the basic kit. This is followed by an extensive photographic gallery of selected high-quality models in a variety of scales, and the book concludes with a section on research references - books, monographs, large-scale plans and relevant websites. This volume is something of a departure for the series in covering a wide variety of the types, at first improvised and then purpose-built for the Brown Water conflict. Besides the well-known American involvement, the book also covers some of the craft used by the French in their earlier struggle with Vietnamese guerrillas. With its unparalleled level of visual information - paint schemes, models, line drawings and photographs - this book is simply the best reference for any modelmaker setting out to build one of these unusual craft.

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Book Synopsis'I enjoyed reading this more than the real dictionary. Turns out there's an actual name for that little piece with a handle on it and the medium-sized circle-y one!' HAMISH BLAKEWelcome to the most comprehensive A-Z of creative builds and insider tips ever, each carefully selected by Brickman himself.Discover ingenious ideas for your next build, from Aliens to Zebras and everything in between, curated by the star judge of the smash-hit TV show LEGO Masters Australia. Take your builds to the next level with expert pro-techniques, and become fluent in LEGO language with definitions of LEGO terms throughout.Whether you're an AFoL (adult fan of LEGO) or a KFoL (kid fan of LEGO), starting small or aiming high, The Bricktionary will fast become the indispensable companion to any LEGO collection.Design challenges * LEGO terms explained * Pro techniques * LEGO guessing gameWhat are you going to build today?Trade Review'I enjoyed reading this more than the real dictionary. Turns out there's an actual name for that little piece with a handle on it and the medium-sized circle-y one!' HAMISH BLAKETable of ContentsIntroductionHow To Use This BookLego A-ZColour GuideIndexLego Guessing GameThanks

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Book Synopsis Paul Farrell's stackable cards are fun for all the family Build a skyscraper using the beautifully-designed cards, with only your imagination to limit you. Each pack contains 64 cards (105 x 69 mm) in a variety of graphic designs. Clever paper engineering allows you to slot the cards together, building up and out in whichever way you like! Also included is a short booklet, with descriptions of the key elements of a skyscraper and suggestions of how to build your masterpiece. You can go traditional or get abstract and construct your own crazy high-rise! Renowned illustrator Paul Farrell has designed these cards in a cool, graphic style – turning the image of a skyscraper into a work of art. Fun, educational, creative and mindful. The sky's the limit!Trade Review'There are SO many learning possibilities presented by this set … An excellent resource for home or school use.' ― Red Reading Hub 'A lovely idea for a Christmas gift, encouraging imagination, storytelling and creativity, while promoting fine motor development.' ― It's All About Stories

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Book SynopsisIn late 1944 and 1945 the Panther tank played an important role in Germany's desperate efforts to stem the Allied advance on the Western Front. The Panther, perhaps the best armoured vehicle produced by Germany during the Second World War, was a key element in the Wehrmacht's defensive tactics, in rearguard actions and counter-attacks, and it took a prominent part in the last German offensive of the war, in the Ardennes during the Battle of the Bulge. So it is an ideal subject for Dennis Oliver's latest volume in the TankCraft series. He uses archive photos and extensively researched colour illustrations to examine the Panther tanks and units of the German army and Waffen-SS panzer battalions that struggled to resist the Allied onslaught. A key section of his book displays available model kits and aftermarket products, complemented by a gallery of beautifully constructed and painted models in various scales. Technical details as well as modifications introduced during production and in the field are also examined providing everything the modeller needs to recreate an accurate representation of these historic tanks.

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Book SynopsisThroughout their history, the Romans were troubled by formidable warlike tribes along their northern borders. The Celts of Gaul and Northern Italy, who sacked Rome itself, the British who repulsed Julius Caesar and resisted later occupation, the Germanic tribes along the Rhine and the fearsome falx-wielding Dacians on the Danube, all proved worthy foes of the legions. If you are raising your own army to defy the might of Rome, Andy Singleton will help you get them ready for battle with ease. The emphasis is on achievable results and practical advice to get your army painted and ready for gaming in a reasonable time frame, and achieve a fine collection that will look great on the shelf or table. Most of the figures featured in the numerous illustrations are 28mm but the techniques described are easily adaptable to smaller scales and to plastic or metal. Step-by-step guidance takes the process from initial preparation and assembly of the figure, to finishing and basing. Themed chapters cover armour, clothing, skin tones, warpaint and tattoos, shields and horses.

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Book SynopsisThe step-by-step building and painting guides in this book illustrate figures in scales from 1/150 to 1/32, which equates to wargame figures sizes from 10mm to 54mm. There are painting recipes featured for twenty- five uniforms covering the main branches of the Wehrmacht. These are: Afrika Korps; Fallschirmjager (parachutists); Feldgendarmerie (military police); Gebirgsjager (mountain troops); Heer (army); Panzer (tank crews); Waffen SS and U-boat crew. Preparation and assembly of white metal and plastic figures is covered in detail, and tutorials include techniques for building a wargames army quickly. Foreword by Rick Priestley

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Book SynopsisThis new book will be an essential reference for modellers and wargamers who build and paint World War II British armoured fighting vehicles. It provides extensive information on different types of vehicles, describing when they were used, by whom and for what purpose. In addition, the many modifications made to vehicles during the war are included, with guidance on how to create these for models. Step-by-step building and painting guides illustrate vehicles in 1/35, 1/72 and 1/76 scale. This book features models, often with a comparison of models from different manufacturers, for the following: M3 Grant Mk1, including a North African version; Cromwell Mk IV; Royal Marine Centaur; Cavalier Observation Post; Sherman M4A1 and Crab; Crusader III AA Mk 1; Matilda; Morris and Guy Quads; Bedford QLs; Scammell Pioneer Heavy Artillery tractor conversion; Anti-tank guns, e.g. the 'Pheasant', field guns, anti-aircraft guns, etc and, finally, figures which include uniform painting guides.Trade ReviewThere is some great material, hints and tips in here, which I think will help both beginner and experienced modeller alike. Tom is a very capable modeller and he demonstrates his skill very well in his models. Recommended without any hesitation. -- Robin Buckland, Military Model Scene * Military Model Scene *

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Book SynopsisThe development of the famous Italian WWII fighters of the Reggiane factory, with radial engines, is described and illustrated. It served with the Regia Aeronautica and other forces, including the Hungarian and Swedish air arms. This book describes the design, development, and operations of this elegant and effective fighter. This book contains: scale plans, photos and drawings from Technical Manuals, superb color illustrations of camouflage and markings, and rare b&w archive photographs. Color photos of the preserved aircraft illustrate all aspects of the airframe.This is essential reading for aviation enthusiasts & scale aeromodelers.Trade ReviewWith its blend of hard fact and more colourful descriptions of combat activity, plus all the visual content, this is a highly useful reference work. * Airfix Model World *

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Book SynopsisThe Second World War Jeep was one of the most famous and influential military vehicles of all time, and over 600,000 were produced. It served with all the Allied forces during the war on every front and it has been the inspiration behind the design of light, versatile, rugged military and civilian vehicles ever since. In this, the first volume in Pen & Sword's LandCraft series, Lance Cole traces the design, development and manufacturing history of the Jeep and describes its operational role within the Allied armies. A selection of archive photographs showing the Jeep in service in European and Pacific campaigns gives a graphic impression of how adaptable the Jeep was and records the variety of equipment it could carry. The book is an excellent source for the modeller, providing details of available kits, together with specially commissioned colour profiles recording how the Jeeps used by different units and armies appeared. Lance Cole's introduction to the Jeep is necessary reading and reference for enthusiasts and modellers.

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Book SynopsisIt could be argued that the heyday of British military aircraft flight testing began in the 1940s, and continued throughout the three decades that followed, during the so-called Cold War period, and as such, the authors have purposely chosen the first 30 years, The Golden Years, 1945 to 1975, from the end of World War Two until the mid-1970s, as this was arguably the most exciting period with many wonderful and new types rubbing shoulders with wartime and immediate post-war designs that were utilised for development purposes, making for an eclectic mix of shapes and colour schemes. Alongside the technical aspects of military testing and development, are the many and varied colour schemes and markings carried by the aircraft themselves - not only by the brand-new experimental designs, but by existing production machines, suitably modified, to greater or lesser degrees, to develop the technical advances in systems and weaponry. Scores of different aircraft types are covered in _British Military Test & Evaluation Aircraft The Golden Years 1945 - 1975_, with over 65 rarely seen contemporary photographs from private collections, and, differing slightly from previous _Flight Craft_ book formats, over 50 pages of specially commissioned full colour profiles and plan views, visually chronicling the diverse range of colour schemes and markings applied to these fascinating aeroplanes. Compiled by Neil Robinson and Martin Derry, who have authored several other _Flight Craft_ books, with informative background text by well known aviation historian Malcolm V Lowe and superbly executed illustrations by Mark Rolfe. As with other books in the _Flight Craft_ series, although published with aircraft modellers in mind, it is hoped that most aviation enthusiasts will find something of interest here too.

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Book SynopsisAndy Singleton has been modelling and painting most of his life and has been a professional commission figure painter for some years now. Here he shares his experience and tips of the trade for painting Axis forces on WW2's Eastern Front: Germans, Romanians, Hungarians and Italians and Finns. Each of the chapters is broken into step by step guides explaining the steps and colours required to paint the various uniforms used. The emphasis is on quickly achievable results and practical advice that is applicable to painting units or whole armies for wargaming purposes in a reasonable time frame. The techniques described are designed to easily be adaptable to figures of all sizes. Andy's clear, step-by-step guidance is primarily designed fir those new to historical gaming, and takes the reader through the process from the initial preparation and assembly of the figure, to finishing and basing.

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Book SynopsisThe vast majority of period ship models are built from kits, usually primarily of wood with some ready-made fittings. Although these commercial offerings have improved significantly in recent years, all of them can be enhanced in accuracy or detail by an experienced modelmaker. This book, by an expert ship modeller, distils lessons gleaned from a lifetime practising the hobby to the highest standards, setting out methods of improving basic kits and gradually developing the skills and confidence to tackle the construction of a model from scratch. Using a variety of kits as the starting point, each chapter demonstrates a technique that can be readily improved or a feature that can be replaced to the advantage of the finished model. Topics include hull planking, representing copper sheathing, many aspects of more accurate masting and rigging, and how to replace kit parts and fittings from scratch. Ultimately, the impact of a period model depends on its accuracy, and the book also provides guidance on plans and references, where to find them and how they are best used. The plank-on-frame model, sometimes with exposed frames in the Navy Board style, has always been considered the crowning achievement of period ship modelling, and this book concludes with coverage of the very latest kits that put fully framed models within the reach of ordinary mortals. Offering advice, expertise and inspiration, _Ship Models from the Age of Sail_ has something for anyone interested in building a period ship model, whatever their level of skill.

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Book SynopsisThis is a practical guide to getting the best from the many resin and etch detailing kits available to enhance scale model aircraft, and is intended to help beginners and experienced model makers alike. Richly illustrated, it uses six model-building examples, from the very basic application of etch to the major conversions. It includes an overview of the tools required; guidance on building the basic model kit; an explanation of different types of multimedia; the methods for producing etched brass; how to undertake 3D design and 3D printing and, finally, gives the steps for successful resin casting.Trade ReviewIf you are wanting to make that 'masterpiece' model or simply just add improved detail, and have the time (and money), then this book is for you. * Constant Scale *

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Book SynopsisModelling British Aircraft of World War II provides essential guidance for modellers of all levels of experience. It gives advice on how to get started, from choosing the best kit to preparing your workspace with the right tools, paints and equipment. Tips on the use of reference material, construction techniques and painting recipes are given. The book provides step-by-step building and painting techniques of the following models: 1/48 Hurricane Mk IIc, 1/32 Spitfire Mk IIa, 1/48 Mosquito Mk VI, 1/48 Swordfish Mk II and 1/72 Lancaster B III. Instructional use of after-market detailing kits and accessories is given as well as advice on fitting a base or creating a diorama. Finally, there is a chapter on Royal Air Force camouflage and markings.

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Book SynopsisThe Dornier Do 335A did not meet all the Luftwaffe requirements. First, the cockpit armor was too weak, which excluded the machine from the role of a fighter intercepting heavily defended Allied bombers. Therefore, in the summer of 1944, a modified version of the Do 335 - marked with the letter “B”- was developed. The main difference was to be an armored pilot’s cockpit with a new, easier to manufacture windscreen. The front wheel had larger tire. To be able to retract it without any changes in the landing gear bay construction, it was rotated around the leg axis by 45° during the retraction. The rest of the equipment and weapons were to be the same as in the case of the Do 335A-1. The developed version was designated Do 335B-1, but it was quickly abandoned in favor of heavily armed versions B-2 and B-3, known as Zerstörer. The prototypes of the version B-2 were Do 335M-13 and M-14 powered, like the A-1, by the DB 603E (front) and DB-603QE (rear) engines, but with significantly reinforced armament. The 15 mm MG 151/15 cannons above the engine were replaced with a 20 mm MG 151/20, and the wings were fitted with two 30 mm MK 103 cannons with 70 rounds per barrel. The same cannon fired through the propeller axis.Trade ReviewThe production quality is top notch, and the foldout drawings could easily be framed and displayed. * IPMS/USA 16/11/2022 *

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