Scale Aircraft Modelling

Rating:
Summary: Great beginner book! Steve Mondschein, St. Louis, MO
Review: I last built a few models literally thity years ago. For some reason I had an itch to relive my childhood . I could not find a good book for beginners. I didn't really like the Kalmbach books for various reasons. This book didn't have any reviews, but I thought I would just give it a whirl. I knew absolutely nothing when I began and I had no idea that the industry had improved and changed so much. The book has 21 chapters and begins with the very basics. For example, I knew what scale means but not when choosing a model. It is explained what scale might be preferred for a particlular subject and why. Also, Mr. Stanton has a very nice conversational way of writing and it's as if a friend is explaining things to you. He defines what sprue, flash, sink marks and ejector pin marks are and how are why they oocur. Something very useful is how Mr. Stanton tells you who the majors players in the industry are or what products are available and why he prefers certain ones. It is very helpful until you begin to develop your own expertise and personal biases. He also recommends specific tools needed to begin modelling and what might be useful in the future. A good part of the book shows you how to make models. He begins with a suggestion for a first model. Included is how to use fillers, mask/tape, paint, apply decals and even how to paint a canopy frame in three layers to give it a realistic 3-D appearance. Later, sequential projects show more advanced techniques such as washing and dry-brushing, subtle weathering techniques and more advance colour schemes. These clear instructions are illustrated with precise colour photographs; he never leaves you guessing. Other useful chapters discuss resin, etched and white metal parts as well as after-market kits, vac-formed and multi-media kits (I was not at all familiar with these). For me , I really enjoyed the chapter on how to model biplanes as I am very interested in WWI aircraft. His last project chapter is on super detailing a Hawker Sea Hurricane Mk.IIc operated by 824Sq FAA from the HMS "Striker". Mr. Stanton used a "donor" kit from Hasegawa, conversion parts by Model Design Construction, cockpit from Czech Master Kits, Aires resin for the control surfaces and Kendall's resin Hurricane flaps. I include the last part to illustrate that book is probably a good source for the intermediate modeller as well as the rank beginner.

The only marginal negative is the occurrence of -about a half-dozen small editing mistakes which do not detract from the book. I would have liked to see just a small section on painting figures and perhaps even a little on how to get started on dioramas. Overall, this is just a superb book and takes you from knowing nothing to developing confidence and some real modelling skills.