Panzer Modelling Masterclass (Modelling Masterclass)

Rating:
Summary: Decent grab for the Intermediate, Beginners beware though!
Review: In my previous review of this book, I gave it 3 stars. Now that I have had more time to become a better modeller, re-reviewing this book I will give it 4 stars.

I found this book to have a lot of information concerning modelling (in general) in it, but lacking in certain techniques that I wish were discussed a bit better (or in addition to).

For one, most basic techniques, like washes, drybrushing, the neccessity of an Airbrush, etc. are not described in much if any detail at all. With that said, this book is more for the intermediate modeller whos looking for some new ways to be a better modeller. BEGINNERS BEWARE! However, compared to Scutt's books (which are worthless IMHO), this book does stand out somewhat better.

This book does contain a good amount of chit-chat, most of it is (to a degree) interesting, but I really wish he could of wrote more on better one's technique. It seems that most modelling techniques are quite easy to explain, but with all the chit-chat, some of the methods are almost vagely "buried". You will have to keep a sharp eye out while reading it to get the technique information. Its there, trust me.

Tony is a big super-detailer (and there are 3 chapters right in a row dedicated to it) and like I said before, he doesn't take the time to explain the basic techniques, within the first 20 pages he dives into etched brass this and individual track links that, making weld seems with your "power tools" (hehe). Some of his methods are quite good, like sticking black-painted pins into the side of the model to form Vinyl tracking to the shape wanted. Again, BEGINNERS BEWARE! This book is for somebody who has a model or two or three under their belt.

The weathering chapter is a really good grab (even to the beginner!) but I wish Tony would of explained in more detail that true weathering is a form of highlighting and shadowing (an artist's technique). If you look at any of Tony's kits, you will immediately notice that his model's are good because he really highlights raised edges and shadows crevices, and is an expert at blending the two. The end result being a REALLY NICE looking model. (To an extent, I think Tony almost overdoes the highlighting :P, but I guess thats what makes it stand out). Tip from me: don't go overkill on pastel chalks when weathering, just enough is almost too much, let the highlighting/shadowing blend be your real aim.

The chatper on Crew Figures, though, is completely worthless. No technique information at all, just some info on Companys that make the figure kits and some pictures of some of the best painted figures in the world (is that really nescessary, Tony!?!?)

Throughout the whole book there are MANY colored pictures to help you along the way. I wish Tony would of maybe put in a chapter for the beginner before diving into his super-detailing methods; I figure that the last chapter, the Gallery, is almost a bit "ego-tistical" in nature... Sure, the models are BEAUTIFULLY done, but you could of put a lot more technique bettering information in place of it, easily (or better yet, added to).

In conclusion, Tony does have a lot of good ideas and points for the Intermediate modeller. I apologize for making this book out to be "bad", but in the end, for what is in the book, the majority of it is positive, but its more for the Intermediate than Beginner. To better help the goods of the book, here is a chapter layout with what is included in each:

1) Tools (5 pgs) - What the expert, Tony Greenland, owns & uses.
2) Reference Material (4 pgs) - Books, pictures, some good advice.
3) Available Models (3 pgs) - Plastic kits, Resin kits, Manufacturers, Etched sets, Decals...
4) Construction & Super-Detailing (12 pgs) - Differences in materials (resin, plastic, etc.), some chit-chat on parts of kits, making bolts, weld seams, claps & buckles, cables... (good ideas, Tony!)
5) Conversion & Scratch-Building (6 pgs) - Measurements, Materials, Joints, Lamination, Construction principals...
6) Specialist Techniques (10 pgs) - Zimmerit, Soldering, Vacu-Forming...
7) Painting, Weathering, & Finishing (25 pgs) - Camoflauge & paints, Insignia/Markings, Finishing techniques (washes, chalks, etc.), Winter camoflauge, etc.
8) Crew Figures (8 pgs) - 1pg of Figure selections, then 7pgs of pictures (no how-to!!)
9) The Collection (46 pgs) - The best works of Tony Greenland.

Hope that helps.