The Encyclopedia of Military Modelling [Hardcover]

V. E. Smeed (Author), Vic Smeed (Editor), Alec Gee (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1998

240 color photos and diagrams 9 x 12 Comprehensive guide to this increasingly popular hobby Richly illustrated in full-color, with text by modeling experts Valuable to both beginner and expert This book is a sumptuously illustrated, comprehensive guide to a hobby that is gaining widespread popularity among military and modeling buffs. With more than 240 full-color photos and diagrams, The Encyclopedia of Military Modelling is a definitive reference work that any modelernovice or veteranshould have on hand. It includes instructions on how to get started, tips on painting techniques, ideas for embellishing kits, and advice on overcoming problems. Chapters cover single figure modelling; dioramas; artillery; armored fighting vehicles; weapons; equipment and horses; and much more. Also included is detailed coverage of military periods from a modelers perspective. Never before has the modelers art been captured in such colorful detail. Contributors include Terence Wise, Roy Dilley, Donald Skinner, Dennis Knight, and other leading experts in the field.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: Greenhill Books (February 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 185367317X
• ISBN-13: 978-1853673177
• Product Dimensions: 12 x 8.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,878,398 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good introduction., October 29, 1998

By 

WD Grissom (Cabot, Arkansas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Encyclopedia of Military Modelling (Hardcover)

Beginning with historical perspective and a broad survey of the modeling world, the authors divide the hobby into major historical periods of interest, then proceed quickly to the tips and techniques of construction, with practical advice on the needed tools and supplies. Special attention is given to such tricky subjects as horses, vehicles, and human faces, always with an eye to maximum realism. The effects that can be achieved are very impressive indeed.
The illustrations are generous and nicely reproduced, and the instruction first rate. Some American insignia is oddly jumbled and mislabeled, sources for the supplies mentioned and a bibliography would not have gone amiss, and the index is unfortunately stingy, but the work will stand as a useful basic introduction to an interesting hobby.(The "score" rating is an unfortunately ineradicable feature of the page. This reviewer does not "score" books.)

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Wide survey, now outdated, August 19, 2002

By 

B. (Alexandria, VA, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Encyclopedia of Military Modelling (Hardcover)

This book appears to be a reprint of a book released in 1981. It covers a wde variety of useful subjects. However, the examples shown and many of the techniques and materials described in the book are dated. Modeling techniques and standards have advanced well beyond this book. Best to leave this one for the used book aisle.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice to have for millitary modellers, September 26, 2000

By 

Avi Chami - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Encyclopedia of Military Modelling (Hardcover)

With excellent quality of contents, paper, printing and photos, this is a valuable book for the millitary modeler.

It starts talking about major modelling periods, from ancient up to modern days. Here shows what could be the major flaw of the book, namely, that it is relatively old (1981), so you will find no references to latest conflicts (Malvinas/Falklands, Lebanon War, Gulf War, etc).

Then it talks about: How to start, figure modelling, weapons and equipment, soft skin and armoured vehicles, artillery and dioramas.

Most chapters are very good, with pictures and sample projects. Maybe the exception is the diorama chapter, rather short and raw for an issue as important as this for military modeling.

Given that the book tries to cover all the history of warfare, if you are oriented to, say, tank modeling, maybe you will feel that much of the book is not relevant for you (same could be said for figure modelers). But if you want a global review of the hobby and some insights, this book is for you.