Customer Reviews

The Encyclopedia of Military Modelling

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.)

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.

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.

I thought that the encyclopedia of Military Modeling was Great it was really helpful to me. I think any modeler beginnner or advanced should have it.