Customer Reviews

Modelling Waffen-SS Figures (Osprey Modelling)

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This book covers some dramatic issues regarding figure modelling and Waffen SS camo painting, it is important to have some basic knowledge regarding this issues.

Tan makes figure convertion look like a walk in the park, well its not. He has some natural and amazing skill for convertions, so dont try to replicate what you see in the first run, study the sbs and practice, practice and practice some more, this book will provide a really good reference on how-to.

Painting Waffen SS camo is considered almost a sin, it aint pretty to deal with all those confusing patterns, my advise: Research and study before smelling those trusty Vallejos (my brand of choice), take your time and get used to them (the patterns), buy a good reference book like Waffen-SS Uniforms In Color Photographs: Europa Militaria Series #6 (Europa Militaria), this two books work together like a charm.

Regarding painting techniques, Tan breaks it down really nice, from a sbs face painting to uniforms, some terrain and weathering armor tips, BUT, do your homework and you will realize that pro-painted figures are a sum of many different techniques. Again dont do and compare, just practice your way up, one step at a time. I really liked how he shows the early stages of a camo to its final touches, keep in mind that some techniques like glazing, feathering, etc, are not depicted here.

Over all a really good book that will help improve your figure painting skills.

There is always something new to learn from this book. Even you are an expert figure modeller, there are still new tips that can be learnt. The best part of this book is the painting of the Waffen SS Camo. Serious modeller should consider this book.

If you are having a hard time painting realistic 1/35th scale Waffen SS camo patterns on your figures, this book is for you. The author provides an easy to follow guide to painting several patterns using acrylic paint (Vallejo brand). It also incorporates; techniques for super detailing battle field dress, equipment, major figure modifications, full sculpts and groundwork. There is quite a bit of information provided using numerous pictures of the work progressing.

The best part for me was the breakdown of each camo pattern with specific color mixes and how to apply the colors. These are challenging patterns to reproduce in this scale. The following patterns are explained
Plane Tree Pattern
Dot/Pea Pattern
Italian Pattern
Oak-Leaf Pattern - Spring
Oak- Leaf Pattern - Autumn

If you are serious about improving in this specific area I would highly recommend this book.

It is hard to find anyone painting better WW2 figures than Calvin Tan. If you are into painting 1/35 WW2 German figures this is a absolute must have book however beware of a defective binding, after very moderate careful use the pages in my book started falling out shortly after I bought it here brand new on Amazon.

The book has great photos and very good and clear descriptions of Calvin's techniques. Many of the construction and painting techniques will be beyond almost everybody's skill level never the less studying this book should improve your abilities and enhance your enjoyment of the hobby.

Much like their other modelling books, it covers a veritiy of projects in a step by step instruction. One building on the next until you can design and then create your own World War 2 figurine diaramas.

If you are looking for a book with some history and background to the SS and their uniforms, with great "how-to" write-ups on painting them, this ain't the book. If you are looking for a general "how-to" manual on sculpting custom figures, this is a pretty fair account of that endeavor. Seems more like a "look how good I am at making custom figures" self-glorifying publication than a true modeler's resource... Disappointing...