Panzer Modelling (Rev Second Ed): (revised second edition) (Modelling Masterclass) [Hardcover]

Tony Greenland (Author)

Book Description

Series: Modelling Masterclass | Publication Date: September 25, 2001

In this, the second edition of Panzer Modelling Masterclass, Tony Greenland shares his expertise and experience in a wide range of techniques and materials, covering the tools, reference sources, construction and conversion methods and artistic touches that help create visually stunning and minutely accurate masterpieces. For the second edition, Tony has revised Chapter 9: The Collection: a variety of new models are shown in full colour photos in The Collection along with caption details of their construction and finishing. For this edition Tony has also revised Chapter 3: Models Available, to bring this up to date with the latest developments from all the top manufacturers. This chapter is also supported by new colour photographs and illustrations. This best selling title is packed with great photographs, tips and techniques and useful advice.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Osprey Masterclass - acclaimed modellers from around the world reveal the secrets and expertise which have made them masters of their chosen fields. Achieve Gold Medal standard with Osprey Masterclass.

About the Author

Tony Greenland's mastery of military vehicle modelling is world renowned, and he has been commissioned to craft master patterns for manufacturers such as Armour Accessories, Azimut/ADV, and Dragon. He is also a frequent contributor to many magazines and publications.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing; 2 Revised edition (September 25, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1841762369
• ISBN-13: 978-1841762364
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.7 x 12 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,588,095 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

41 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Decent grab for the Intermediate, Beginners beware though!, August 22, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Panzer Modelling (Rev Second Ed): (revised second edition) (Modelling Masterclass) (Hardcover)

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.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Do Not Waste Your Money!, January 18, 2008

By 

K. Chen "Char@251bt" (Deutschland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Panzer Modelling (Rev Second Ed): (revised second edition) (Modelling Masterclass) (Hardcover)

I bought this book 5 years ago!and my only notion of this book is too many depiction about author's model experience,less step-by-step photos!and a lot of author's model Collection,The book's title should be change to "Tony greenland 's model gallery" will be much better!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Very nice gallery, not much more, October 14, 2007

By 

Some guy from VA (VA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Panzer Modelling (Rev Second Ed): (revised second edition) (Modelling Masterclass) (Hardcover)

First off - I love this book. I spent countless hours looking at the pictures of author's models. But IMHO that's all this book is: gallery to be used as an inspiration.

First half of the book describes building and painting models. Author's method is described in somewhat generic manner, with very little pictures to illustrate the text. Detailing, converting and scratchbuilding is covered, but most of the time only end result is shown on the photos.

Everything in author's method is 'straightforward': weathering is kept to a minimum, models are shown without any bases (not even very simple ones), there is no battle damage shown.

Overall I don't see this part as helpful - beginner won't find good explanations here, and a lot of this material will be familiar to intermediate modeler.

The second half of the book contains pictures of author's model collection. This is where the book comes into its own - photos are big and clear, taken in a very professional manner.

Overall the book feels dated in 2007. Models are very nice to look at, but with somewhat sterile look to them. They are certainly very nice, just not on the same level as work of top Spanish modelers seen in recent years. If you like looking at such 'oldfashioned' models - this book is definitely for you. Otherwise be aware of its limitations.