Scale Aircraft Modelling [Paperback]

Mark Stanton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 2003

Starting with the very basics, the author guides you through the essential skills and techniques needed to build a scale model aircraft to be proud of. Concentrating on the construction of plastic kits in the popular scales, Scale Aircraft Modelling also looks at how to improve your model or create a different version by using specially manufactured components in plastic, resin and metal. Topics include: Tools; Construction tips; Painting tips; Biplane rigging; Detailing; Airliner modeling; Weathering; Advanced techniques; Using resin and vac-form parts; and Health and safety.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Mark Stanton has been making model aircraft since he was a child. He has exhibited widely and his models may be seen in, amongst others, the Fleet Air Arm Museum. He has also written for a number of aviation and modelling magazines. When not constructing model aircraft, Mark is an Airbus Captain with Emirates.

Product Details

• Paperback: 176 pages
• Publisher: The Crowood Press (July 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1861264453
• ISBN-13: 978-1861264459
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #844,790 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

54 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great beginner book! Steve Mondschein, St. Louis, MO, January 24, 2005

By 

S. Mondschein (St. Louis, MO) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Scale Aircraft Modelling (Paperback)

I last built a few models literally thity years ago. For some reason I had an itch to relive my childhood . I could not find a good book for beginners. I didn't really like the Kalmbach books for various reasons. This book didn't have any reviews, but I thought I would just give it a whirl. I knew absolutely nothing when I began and I had no idea that the industry had improved and changed so much. The book has 21 chapters and begins with the very basics. For example, I knew what scale means but not when choosing a model. It is explained what scale might be preferred for a particlular subject and why. Also, Mr. Stanton has a very nice conversational way of writing and it's as if a friend is explaining things to you. He defines what sprue, flash, sink marks and ejector pin marks are and how are why they oocur. Something very useful is how Mr. Stanton tells you who the majors players in the industry are or what products are available and why he prefers certain ones. It is very helpful until you begin to develop your own expertise and personal biases. He also recommends specific tools needed to begin modelling and what might be useful in the future. A good part of the book shows you how to make models. He begins with a suggestion for a first model. Included is how to use fillers, mask/tape, paint, apply decals and even how to paint a canopy frame in three layers to give it a realistic 3-D appearance. Later, sequential projects show more advanced techniques such as washing and dry-brushing, subtle weathering techniques and more advance colour schemes. These clear instructions are illustrated with precise colour photographs; he never leaves you guessing. Other useful chapters discuss resin, etched and white metal parts as well as after-market kits, vac-formed and multi-media kits (I was not at all familiar with these). For me , I really enjoyed the chapter on how to model biplanes as I am very interested in WWI aircraft. His last project chapter is on super detailing a Hawker Sea Hurricane Mk.IIc operated by 824Sq FAA from the HMS "Striker". Mr. Stanton used a "donor" kit from Hasegawa, conversion parts by Model Design Construction, cockpit from Czech Master Kits, Aires resin for the control surfaces and Kendall's resin Hurricane flaps. I include the last part to illustrate that book is probably a good source for the intermediate modeller as well as the rank beginner.

The only marginal negative is the occurrence of -about a half-dozen small editing mistakes which do not detract from the book. I would have liked to see just a small section on painting figures and perhaps even a little on how to get started on dioramas. Overall, this is just a superb book and takes you from knowing nothing to developing confidence and some real modelling skills.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Is a great book, September 30, 2010

By 

Anibal Loyato (FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA, US) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Scale Aircraft Modelling (Paperback)

A good guide for rookies, with a lot of tip's and secret's. I recommended this book

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nice book for beginners!, December 23, 2009

By 

S. Bogdanov - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Scale Aircraft Modelling (Paperback)

This is an incredible book for somebody who just bought a pack of Revell kit for the first time, build the model and was a little bit disappointed that the model doesn't look as real as he wants.
The book is full of great advices, techniques and information to build the model _right_ and become addicted to the hobby :)