Osprey Publishing

Modelling Scale Figures

by  Mark Bannerman
Reviewed By  Floyd S. Werner, Jr., IPMS# 26266

[book cover image]

MSRP: $19.95
ISBN: 978-1-84603-238-7
Website: www.ospreypublishing.com

Figure painting -- the secret art of turning metal and resin into flesh. It looks impossible but the process is not that mystic once you learn the techniques.

The latest offering from the Osprey Modeling series covers everything from the required tools, supplies and the various mediums to scratch building. There are lots of useful tips for dealing with resin and white metal figures. One of the tips that I liked called for the use of Tamiya glue to smooth out gritty, sanded areas. The modeler is taken from Out of the Box to scratch building in the second chapter. The text is easy to read and the captions add to the complete package. Working with resin and white metal figures is given the appropriate level of coverage to take a novice figure painter to the next level.

The third chapter was very helpful to me. The author takes you through the steps used to use various paint mediums. You see how to use artist oils, enamels and acrylic paints on a figure. You are treated to see how the figure comes to life with each subsequent level of paint. There are a couple of neat techniques given, such as how to paint shields and tartans. There’s also a section on painting horses

The fourth chapter brings all of the previous chapters together. In showing how to model a mounted figure, all the previous techniques are combined to make one impressive display. Dealing with metallic parts is very interesting.

Small scale figures highlights some fantasy figures such as goblins and ghouls.

Okay, so what does this do for me, if I’m an aircraft modeler? Garfield Ingram shows you what can be accomplished in painting a 1/48th German pilot.

So, you don’t like small scale figures…what about a 1/16th scale figures? This is addressed too. Finally, a gallery shows what can be done by expert figure painters.

This book is a great little one-stop shop for the novice or those who want to improve their skills with figures. Aircraft modelers that want to add to their models with figures would do well with this book. I learned a lot from the book and feel that it is worth every penny. For those that remember the Shep Paine books from the 1970s, this is the updated version and every bit as good.

Highly recommended. You can obtain your copy from your local hobby shop or order directly from Osprey's website. Thanks to Osprey Publishing for the review copy.

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