The Modelmania Collection

Volumes 4 &5 - Advanced Model Detailing

by David Fisher

Reviewed By Dave Morrissette, #33653

Web Site: www.amazingmodeler.com

I love figure kits, and for the rest of you who also feel that way, Amazing Figure Modeler is one of the leading magazines.  David Fisher is the art director for the magazine and for the last 10 years or so has been producing a set of “How To” tapes on making your garage kits look better.  Volumes 1-4 were released on tape prior to 2002 and the wait was on for volume 5.

I am happy to say, the wait is over and the best news is that Modelmania is now on DVD!  Included are three sections, Modelmania Four that was released on tape, Modelmania Five with all new goodies and the “Beauty Shots”, a series of pictures from Mr. Fisher’s collection.

Below is a list of the chapters and some brief comments on Volumes 4 and 5:

Part 1 (Volume Four):

• Modeling supplies
• Suntanned skin effects
• Veining and mottled skin
• Shading with pastels- This section is useful to all modelers covering the selection of pastels, preparation for use, blending and application methods.  I have already used this section for doing figures and also armor and planes.
• Bruising Effects
• Eyes and rotting teeth
• Drips and drools
• Painting tattoos

Part 2 (Volume Five):

• Satin Effects
• Painting 1:1 scale yes
• Painting stone- very useful for dioramas as his technique is simple and looks wonderfully real and weathered.
• Creating wood grains- an excellent method for creating life like wood grains on resin and plastic surfaces without having to use real wood.
• Using Magic Markers
• Kit repair
• Hair techniques- this is a very in depth segment for painting all hair colors from black to red to blonde.  Also highlighted are methods for using doll or crepe hair on larger kits and how to work with it.

Each volume runs around an hour and the production values are excellent.  The DVD format is especially good as the entire course is broken down to specific chapters and with the DVD, you can pause as you are working on a project and review as needed.

The lessons above without comments are directed specifically at the garage kit builder and are invaluable.  Mr. Fisher has a knack at reaching outstanding results without investing huge money the DVD is very specific about his method.  The results of the building are in the “Beauty Shots” and are breathtaking.  One note of warning, the content is adult in nature with some figure being nude or semi-nude so you might want to see it yourself first.  All of the Modelmania tapes and DVD’s are available at the Amazing Figure Modeler site (www.amazingmodeler.com) and you can order on-line.  I love this DVD and recommend it to everyone interested in the genre or just improving your techniques.

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