Osprey Publishing

Airbrushing and Finishing Scale Models

by  Brett Green

Reviewed By  Dick Montgomery, IPMS# 14003

MSRP: $39.95 ISBN: 9781846031991 Web Site: www.ospreypublishing.com Most modelers have an airbrush, and in fact, many have more than one of these handy tools. Owning it is one thing; having mastered the techniques of airbrushing is another. Brett Green's book, Airbrushing and Finishing Scale Models, will help you to reach a new level of skill with your airbrush. A quick Google search results in a number of hits for this product but I urge you to try your local hobby shop or Osprey Publications first. http://www.keenzo.com/ for $26.25. http://www.amazon.com for $26.37. http://search.barnesandnoble.com/ for member price of $28.76 http://www.ospreypublishing.com/ for £19.99 ($30.65) Publications can consume a big part of one's Modeling Treasury but one should view books as "permanent tools" that, unlike paint brushes, airbrushes, tweezers, and drills, do not wear out. But still, one wants to be sure that the expense is worth the product being purchased. In the case of this book, the price is well worth it. An inventory of the table of contents shows that the reader will have access to a broad spectrum of very useful information. Included in a list of contents are, the mechanics of an airbrush, a history of color, and basic airbrush techniques. The final chapters discuss techniques of painting and finishing aircraft, armour (sic) and other models. The final listing in table of contents is, "Resources". What You Get This product is one of four publications, as identified on the Osprey website, as being in Osprey's "Masterclass" series. To quote the description of this series of publications, "Books in Osprey's Modelling Masterclass series focus on a single period or genre of model making, providing insights into the techniques of some of the world's leading model makers." "Featuring full colour photographs illustrating the process of model making and showcasing the best of the authors' private model collections, Osprey's Modelling Masterclass titles are a valuable reference source for model makers wanting to take the next step in their craft." The publication is a 192 page spiral bound book printed in a 7x9.5 inch format. The covers are "hardbound" giving the book durability and long shelf life. There are hundreds of images and all are in full color and are of an exceptional quality. A very nice touch, making navigation within the book easy, is the colored edging on the pages. Pages within each chapter have a consistent color printing on the edge assisting the reader to as they jump from one chapter to another. The Contents in Detail The Airbrush The first chapter covers the fundamentals of the airbrush. I was stunned to read that double action airbrushes were available as far back as the 1880s. Beyond the historic beginnings of the tool, the chapter focuses on the technology, itself. The text describes the difference between a single action and a double action airbrush, as well as the components found in the typical airbrush such as the trigger, needle and nozzle. This chapter concludes with an excellent description of "air" sources. Some modelers may require a quiet environment provided by a CO2 tank and others don't mind the rattle and rumble of a more powerful electric compressor. This chapter discusses the advantages and disadvantages of several types of "air" sources and how the source of the compressed "air" will affect the paint job. A History of Colour (sic) A thorough understanding of "color" will have a huge impact on the quality of your model. Chapter 2 provides a basic framework for understanding color. Hue, chromaticity, shades, tints, tones, saturation, brightness and luminance are all defined and described. While this information may be rather technical for the uninitiated, after some practical experience gained by attempting to adjust and control these aspects of color, you will see a definite and distinct improvement in your ability to use an airbrush to its fullest capacity. Of significance is a section within this chapter that is entitled, "Colour (sic) Perception Considerations for Modelers", or more commonly referred to as, "Scale Effect". In a nutshell, colors appear lighter or weaker as the physical size of the model is reduced. This represents the way color appears to the unaided eye as one moves away from the 1:1 subject being observed. Getting Started with Your Airbrush Chapter 3 answers some basic questions. What do I put in my airbrush and what is the difference between lacquers, enamels, oils, and acrylics? What do I use to thin these different types of paint and how do I know how much thinner to add? The chapter also provides some important tips about keeping the airbrush clean, and what one can use to clean the tool. Basic Airbrush Techniques Chapter 4 provides a detailed description of how the modeler can prepare the surface of the model for the application of paint. Fillers and sandpaper are the main discussion points. The chapter also includes a description of various masking materials and how to use them. Painting Your Model Chapter 5 is the first chapter that begins to deal with the actual painting and finishing techniques that a builder wants to master in order to produce high quality models. A thorough description of how to apply camouflage schemes to aircraft includes guidance for achieving either a hard or soft demarcation line separating the colors being applied. Text and images guide the reader through the steps of applying paint to canopies using either custom commercial masks or masking tape. The application of paint used to produce a metallic finish is thorough in coverage and easily understood. The chapter presents some "how to" techniques when things go awry and some repair may be needed when paint is lifted off the model by tape or when other damage calls for some retouching. The chapter concludes with a presentation of techniques and materials used to apply decals. Painting and Finishing Aviation Models, Armour (sic) Models, and Other Models Chapters 6, 7, and 8 are "case studies" of the tools and techniques used to produce aircraft, armor, and automotive models. These chapters are filled with techniques that address issues specific to airplane models, armor models, and car models. It would be an interesting learning experience to build the same model featured in the book as one reads these chapters. Conclusion I can visualize a modeler at the work bench, this book protected in a plastic baggie sitting next to the model as the reader works to practice the skills discussed in the book, and using the images as the "passing standard" for their work. The book is very well written, with excellent images to illustrate the text. The publication addresses not only the basic skills and techniques that a beginner must learn but also provides a tutorial for the more advanced techniques that a more experienced modeler wishes to tackle. The book is much more than a simple "how to with an airbrush" and is highly recommended for modelers of all skill levels.

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