Happy Medium Press

Sci-Fi & Fantasy Modeller # 16

Reviewed By  Adam Johnson, IPMS# 46619

MSRP: $19.95 ISBN: 978-0-955878190526-9-5 Website: www.scififantasymodeller.co.uk Sci-fi & Fantasy Modeller is a hardbound magazine that is published in the United Kingdom. This magazine is published bi-monthly and is very high quality. Each issue averages about 100 pages of useful and intelligent information about sci-fi kits and the models that are used in (mainly) UK Sci-Fi TV shows and movies. What I particularly like is the lack of useless ads that suck up other magazines. This issue starts with 'The beast from 20,000 fathoms'. A Black & white model of the famous beast seen in the cult 50's movie. This is a full hand-made original chock full of techniques in sculpting. Next is a prop recreation of the Gun that Indiana Jones used in 'Raiders', and a prop recreation of the Phaser used in the original 'Star Trek' series. I found the article on a space plane seen in 2001: A Space Odyssey very interesting. It was built by French modeler Jean-Marc DesChamps. He is well-known in France for his Museum quality models. His techniques in finishing the kit is a must read for ANY modeler. I personally know Jean-Marc, and am familiar with his many Museum projects over the of years . The bulk of the issue focuses on the Jupiter II models released by Polar Lights and Moebius. Both kits are very well covered in tackling the building, painting and detailing of the models. I would recommend this reading to anyone trying to build either version. I have the Polar Lights version, and have found this article very helpful.

The article on the Space:1999 Swift garage kit is superb. It covers the complex scratch-building process that at was involved in creating the kit; as well as beautiful photos of the completed product. Other articles are the Iron Man suite, Aliens models, a Moon buggy from Space:1999, and the Droids from Silent Running. I recommend this magazine to ALL modelers who are looking for unique techniques in scratchbuilding, painting and imaginative ways to improve your kit. Sci-Fi & Fantasy Modeller is well worth its price. This one you'll constantly refer back to many times over. Thanks to IPMS and Happy Medium Press for this excellent issue!