Greetings!
I’m a scale modeler with a few decades of experience, however I’m about to start working on a couple of my first aircraft kits in over 20 years (a 1/72 Tiger Moth and a 1/48 Mustang). I feel as if I’m more than a little rusty on the latest building, painting and weathering techniques as they relate to aircraft.
I was hoping to hear of a few recommendations for ‘How To’ books regarding finishing aircraft and detailing bi-plane kits. Most of my experience in the last few years has been with armor kits and figures.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thank You!
Biggest difference between when I was modeling as a kid and returning recently is the emergence of YouTube as a force in the hobby.
IMO, books are obsolete for learning techniques. Nothing beats getting the descriptions AND seeing a master actually do it.
Start with PLASMO.
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Videos are a great leap forward, but I still enjoy and find useful to have at least a couple of books…
On a basic level I would suggest this one, although it says preorder I think it has been already published:
And this one, for more advanced modellers:
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Yes, YouTube has a lot wonderful videos to help you learn many tricks. However, I don’t think books are obsolete. They have their place as well. There are plenty of good books and magazines that have well written articles with step-by-step photos.
I use to subscribe to Tamiya magazines, Meng Air & AFV modellers magazines, and Fine Scale Modelers magazine. I kept the one had articles I like others I gave away or sold and used copies.
In the last few years I have seen an up rise in new publishers or publications of books and magazines. So, the sky’s the limit.
Few examples…
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The real trick is to move from “The what is possible” to the “How I did it”. Much of the what is possible I haven’t moved to the how I did it yet. 1/ 48th is becoming too small due to my dexterity. The only thing I have in 1/72nd is a ship model. Something to keep in mind as you plan on a scale to work with. For props I am in 1/32nd and for jets I am still in 1/48th.
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Thank you for the outstanding recommendations.
I think that the Mig ‘Encyclopedia of Aircraft’ set is exactly what I am looking for. I like the airplane modeling magazines, however these are nearly impossible to obtain on a regular basis in the remote area where I live. This is an issue for me (pardon the pun) since I like to examine magazines prior to purchase.
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Yuri, I hear ya! I too like to glance through the magazines whenever it’s possible but sometimes if it covers the subject I am after then I’ll buy it.
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