Daniel Zamarbide's latest book provides a great from the ground up modelling encyclopaedia, along with a clear explanation of the current state-of-the-art weathering techniques.

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Thanks!

I'm not sure if I need this or not, but I might just get it to see what Dani has to say I have a mag with his Raiden and I don't like some of the methods used; actually it might be the colours used, but it's the techniques that I'm interested in. I am currently drawing up a set of paint masks for Dani, I'm hoping that the build will appear in one of his publications and I am really looking forward to seeing what he can do with paint masks

Hi Mal

I don't know about "needing" this, but I'd be surprised if none of the stuff covered didn't give even the best among us pause for thought. It's definitely worth a read.

Dani uses a lot of masks - both commercial and home-made. Some of what he achieves with the latter is particularly impressive. Of course, it also helps that he's such a fine free-hand painter. Don't you just hate it when someone's good at everything!

All the best

Rowan

I will more than likely get it, some of his techniques aren't for me but some will be and even those that aren't will probably give me ideas. As I feel that I need inspiration then this is for me, it is a bit expensive though, too much to ask to get one for Christmas so I will have to use some of my modelling tokens.

I gave Dani a set of my Typhoon masks at Telford last year and I am currently producing a set of masks for one of his latest builds, a 1/32 Spitfire MkIX and I hope that he will use more of my masks in the future

Very interesting Rowan!

Like you say, often these books are just a showcase for a certain range of products (I recently got the Ammo WWI Weathering Magazine, and though very useful and inspirational, there is a lot of product highlighting of smartly packaged chemicals and pigments. Of course some of them very useful, but still). I also think that lately we have seen an increase of weathering techniques for the sake of just showing off the brilliance of the artist, where perhaps historical accuracy has suffered somewhat. Overly highlighted rib tapes on bi-planes and heavily worn aircraft, that had a combat career only lasting a few weeks to name a couple of examples...

(small rant now over)

However having said all this, I think this book looks very good, and I will most likely get one for the sake of exploring new techniques and I'm sure I will gain new insights.

Thanks for posting!

Mikael

Hi Mikael

I know exactly where you're coming from. Even as a self-confessed "dirty" modeller, I do wonder if the next modelling vogue will see the (re-)imposition of greater restraint in weathering where warranted. The extreme effects are mind-blowing - and definitely have their applications - but there are also many examples out there where it's "weathering for weathering's sake", regardless of historical accuracy.

Of course, the "secret" (just as in art and music) is to master the techniques - and then to know when to use them.

All the best

Rowan

I picked up a copy myself and am very pleased with it. Honestly I had the same skepticism Rowan, expecting a lot of product plugs for AK but I agree he is very even-handed in his recommendations. I doubt I will use everything but there are a number of truly impressive weathering techniques I want to try. It is definitely a nice reference manual.

Modelling is a dirty business, but someone has got to do it – at least that is what I tell my wife when she complains I have paint on my hands – again

Joke aside – Very interesting points Rowan – I had not really thought about where modeling was heading next. Even more weathering and de-construction would seem unlikely. Perhaps like you say it may be more restrained again. Looking back at books on my shelf from the 70 ies and 80ies, its safe to say that modelling does evolve and fashions come and go...

Mikael

Oh god, I didn't see this review until now - and I was just writing up a review of it for Aeroscale.


And yes, this book is great - much like I have always learned something from each of the "How to build" series, I found a lot of new ideas in it.

Did you notice the one caption that didn't get translated at all? Or the article where the publisher has written NATO as Tamiya OTAN black?



As for the article on a Raiden - I think that the article is probably the same one that's included in the book.



I was really disappointed that for this pricepoint, the book wasn't a hardcover.

Here in the USA the F.A.Q. is priced from $80-$98 dollars. There's a big mark up from importing the book. Makes you hesitant to invest about $100 in a book.

However for those on a budget there is an alternative. Get the Free AK Interactive App for Android or Apple and the cost of F.A.Q. is only $37.99! AK's App also allows you to purchase their other book titles and magazines at a substantial savings. The magazines are $5.99.

As a bonus the App also features a free download of AK's Catalog.

Here's a link to AK's YouTube video about their app.

https://youtu.be/I6tEY2XqWjA

Now with Apple releasing a larger screen iPad you will be able to see these books in a larger format.

At this point in time it looks like they don't offer their books or magazines for the Kindle or for a PC based reader.