I'm new to armor modeling (interested in WWII-era kits) and am looking for a good book to help educate me on the proper techniques, tricks, etc. I've narrowed it do to the Adam's Armour series of books or Mig Jimenez's Encyclopedia of Armour Modeling series. Any recommendations of which one to choose?

(If this is the wrong forum, please let me know. I didn't see a dedicated forum for beginner questions.)

Thanks!

Hi;

Any reference on intro; will be helpful, there are excellent Book's & Magazine's that are good also. Just start with Out of the Box type builds to start with, and Don't get into all of the extra details until you are Happy with your First Builds !! Fine Scale Modeler is A good mag; for just getting started !!

GOOD LUCK & WELCOME TO THE FORUM !!!!! MIKE.

if you want something complete from "A to Z" probably Mig's Encyclopedia is the best but like Mike say's is planty of good sources

A new and reasonably priced publication from Kalmbach, Shep Paine's Armor Modelers Guide, is a very good start. It covers tools, methods, painting, detailing, after market, with diagrams and photos. There is also the older "Modeling Tanks and Military Vehicles", also by Shep, but I believe out of print. You may find it at Amazon or eBay. There's another pretty good how-to, "Modeling Realistic Tanks and Artillery", by Ashey, which may be available at Amazon or eBay as well. You can also try Abebooks.com for used books at reasonable prices.

As mentioned, Fine Scale Modeler (another Kalmbach pub) is a good source of how-to info as well.

Good luck!

Mac

[quote
A new and reasonably priced publication from Kalmbach, Shep Paine's Armor Modelers Guide, is a very good start. It covers tools, methods, painting, detailing, after market, with diagrams and photos.
[/quote]

I agree completely about Shep's last book - excellent work. It's available from Amazon.

Regards

Rob

Hi mate. I'm working on a book for a publisher on how to paint certain vehicles. It won't help you at the moment(as it's out next year). But if you are on FB. Have a look at Matt.E.Models and if you have any questions just send me a message and I can talk you through anything you aren't sure of.
All the best.
Matt(spud)Edwards

Hello,

If you want a comprehensive one, the MiG FAQ first edition is decent (the second only covers painting and weathering). Shep Paine's is good and have been bibles for a long time. They are however somewhat dated and don't cover some of the new materials that have appeared to make our lives easier. If you want to focus primarily on the building, honestly, the new Mig Jimenez book that covers construction (from Ammo publishing, Encyclopedia of Armor Modelling volume 1) is about the best I've seen out there for basic to advanced tips.

Go with the above posts.
Just bought it lately,but it wraps up with most of the highlights for his books.

Tom

So, a few votes for Shep Paine's new book, which wasn't on my radar, and a vote or two for Mig's new encyclopedia series... but no recommendations of the Adam's Armour series of books. Maybe I'll give Shep's new book a shot. The price is right ($19 vs. $45 for Mig's encyclopedia #1). I looked at Mig's old FAQs, but they're upwards of $100 a pop.

The internet is the best place to look save your money and hit you tube, you can learn stacks I purchased A weathering book years ago and wasn't that impressed, honestly spend your money on some good reference material.

Honestly Matt E Models was the best source for me and gave me the most simplest explanation about filters and it was free the work he displays is top notch and he's aproach to the modelling scene is free from arrogance.

And any good modelling page on the internet that's worth its weight will tell you the same techniques for free and usually with the same quality pictures you pay 70 bucks for.

Cheers Ben.

Thanks for the offer to help, Matt. Found and liked your page on FB.

Echoing the call for strolling the internet. Honestly, Youtube is a God send for step by step videos as well as tutorials on basic and advanced technique. The main problem that I've seen is that you don't know what you don't know, so having a book that hits all the elements prevents you from missing something simple that bites you. Once you know that sequence of steps you can youtube and forum (here for example!) surf to get into the details.

As to Adam's book on construction; I have it, it is pretty good and am working on a review for this site. I find Mig's more useful simply because he gets into a lot more technique in it, Adam's book has 30+ pages of lovely photos of his builds which are wonderful for inspiration but you lose those pages for instruction. It's a philosophic choice but I'd prefer every precious page being there to teach me.

I have both of Adam Wilders books and I am very satisfied with the contents as they cover a lot of techniques and painting styles. I also have the Rinaldi Tankart books and I find these both inspiring and informative on painting kits. I have not read the Mig books but will probably pick them up when I can afford to. None of the above books are cheap, but I feel that they are good value for the money. I hope this helps and best of luck with your search for some reference books. Best regards.....Dale

I can fully recommend the Mig Jimenez's Encyclopedia of Armour Modeling series (wish I had purchased it sooner). Also, check out the TANKART Series. Those were extremely important for improving my skills as a modeler.

Look, If you are new to armor or modeling, start with the books Shepard Paine wrote. His older ones would be good. The skills he uses can be mastered by freshman armor modelers. Adam/Mig are more high level skills and would be a good follow on.

Thanks for that mate.
Matt(spud) Edwards

Oh ta. Any questions just ask mate. We all started somewhere.