introduction

Hats off to MrBlack Publications and Stelios Demiras for their determination and tireless efforts on Figure Modelling Series handbooks. Keeping the same high quality , they lately added 19th and 20th books to the series.
As the former books, Scale Model Handbook Figure Modelling 19 is another worthy and high standard reference for figure painters of all levels. It includes step-by-step articles of award winning models and boxarts by old and new contributors sharing their techniques about painting miniature figures, busts and vignettes.

The book basics are company standard ; A4 size, matt laminated cover and 52 pages.

inside the book

Including eight chapters with models from ancient times to the Second World War, this issue is mainly focused on large scale busts and 1/35 scale figures.

Regular contributor Toshihiro Sano paints Alexandros Models 200 mm Manfred Albrecht Freiherr von Richtofen - Red Baron bust using Tamiya enamels but this time he uses his updated painting technique. After priming the bust, he starts painting the face and shares it in 12 step-by-step photos and color codes for face, eyes and hair. He continues with the body part - uniform, baton, gloves, cap,scarf and leather coat in 24 photos and 5 photos for the final. Painting of the wrinkled leather jacket is really amazing.

Sergey Popovichenko shares his paintwork on Pegaso Models 54 mm Roman Legionary in Maimeri acrylics and Master Class oils. He briefly explains how to paint the face, red tunic, black cloak and other details in 22 photos in numeric sequence. 7 photos on how to make a simple DIY base, 6 for the finished figure and I think the most useful part of this article is 7 photos showing painting Scutum/Roman shield on an easy and satisfying way.

A new contributor Günther Sternberg takes us to World War II with his award winning vignette of Evolution Miniatures British 8th Army in Africa figures. A short but useful article with Vallejo color codes and 6 photos of the vignette.

Another great article prepared like a storyboard by Juanma Vergara for Heroes&Villains Miniatures 120 mm Flankenfeuer Le Bourget 1870 bust depicting a German soldier from Franco-Prussian War. In my opinion, one of the most useful bust painting step-by-steps I’ve ever seen with 55 very high quality photos supported with recipes and Vallejo color codes. First he elaborates painting the eyes, then face, shako, jacket, blanket and rifle.

Young Miniatures 180 mm Hell on Wheels bust depicting Wardaddy character of the movie Fury portrayed by Brad Pitt. Qianwei Shi presents his painting in Citadels with a short article and 5 photos of the finished bust.

One of the milestones of Figure Modelling series Ernesto Reyes Stalhuth shares his award winning painting on Pegaso Models 75 mm unique figure of Francois L’Olonnais. 42 photos in numeric sequences with a nice detailed text and 4 final photos. Painting of the blouse and outer part of cape are mind blowing.

Jason Zhou paints a large scale bust - Raccoon Miniatures 200 mm Dwarf Vetaran. He tells about his approach to fantastic figure painting and and explains his triadic color scheme painting in warm tones. Face and espacially the beard of this bust look very life-like.

Last article of the book is another World War II figure - Evolution Miniatures 1/35 scale Panzer Crewman painted by Juanma Vergara. 6 photos for the painted figure with a snowy base and a two page text on painting black and white with color codes and some tips.

conclusion

Without compromising on quality, MrBlack Publications published another useful handbook with high resolution clear photos, substantial text content and adding new contributors habit. Once again, it is a useful and helpful reference for all level painters especially for bust and 1/35 figure World War II painters.

Highly Recommended

Stelios Demiras always states he will be pleased to hear feedback and suggestions to add new articles due to readers demand on next issues. Please don’t hesitate to send your opinions to him by e-mail to [email protected] or visit at MrBlack Publications –Facebook