Introduction

Xtreme Modelling are a Spanish publishing house, the majority of whose output consists of practical guides to such areas as various terrain effects & the building and finishing of military vehicle models. This is the first in a series of low-cost manuals which will cover a variety of techniques. With the way AFV finishing techniques have (and continue) to develop, sometimes the basic questions remain a nagging frustration for many newer modelers. Here's a booklet which, despite it's low price, packs a very powerful punch.

The basics

Advanced Painting Techniques is the first in Xtreme Modelling's 'Black Star' series of booklets. The book consists of 32 pages, is published in A5 Format and is written by Rubén González.

The chapter headings

Filters
Paint Chipping
Washes
Paint Fading
Rust
Dust
Mud
Splashes and Wet Effects
Oil, Grease and Fuel
Bare Metal

In Detail

Each of the ten sections is dealt with by using a page of explanation followed by a series of step-by-step photos. As a very useful illustrative strategy, the author has taken the same Stug model in 1/35th scale and painted half Panzer Grey and the other half in Dunkelgelb. At the beginning of the booklet, a highly useful chart is presented. This starts with the base color and follows the usual stages which culminate in any areas which have bare metal. The finishing of the model is effectively broken into very easy to follow steps. So, rather than deaing with one subject the author illustrates the two different approaches required for a Grey and a Dunkelgelb vehicle.

Materials Used: González uses the washes and filters produced by the Mig Productions 'sub-division' Abteilung 502 along with their pigment range. With these, the finishing guide is clearly referenced to specific products in the company's catalogue.

It has to be said that few of the techniques presented in the book are particularly innovative - virtually all of them are widely-used. However, in this lies the strength of this booklet, the intention is to present clearly and simply a variety of techniques for a variety of different areas within one cover. There are new developments which are gaining ground - particularly Color Modulation. This book remains true to its stated objective, any more would have increased the size and price considerably.

Conclusions

Although billed as 'Advanced Techniques', the reality is that even a novice modeler will find plenty to work with. The basic execution of the various stages are not terribly complicated and will allow a less-experienced modeler to practice and bring their models beyond the simple 'Mono-Color'.

The less-experienced AFV modeler will probably gain more from this book than those who have been using these techniques for a long while, the majority however will welcome so many techniques in the same booklet and at the same price (or less) of a magazine.

Even though the booklet only has 32 pages it carries a lot more 'punch' than some others which have twice or three times the number.
It certainly bodes well for future titles in the series!

VERY Highly Recommended