Introduction

Glenn Bartolotti is a well known modeler that has his own recognizable style. He has his models published in many printed magazines and not so long ago introduced a new way of spreading knowledge through selling step by step guides through his website. Most of his SBS guides cost 1.95 USD and features one model.

content

SBS #18 is dedicated to Ernst Barkmann’s Panther and comes as a PDF file with 14 pages inside. I guess that the layout is similar to previous issues of SBS and features a cover page and title page, description of the materials and paints used, a short story about Barkmann, (one of the famous German WWII tank aces), and his Panther D, a brief description of the build and zimmerit application, complete step-by-step guide to painting and weathering, several shots of the completed model and finally an advertisement page of an upcoming guide.

All pictures have a good resolution and the PDF can be printed, if desired, or zoomed on your PCMAC. The supplementary text that accompanies the pictures is easy-to-read and describes the techniques precisely, and with a simple language so that they can be easily reproduced.

conclusion

I think that SBS18 can be a very useful article not only for people who are new to our hobby, but also to the other categories of modellers since it is always interesting to learn new information about techniques and materials. I, for example, never thought before reading this SBS about the usage of oil washes to paint small details. Glenn elegantly shows that basic materials can give a very realistic finish and cool look and really guides you from the beginning to end.

Of course there is always room for improvement and I think that the articles would benefit if Glenn would include text and pictures of figure painting since he has a figure in each SBS. Another thing that would be useful if there is a model depicting a particular historical vehicle is to provide a reference to a book or other sources used for research. (Even though it is a step-by-step guide on finish and not building).