Modeler Glenn Bartolotti is the author of the "Step-By-Step Finishing Armor" series, now numbering 33 volumes. Although each volume is written around a specific vehicle in a specific setting, the techniques shown are universal for painting and weathering any vehicle in the specified era and surroundings.
what you get
The booklet is to be purchased and downloaded, but may be printed by the purchaser for reference and not in mass production (I just love small print). It is delivered in PDF-format, so it should be available on most electronic devices.
The size of the file is 1.40MB.
The review
The booklet starts with a one-page Wikipedia-extract description of the Sd.Kfz.251. This is followed by a short description of the kit used and the building of it (Tamiya), with the explanation why Mr. Bartolotti did or did not specific actions on the model.
Next is the priming and painting of the model, followed by what we all have been waiting for: “The actual weathering.”
The techniques are clearly described and each is accompanied by a photo. While the techniques shown may be too basic for an experienced modeler, for a novice this will be very handy. Even for experienced modelers, it is a handy reference for the order of the various weathering steps.
In terms of testing the techniques, the photos to the right show some of the techniques and materials used on a “volunteer” (a 1/35 Tamiya Sd.Kfz.251/9).
Conclusion
The "Step-By-Step" series is a cheap and handy basic reference for many modelers. It is easy to purchase, and what you see is what you get. If you are, for instance, not interested in modern US-vehicles, just don’t buy volume 22.
Thanks to Glenn Bartolotti for providing this review sample. Be sure to mention you saw it reviewed on Armorama when ordering.
SUMMARY
Highs: Easy to order, low price and you get the exact tecniques you are looking for.Lows: If you make models from different countries or time-frames, you will need many different booklets.Verdict: Very helpful.
Our Thanks to Armor Models by Glenn Bartolotti! This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.
About Peter van Bezu (Stoottroeper) FROM: NOORD-BRABANT, NETHERLANDS
Hi I'm Peter and I live in the Netherlands, near Eindhoven. Got back into modelling a few years ago with the 88 (Tamiya), since then I made numeral models. Just for the fun to get a nice model.
See you around.
Peter
"Stoottroeper" is just the soldiername (like GI) in the regiment I was in, ...
I just bought this download, since I am working on the same kit for the current 1/48 scale campaign which ends in September, and I can use all the help that's out there. I found it helpful, but too brief, and for the subject matter chosen it has two significant oversights. The first is the author's decision to model the halftrack with a tarp cover.The finishing and weathering of the interior is not featured, so why choose a halftrack? I think that rendering the open troop compartment in a realistic and convincing way seems like a big part of the challenge and appeal of tackling this subject, and it's omission is significant. The second issue is the treatment of the wheels. The photos show the wheels on the fully assembled, unpainted kit going through primer, base coat, and weathering, without addressing the issue of overspray on the rubber surfaces. Judging from reference photos, it's clear that many paint schemes were applied as "field expedient," and that neatness was not always the priority of the day, but there are also reference photos showing rather careful application of base paint and subsequent camouflage paint over the wheels.
You're very welcome Bill.I think Mr. Bartolotti does amazing work, and the methods featured in this mini-tutorial are sound, practical, and produce great results. My issue with it is that the information provided in it is less than is typically found in a capable modeler's build log,like the kind found right here on Armorama. I expected a bit more for $1.95, when so much great information is available free on sites such as this.
Having reviewed or edited about a 1/2 dozen of these SBS booklets, the techniques are usually generalized and covering something most modelers would like to know more about, in this case, putting a tarp on a half-track.
Detailing an interior probably would make a good SBS for the future, since it's very challenging. Several resin companies make "stowage" sets, though I have heard complaints that the Black Dog early sets, for example, cover up hatches or other parts that wouldn't be covered in the field.
Regarding camo, it's a topic that could fill volumes, whether factory-applied, field-applied, and how neat or sloppy it was. Hopefully Glenn is lurking and will take your points as guidance for a future edition.
These are great comments!
I know that I can improve these SBS and with your comments I will.
I do have a future SBS on painting interiors.
Thanks To all!
Glenn Bartolotti
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