I wish I could start this review with something less trite
than "this book is worthless to the modeler" but I can't.
This book is indeed worthless to the modeler.
The airbrush remains a kind of holy grail for many; we are
all aware of how great a finish you can lay down with an
airbrush while simultaneously well aware that decent
equipment is expensive, and the learning curve is fairly
steep. It is natural then to look to a good guide books to
get you started.
This, however, is not that book.
What's Inside
The book was first published in 1978, and does not appear
to have been substantially updated since then. Acrylic
paints, for example, are mentioned only in tube form and as
automotive "acrylic" lacquers. None of this is very useful
for the modeler armed with Tamiya, Gunze or one of the
other popular brands.
The "how to buy and airbrush" section does, to be fair,
mention the differences between single and double action
brushes, but otherwise is mostly a plug for Badger products
that you can most likely find only at yard sales anymore.
There are also short sections that touch on weathering and
air brushing onto brass, but each is only one page of
limited text and a few pictures. You can learn much more
about these topics online than you can from this book.
The biggest drawback for modelers however is the abundance
of non-modeling material. You get (and I am not making
this up) two-page "chapters" on air brushing onto velvet,
creating drift wood murals, collages, fish taxidermy,
fishing lures, dinner plates and ceramic owls. The best I
can say here is that at least the fish stuff has something
to do with things that move in the water. On the other
hand, perhaps the accomplished air brushers out there can
pick up some extra money by moving from resin warships into
fish taxidermy (the rumors that Trumpeter will be bringing
out 1/350 scale fish models with their carriers are
unsubstantiated).
Your Suggestions
This all said, I am still looking for an air brushing how-
to book that is useful to both total beginners as well
offering some tips for mediocre air brushers who yearn to
be great. Please Email me please with your suggestions.
The book is published by Badger, who do make decent
airbrushes despite being associated with this book. If you
insist on having a copy, take mine (please!). Otherwise,
you can order it from Micromark for about US$7.00.
Can't find what you want? Try searching Amazon.com.
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Questions about these reviews? Want to recommend a book
for review? Want to send us a book you publish for review? Email peter@modelwarships.com
