Good book on modelling at WHSmith

[dr_gn]

Picked this up today, and thought it was excellent in terms of how to drastically improve basic kits (read description in the link). This one has got step-by-step instructions for building & improving 8 Airfix,2 Heller, 1 Hobbyboss and 1 Matchbox:

http://www.sampublications.com/airfix-build-conver...

I also recently got this book (one of those times where you just buy something for no good reason). OK for a complete novice, but overall the book above is much better value IMO:

[Eric Mc]

Both books are very good.

SAM have essentially compiled a number of articles written by Mike Grant which were originally published in the monthly magazine into book form. They have published two books based on the Mike Grant builds so far.

I have a number of Brett Green books and they are all pretty good.

[dr_gn]

Eric Mc said:

Both books are very good.

SAM have essentially compiled a number of articles written by Mike Grant which were originally published in the monthly magazine into book form. They have published two books based on the Mike Grant builds so far.

I have a number of Brett Green books and they are all pretty good.

There are a series of these books, currently 4 with apparently a fifth in the pipeline:

http://www.sampublications.com/airfix-build-conver...

I did look at a couple of the previous ones, but wasn't impressed (maybe different authors). This one has some nice tips and techniques I've not seen before.

The author sums up well where I am at the moment - getting bogged down in detail that's not always obvious, rather that building more quickly with big compromises.

[Eric Mc]

Two of the books are based on Mike Grant's articles. Two are based on a mixture of articles by other contributors so vary somewhat. I have three of the books.

Mike is a bit of an inspiration to me. I really like what he does with old, difficult kits.

[dr_gn]

Eric Mc said:

Two of the books are based on Mike Grant's articles. Two are based on a mixture of articles by other contributors so vary somewhat. I have three of the books.

Mike is a bit of an inspiration to me. I really like what he does with old, difficult kits.

The only issue I have with some of his models in the book is his obsession with removing raised panel lines followed by deep re-scribing, which he then makes even worse by filling in with dark ink. His Fiat G.91 for example (with it's overall light grey finish) looks like a jigsaw puzzle.

He even comments on the 'trench' panel lines of the old Matchbox kits, then proceeds to make his own...

[Eric Mc]

Nobody's perfect.

If you are interested, Mike has his own website where he markets a range of useful decals - including 1/72 instruments for WW2 and Post war jet aircraft plus Italian WW2 "smoke ring" camouflage. He's an ex-pat Brit now living in Canada.

http://www.mikegrantdecals.com/Page1.html