The Encyclopedia of Aircraft Modelling Techniques Part 1 Book Review

By Michael Benolkin

Review

There are a growing number of modeling 'how-to' titles on the market and the folks at Ammo by Mig Jimenez have started a five-volume series covering different aspects of aircraft modeling techniques. Here is Volume One and it focuses on the most visible features of aircraft models - the front office (cockpit).

This title starts with the basics - recommended tools and why, then dives into the cockpit step-by-step. Each section has great photography to illustrate a given technique, and each section demonstrates several different methods to achieve a given result. Let's take a look at the coverage:

• Tools and Preparation of Parts
  • Materials, Tools and Paints
  • Separating Parts from the Sprue and Cleaning Mold Lines
  • Removing Ejection Marks
• Cockpits
  • Simple Cockpits
  • Advanced Cockpits
  • Wooden Cockpits

Looking closer at the wooden cockpits section for example, the author presents different options for replicating wood grain:

• Simulating Wood with Enamels
• Simulating Wood with Decals
• Simulating Wood with Acrylic
• Simulating Wood with Pencils

Each of these sections provide illustrated step-by-step instructions on how to replicate wood grain which can be used on other simulated wood surfaces as well. While the author's painted examples don't look as nice as wood-grain decals, I've seen some impressive results with painted wood grain and the author's techniques will get you started developing your own solutions.

Whether you're a novice or experienced modeler, this title presents a nice variety of solutions to each aspect of modeling inside the cockpit and I've already spotted several ideas I'm going to try on the bench soon. If the head chef in your household can collect recipe books for inspiration, why not indulge in some modeling inspiration of your own and check out this series.

My sincere thanks to Ammo of Mig Jimenez for this review copy!