So now we have the second volume on armor modeling, and this one is strictly on painting and weathering. Obviously this is a much more involved process than simply building the kit as the first book took up fewer pages and quite a few of them were simply gallery items.

In common with the first edition, the book is profusely illustrated with literally hundreds of photos to help illustrate the various techniques used. This is helped quite a bit by having photos of actual armor so you can get a good idea of what the author is trying to accomplish.

The book has the usual introduction and then goes into the author's take on how he does painting and weathering. It isn't the only way to do these things, of course, but when you buy a book on something as variable as this, you are pretty much buying into the author's take on things. I have to confess that I was duly impressed at each of the sections and the results that the author was able to provide from his techniques.

So let's cover some of the chapters in the book. There is one on color modulation that is pretty extensive. I'd never heard of this before reading the book, but I have seen similar things done over the years, though did not know what it was called. The next is on what the author calls filters. I'll let the book explain that when you get to reading that section. We then go to insignia and markings (basically painted on), applying a winter wash, fading and adding shadows, then paint chipping effects (this was quite interesting and also relatively involved).

Next was painting exterior components. Apparently the way to do this is after the item has been attached, and one simply puts a piece of card or something to mask behind it. Then painting mild steel surfaces and rust, adding earth tones and effects (dust and mud, for instance), painting steel road wheels, simulating oil, grease and spilt fuel, exhaust and smoke effects, painting impacts (as in from enemy shells) and finally, simulating worn steel.

In all, it is a ton of information and a book that took me a while to read. I can easily say that I've not read such a comprehensive book on painting armor before and the number of techniques included makes it well worth the cover price. Those of you who want to step up to the next level in armor building will want this one on their shelves.

December 2015

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Review book courtesy of  Casemate Publishing, where you can order your copy at this link.

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