Expert Model Craft DVDs
Compendium Films, ©2007
Reviewed by Chris Banyai-Riepl
The Expert Model Craft DVD series is expanding at a rapid pace, providing an incredible collection of references for the military modeler. The newest four titles cover terrain modeling, model buildings, armor painting and finishing techniques, and modeling German armor.
Terrain Modeling
Approximately 56 minutes
Richard Windrow
This DVD, presented by Richard Windrow, a world-renowned modeler, takes a detailed look at developing groundwork for your dioramas. Often glossed over in modeling, effective terrain modeling will greatly enhance your finished diorama, generally more so than the model itself. The narrator covers all aspects of terrain modeling, from trees and undergrowth to water to frozen snow and ice. He also includes some details about buildings and such. I particularly liked his method of using small microscope slide covers for replicating glass because, well, they ARE glass. If you are into doing dioramas, this is a great reference to have.
Realistic Armor
Finishing Techniques
Approximately 95 minutes
Marcus Nicholls
Painting and weathering armor can be some of the most challenging work in modeling, but the results can also be incredible. In this DVD, Marcus Nicholls, the well-known modeler and editor of Tamiya Model Magazine International, walks the viewer through many of the tips and techniques he uses on his award-winning models. These include dry brushing, washes, stains and chips, as well as the different tools and paints you can use. In addition to these, the DVD includes specific models showing how these techniques work. These include a Marder 3M, a Tiger I, and a T-55. The methods presented here offer something for both the novice and advanced modeler, all in an easily followed format.
Realistic Model
Buildings
Approximately 58 minutes
Marcus Nicholls
In this title, Marcus Nicholls returns to demonstrate his techniques for painting and weathering buildings. An essential part of many dioramas, buildings both add character and provide placement for many armor models. This DVD includes sections on different methods and tools used, as well as how to replicate stone chips, stucco, bomb damage, and iron works. It also has what many would consider the only useful attribute of Marmite: that of a masking agent in replicating chipped and worn paint. Like the above title, this one presents the methods and techniques in a manner that a novice could try, and an advanced modeler will find useful.
Modeling &
Detailing German Armor
Approximately 56 minutes
Graham Dunbar Brown
The last title in this month’s collection details the most popular subject in armor modeling: German armor. This title, narrated by the award-winning Graham Dunbar Brown, takes the viewer through a step by step process of building and detailing German armor. Sections include how to do battle damage, how to do paint scuffing, painting and modifying markings, and general weathering. Some of these techniques might be common knowledge, but there are likely some new techniques and ideas here, making this a useful reference for all armor modelers.
The Expert Model Craft DVD series offers some great subjects at an affordable price. The DVD format has an edge over print publications in that you get to see the techniques and methods in operation, which helps greatly in understanding them. Whether you are new to modeling or have been doing it for decades, these DVDs can offer something for everyone. My thanks to Casemate Publishing for the review copies.
