Military Model Scene

Number 004 in the series of Solution Books from Ammo of Mig Jiminez, and it tackles perhaps the most popular of AFV modelling topics, How to Paint (and weather) the German Late War 3-colour scheme. The title does say 'How to Paint', but it goes much further than that because it goes on to the details of applying weathering effects as well. The book uses a 1/35 Takom kit of the Henschel turreted King Tiger for the subject, and suggests you can use either the basic Takom kit, or an alternative 1945 version of the tank which is produced under Ammo's own brand label. The Takom kit mentioned does include the interior detail, but that is not featured in this book, it is confined to the external appearance of the King Tiger.
The book has text to introduce/explain each section and this is provided in 4 languages (English, Spanish, French and German) throughout all 16 sections. Bearing in mind this book is also sold as part of a 'Solutions' pack, which includes all the various pigments, oil brushers, paints and weathering effects involved, it opens with some basic details on each type of product, including glues, primer, filters, washes, pigments, thinner and more. As here though, the book is also available by itself, ideal for those who already have the various materials within their modelling tool sets.
So we get to the 16 particular sections. It doesn't attempt to cover the build of the model itself, or make any modifications to the kit built from the box. This is about painting and weathering the kit, a King Tiger. The sections start with the benefit of applying a primer over the base plastic, which is nicely explained, and follows by applying the basic colours and camouflage pattern. Sections 3, 4 and 5 deal with Chipping, Filters and Washes. Step 6 introduces Oil Brushers, for creating Streaking effects. The next two elements cover some particular AFV parts, the Exhausts and On-Vehicle Tools, including steel tow wires. Back to the bodywork next, as steps 9, 10 and 11 move on to Dusting, Mud and Rust Effects. Then back again to more specific features of an AFV, with Oil & Fuel Stains, Wheels, Tracks, Spare Track Links and finally, the addition of Rubble and Debris. That leaves the book to be rounded off with a couple of pages with some colour profiles, illustrating 6 different AFVs, including a Tiger II.
The book uses excellent quality photos of the model in progress, accompanied by basic notes and the use of clear icons to illustrate what is used where. It is ideal to go with the full materials set while the other thing I liked is that there are tips to learn in here that you can pick and choose from as you like. For example, the ways to finish tracks, tools and exhausts can be applied to a much wider variety of models so you can learn what you need, even if you have modelling experience that you don't want to simply follow the complete process, though of course you can if you want to. Very nicely done once again.

​

My thanks to Ammo of Mig Jiminez for our review copy.

 

Robin