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Flagship Models, Inc |
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Realistic Aircraft Weathering |
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by Robert Laskodi |
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Reviewed By Ned Ricks, #36013 |
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MSRP: $9.95 USD The compact disk I received was a three inch mini-CD which yields a .pdf file (readable with Adobe Acrobat, available as a free download from the Internet) of a 12 page article plus author’s page. Professional builder and author Robert Laskodi goes through the steps to create an artistically weathered Helldiver. Color pictures are included in the article, and the pictures are exceptionally clean and clear on a color computer monitor. These give the reader an idea what a model could look like. The first paragraph of the article contradicts the subtitle of the disk, but also lowered my expectations. The subtitle is: Advanced weathering techniques to create realistic looking aircraft models. But, straightaway, Mr. Laskodi writes, “… this article is aimed at a person who is interested in learning a few basic [emphasis added by reviewer] weathering techniques for aircraft models …” He then goes on to caution that “it will not cover every weathering technique needed to build a award winning International Plastic Modelers Society (IPMS) model …” Mr. Laskodi walks through the same good, sound procedure for dry brushing, highlighting, shadowing and streaking a plane that I see in the IPMS Journal, the IPMS website and commercial modeling magazines. Throughout the article, he uses specific brand names to help the novice in shopping for the right product. Frequently, his advice is to check with your hobby store. Regrettably, in some parts of the country, fewer and fewer modelers have such a resource. He shows step by step the concepts of pre-shading, that is darkened panel lines before the color coat is applied, and post-shading. This article had a good idea for a detail enhancing wash using tube watercolor and acrylic thinner. It look simple enough that even I might make it look good. Pastel weathering is shown as well as the use of pencils. The disk retails for $9.95 (see ordering information below). While this might be a high price for an individual, an IPMS chapter might have it in a “library” for many to use. For such a short article, I ask myself, “Why a CD?” The medium would have allowed, perhaps, links to other backup articles on paints, airbrushing, etc., and well as many more photos showing the various steps of each technique or a short movie file (dry brushing, washes, pastels). This product is available from Flagship Models, 2204 Summer Way Lane, Edmond, OK 73013, or on the web at www.flagshipmodels.com. The accompanying images were provided by Rusty White of Flagship Models for use in this review. Use product number FMCD-07 when ordering the CD. |
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