Model Builders' Manual

A Practical Guide to Building Plastic Model Construction Kits

by Mat Irvine

Pen & Sword Books

Reviewed by Al Bowie

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The range of Haynes titles never ceases to amaze this reviewer in the breadth of subject matter and the excellence of content. This new title is no exception.

Mat Irvine has produced a fantastic title on, not only building plastic construction kits but modelling in general. Mat is no stranger to modelling having worked as a professional model maker for the BBC’s Visual Effects Department where he produced miniatures and effects for such well-known series such as Dr Who, Blake’s 7 and the multi award winning Edge of Darkness. 

The book is a fantastic journey through all aspects of the hobby of plastic model making but is equally a journey through an industry, a hobby and the various branches of the hobby. It is a how to do and a fantastic resource for someone starting out or wishing to elevate their skills. I have many similar titles having been modelling since I was six years old to a self-described level of mediocrity and this is one of the best I have seen.

The book is, as usual, sensibly laid out and follows a logical progression for the reader. It has approximately 12 Chapters plus Appendixes and a Foreword:

1. Foreword
2. In the Beginning
3. The Manufacture of a Model Kit
4. Scale
5. The Range
6. Tools, cement and a place to work
7. Paint
8. Basic Building
9. Decals
10. Display and Dioramas
11. Alternative and advanced techniques and the future
12. Collecting vs Building
13. Clubs, Competition, displays and photography
14. Appendix – References and Model Companies
15. Index

This book is treasure trove of plastic modelling in its entirety as a hobby and is both nostalgic and informative, even to the more advanced participant. It is one of the most balanced and useful titles on this subject I have read over many years. It will enthuse the newcomer and refresh to waning spirit of the old modeller. Along the way it may just improve your skills! Above all it is a fantastic read that I enjoyed thoroughly.

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I cannot recommend this highly enough due to the high quality of material within. Well worth hunting this one down particularly if you are trying to introduce a younger modeller to the hobby.
Available online from https://haynes.com/en-gb/model-builders-manual

Thanks to Pen & Sword Books for the review sample.

Review Copyright © 2019 by Al Bowie
This Page Created on 30 December, 2019
Last updated 30 December, 2019

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