Mark Bannerman - Modelling Scale Figures (Osprey Modelling №42)

Consultant editor Robert Oehler Series editors Marcus Cowper and Nikolai Bogdanovic

Introduction Building out-of-box A simple conversion project Major conversions Working with metal figures Scratch-building

Introduction Working with oil paints Painting a shield Working with enamel paints Painting tartans Working with acrylic paints Painting horses

Painting a 30mm fantasy figure World War II German pilot in 1/48th scale

Modelling a Confederate soldier in 1/6th scale

Although I have known Mark for many years, I first got to know him when I was invited to attend a model show in Halifax. Mark was my host on that occasion, and, while he was a pretty good modeller, what I really remember was his gracious hospitality during my visit. He was obviously proud of his home town, and I could not have had a better guide to introduce me to it. We have remained in contact since that time.

Its hard to believe, but this year marks my 40th year in the hobby. Since I first started doing figures, I have seen a lot of changes, and a lot of painters come and go. In the early days, the number of good figure painters in North America could be counted on the fingers of ones hands. Today there are virtually dozens of excellent painters in both North America and Europe. If the quality of work has vastly improved, it is interesting to note that the overall number of people painting figures does not seem to have increased much.

Perhaps what is needed is a good basic introduction to the hobby, designed specifically for the person who has never tried it before. Most books (including mine) tend to focus on the needs of intermediate and advanced modellers who need help moving up to the next level. Even in the books that do try to cover the basics, this information is often overshadowed by the bulk of the material that follows it. A modeller who is struggling to find a good basic flesh colour isnt ready to learn about sculpting faces and is often intimidated by a book that tells him how to do that.

So, Mark has set out to write a book specifically for people getting started or dabbling in the hobby. Whatever our level of experience, we all need to crawl before we can walk, and to walk before we can run. A lot seems to have been written about walking and running, but not a lot about crawling. So if you feel you are still at a crawling stage, then this book is for you.

Its time to get out your paints and let Mark guide you through the process step by step. And remember that this is a hobby. How well you do it is not as important as how much enjoyment you derive from it. So dont sweat the small stuff, and have a good time!

One of the most common complaints from figure modellers is that they often feel their abilities have reached a plateau that theyve reached a point where they cannot improve further. One of the reasons for this is that modellers typically stick to their comfort zone, and dont try new techniques. As a result, their styles and abilities stagnate. The solution to overcoming this stumbling block is to try new approaches. Trying new techniques is the only means of improving your skills, and will also help to further your personal finishing style.

There are many techniques for modelling and painting figures. Over the years, I have tried almost every one that I have seen or read about, logged the pros and cons of each, compared one to another and determined which I preferred. By and large, the easiest methodologies prevailed. The techniques in this manual are a compilation of those tried, tested and true approaches. I believe these to be the easiest and most user-friendly techniques for the avid figure modeller. As such, this manual was written as a reference guide for enthusiasts who are starting in the hobby, or for those who want to try new techniques and improve their own styles.

The topics in this manual are generic enough to allow you to apply the same techniques to subjects of various scales from many eras. As well, you will find the answers to some of the more common assembly and painting questions.