Model Builders' Manual: A practical introduction to building plastic model construction kits

by Mat Irvine

Written by renowned modelling expert and TV visual effects designer Mat Irvine, the  Model Builders' Manual  provides a practical guide for both novice and experienced model builders, showing how to obtain professional results, with a focus on plastic model kits. In addition to the practicalities of building models, this introduction to modelling covers the history of how the modern kit industry developed, how a model kit is designed, the range of tools and paints available to build models, the origins and variety of the various scales, collecting models and model clubs. Practical coverage includes details of basic building techniques, painting and spraying, decals and dioramas, plus techniques associated with predominantly plastic-based hobby kits such as white metal, photo-etch and resin components.

188 pages, Hardcover

Published July 23, 2019

Reviews

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the history of scale modeling which spans 65 of the 176 pages of content. But when it gets down to practical advice there's not a lot of hands-on demonstration that will help a newbie to the hobby. It covers all the basics and is fairly current on the state of the hobby, what to expect with various types of kits, and some newer develpments, but at best it's an orientation to the world, not a technical manual which is what I expected. I began building models in the mid-late '50s and have been looking forward to getting back into it now that I'm retired. The dip in the nostalgia pool was nice, but not what I needed. Along with this book, newcomers to the hobby may benefit from online resources like CyberModeler, Modeling Madness, plus Fine Scale Modeler magazine, as well as the Airfix and Military Modeling magazines from the UK.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Friends will know that I got into model kits in a big way during lockdown. I found this book ideal for my speed of enthusiastic amateur, with lots of tips, plenty of things I’ve been doing wrong (decals, all my life, apparently) and some interesting stuff on the historical and technical fronts. It was a fascinating read and should help me up my game.

(It was only when people on Twitter started saying “The Mat Irvine?” that I realised the author had made modelling his professional career, working on Blake’s 7 and Dr Who - I was thrilled to recognise a shot from City of Death.)

Incidentally, there are as many interior photos with cats in (1) as there are with women in.

Right, back to my 1/24 Airfix Little Nellie…