F.A.Q.: Frequently Asked Questions on AFV Painting Techniques (Modelling Manuals)

Great book, I doubt anyone who bought it ended up seriously disappointed.Here's what's inside:30 pages of introductions15 pages of intro to techniques15 pages on construction techniques100 pages on painting20 pages on groundwork and misc.70 pages of model photos (gallery)Book follows Internet FAQ format - series of questions and answers. Answers typically comprise of very short text (2-3 sentences) and number of clear color photos (typically 3-4, sometimes more). Each question deals with a particular technique, showing how to achieve very specific effect.As you can see, the book deals with painting, and nothing else. The "15 pages on construction techniques" describe creating proper texture (cast metal parts) and battle damage - not actual kit construction.Format makes the book not very accessible to beginners. There is very little step by step explanation, readers are largely left to choose which techniques to use,and understand it's nuances. It's much easier for intermediate / advanced modelers, who will know which techniques they want to incorporate into their process. Not all is lost however, as there is a "question" in the book, describing suggested workflow for particular camo type. For example, when making a model of "single tone green tank", we're to perform these steps:* green base color* filters* fading* washes* running rusty chips* pre-dusting* watermarks* dry mud* spilled fuel* crew footprintsEach of these steps is described in a separate "question", so it's a matter of applying these.Although the book feels heavy, and is packed with nice color photos, I've found that when it comes to learning particular technique, reader is left with few lines of text and few photos. In some cases it's enough, in others I wished for more. You should therefore count on having to stare at the photos, think about the technique and try it on scrap plastic, before attempting to use it on the model.Despite the "Q&A" format, I'd recommend reading the book front to back initially. The less familiar you are with armor modeling, the more important it is. Some advice is simply buried in places that might not be very obvious, and reading the whole book first helps.From what I wrote above it might seem that the book is not perfect, and that is certainly true. Format has its advantages, but can also be confusing. I decided that the book is well worth 5 stars however, despite its shortcomings.Miguel Jimenez, while taking his modeling skills to the next level in realism, has defined and described a number of ground-breaking techniques. English-speaking reader can learn most of them at Rarities World section of ML, but in this book they're explained in a more visual way.There is also no other book that describes modern approach to armor modeling. At least not to my knowledge.My recommendation - buy it. I don't know of any other book on the market that will teach you painting techniques described in this one.

The book has a lot of tips i have not read before, but they are not organized in a useful way. The tips are mostly aimed at doing certain specialized techniques, such as rusting a muffler, and do not cover any of the "FAQ's" that I might have had. I got this book on advice from somebody in a forum, but not as helpful as I hoped. There is very little here you cannot find covered faster and better just by doing an internet search.

This is one superb book! It took me weeks to find an affordable copy. Mig Jimenez is another of those modellers who took things to a whole 'nother level. His books are as good as the modelling products he sells. Formally trained and an art school graduate, his insights into the model building hobby are nothing less than phenominal. No matter what level of modeller you are, this book is worth having. It is packed full of advice from visualizing what you want to do, to how to organize your thoughts about your subject. Techniques, materials, and tools, are discussed in detail throughout supplemented with lots of, clear, detailed pictures. I saw some used copies of this magnificent work going for over $100 a copy. If you see it at a decent price, buy it! It is worth every penny!

To put it very simply, this is THE book on how to finish your armor models like one of the best modelers in the world. (Note: These are predominently techniques seen in International competitions and not as commonly used by North American AMPS/IPMS members - that is a purely observational opinion not intended to offend anyone). Oustandingly comprehensive book from setting up our work area to dissecting each and every element of painting & weathering on an AFV, (this is not a book on how to modify, glue parts together or super detail your model) - the main focus is finishes, which is what I was looking for. Each page is filled with superb detail shots in step-by-step format with short captions for each process. The lack of more text does not bother me in the least, the photos are very clear as to what is happening. Mig's skill level, passion and dedication to his craft and company are extremely inspiring. If you only could own one book this is the one to have. My hat's off to you Mig, well done my friend!

Fantastic book a must for all armor modelers

If you are into realism, this is your book, but I must say that the techniques explained here may be a little daring for the average and the new modeller.This book does not cover the basics of scale afv modelling, you will not find "how to use an airbrush" or "what color should I paint my tank" kind of questions.On the other hand less-experienced modellers will get their answers once and for all, regarding issues like wash,filter, rust, how, when, why??? and stuff like that.The techniques shown here are becoming a must in the hobby, so anyone daring to go further go ahead and buy this book.This is a TOOL, not another book in your room.

This book is great, it is not a guide to build models but it helps to clarify many doubts on how to do it, even if quite obsolete, I recommend to have both versions

If Tony Greenland's book set the standard for building AFV's then Mig's "FAQ" has just set the standard for finishing AFV's. Like the title suggests, Mig lays out basicly everything you would want or need to know (and then some!) about different finishing techniques in this book. From what tools and materials are used, to tips on how to paint and prepare groundwork, and everything in between. The book is printed on nice, heavy stock glossy paper, it's laid out well, and the pictures are nothing short of gorgeous. I have heard one person who bought the book complain that there wasn't enough text to explain things, but the pictures more than speak for themselves and it is easy to see what Mig is explaining. To conclude, if you build AFV's get this book, I'm sure you will find yourself referring to it very often.

MiG is a name that most modellers have heard of; he is the Francois Verlinden of today, I really got into serious model making when I first started reading Verlindens books and magazines then it all went quiet for a number of years and then Boom, MiG showed up and modelling went up another level. His F.A.Q book is something of a bible of effective weathering techiques; BUT, it's a darn expensive one, even second hand! So this is only recommended to die hard modellers with understanding partners, thats why four and not five stars.

Good item! No complaints!

This book is well organised for a beginner or a mature modeller and it explains everything one needs to know about modelling. Although it is expensive it is easy to see why by the quality of the subject matter and construction of the book.

I have read the book by MIG and I have to say that it is truly a handbook to have if you are either a seasoned modeller or a reborn one like me. I was looking for a book that could help in relearning so to speak how to build models. If you are looking for a book that can give you all this, then this book is the right one for you. It was for me. Enjoy!

the master of AFV painting and dioramas a must buy for all military painting