Publisher: Rinaldi Studio Press
Author: Michael Rinaldi
Soft cover
ISBN: ISBN 978-0-9883363-3-9
Format: English text, Full colour, size 81/2” x 91/2”, 224 pages.
Review by Bill Curtis
Initial assessment
I bought Volume one and two for various reasons and have been rewarded not only in the techniques but also in the approach in Mike’s modelling and his development of these techniques.
This volume is to the same high standard having excellent pictures with a layout of text and captions which is excellent, making it easy to read for the various topics covered. I particularly like the thought process and the tips given which follows the first two volume format.
The book is broken down into the following chapters:
1) Products and Materials
2) Weathering Principles
3) Combining Hairspray Techniques and Oil Paint Rendering (OPR)
4) Pigment Application
5) Project; D9R Armoured Dozer
6) Project; T-62M1 MBT
7) Project; AMX-30B MBT
8) Project; FV221 British Caernarvon Prototype1
9) Project; T-72B (Model 1989) MBT
10) Project; Guest Modeller Andy Taylor, MT-LB.
The first four chapters of the book cover the use of materials as to what there is available and how to understand them and to use them to produce the best “in scale reality”.
For me the most interesting part of this book is covered in the next chapter where Mike shows how his techniques have developed in combining the Hairspray and OPR where the oils, when used correctly can replace the washes and filters of the more traditional finishes.
The next five chapters deal fundamentally with weathering the models which are based on the principles outlined in the two previous books and Mike’s style is informative at every stage aided by stunning photography showing the main principles which are in scale effects and layering. Mike has coined the word “scaleism” for this in scale effect which is making sure that what you put onto the model, such as chipping, is in scale and well rendered.
The last chapter of the book is on the model made by Andy Taylor of MT-LB which is excellent and shows how he improved the kit and finished it to a comparable standard to the author.
I rate the standard of this series very highly on several levels not least to inform and inspire one, to improve ones own modelling skills. These books give an insight into Mike’s approach to painting and weathering and as he has done the experimentation and ground work we can emulate this and also try new techniques of our own based on his work.
I have only one small comment in an otherwise fantastic book and that’s the typing errors.
I have to say that after reading Tank Art 1 I greatly admire his skills as a modeller, artist and teacher as these books show what a master of his craft he is.
I highly recommend this volume and can do no better than to finish this review with the same words as last time…
Put modellers together and the topic will soon turn to realism, artistic interpretation, historical accuracy and how we deal with each in our quest to produce that masterpiece at what ever level we are at. These books act as a catalyst to inspire with how to information and Mike’s own philosophy, telling the story of the vehicle up to that point in history, and on his take on achieving these goals with both clear explanations and excellent photography.
I am now awaiting TANKART 4 German Armour, with equal expectations and have to congratulate Mike on yet another stunning Book (TA3) from a not interested in modern armour guy, to ,maybe will try one.
Very highly recommended – should be on every armour modeller’s shelf
Bill C.
Copy bought from www.bookworldws.co.uk or you can get it direct at Rinaldi Studio Press.