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AK Interactive - Modeling Theoretical Soviet Subjects of the Great Patriotic War, Layering Techniques

ISBN Number: 978-84-19335-35-7 Publisher: AK Interactive
Published: Tuesday, January 14, 2025 Retail Price: $99.00 USD
Reviewed By: Chuck Aleshire

AK Interactive

ADAM WILDER - Layering Techniques

Modeling Theoretical Soviet Subjects of the Great Patriotic War


Adam Wilder is a very talented, well known military modeler and author, highly regarded for the intricate, complex finishes and weathering effects that he achieves on his works. This massive volume from AK Interactive is intended to show the reader exactly how Adam utilizes various techniques and materials to create masterpieces. Four different WWII Soviet armor pieces, all in 1/35 scale are the test beds used to demonstrate Adam’s skills.

The basis for the outstanding finishes achieved by the author is his methodical process of layering successive types of finishing techniques one atop another, until the model is complete. Each technique, each layer has a different purpose, all working with succeeding layers to create a unique look to the finished model. This is a HUGE work of 300+ pages, with just four subjects being worked on, so there is plenty of space for all techniques to be examined thoroughly. A wide range of individual, and distinct areas on these tanks and associated equipment / stowage are all featured as subjects for the demonstration of techniques used by Mr. Wilder.

I apologize in advance for the length of this review, but this is a MASSIVE book, and it’s packed with useful information. I am trying to do this work justice. Get yourself a fresh cup of coffee…

Vital Statistics

Format - semi-hardcover,  portrait format

Page Count -   307 heavyweight, hi-gloss pages

Size - 8.5” x 10.5”

Photos - hundreds, full color

Tables / drawings / diagrams - none

All text and captions are in English.

 

What's between the Covers?


Above - the two page spread showing the table of contents, also showing the four builds illustrated in this massive volume.


Above - a better look at the wide ranging table of contents, which should be more legible than the two page spread. It’s important that this table contents can be read, so that you can see the incredible range of techniques and effects covered in this book. You name it, it seems to be addressed in these pages!


The book commences with looks at some varied construction techniques and tips. Included are means to remove unwanted detail or parts mount points that may not be desired. 

As is common these days in “how-to” books, quite often the products used to achieve the effects are shown in the photos. Personally, I like this approach, with the caveat that of course you may commonly use other similar products to produce any given effect. Brand “X” may not always be your cup of tea.


This 80+ page construction section of the book includes examinations on a great many techniques, including the making of realistic weld seams and flame edges, texturing to attain rough-cast surfaces, detailing with copper sheet and photoetch, and much more. The attention to detail in this book extends even to such basic items (yet still important…) such as the proper way to use pin vices and micro drill bits to minimize breakage of those fragile tiny drill bits!


Every turn of the page reveals lots of useful information. In the above image of a two page spread, we see two part putty being used to create weld seams, wire grab handles being formed, a photoetched gun mantlet complete with wire hinges being fabricated. This is a BIG book with lots of pages, and amazingly, it’s packed with info-heavy spreads like the above, from cover to cover. There is very little to no wasted space or “fluff” on these pages.

The construction section of this book could easily have been worthy of a stand alone separate publication, and we haven’t yet even gotten into the meat and potatoes of this title; painting and weathering.


With the construction area of the book addressed, next section of book delves into the painting of the models. This section of the book begins with preparation of the model for paint and concludes with decal application. In between, a LOT of other paint related topics, techniques and tips are discussed, demonstrated and illustrated.


In this painting section of the book, the author describes and illustrates how he does his “basic” (anything but basic, really…) painting to get a good base for the layered weathering that’s yet to come. Included in this 50+ page section are his techniques for color modulation, using the hairspray technique for chipping and distressed paint finishes, brush painting of complex camouflage schemes, winter white camouflage, and decal application.


Above - winter camouflage is quite well addressed in this section, including how to get a nice late winter distressed effect.


Above - photos illustrating the laying in of various colors by brush for complex camouflage schemes.

A Note on the photos - the images in this book are uniformly clear, crisp and bright, illustrating the techniques and results achieved by the author very clearly. The use of heavyweight, high gloss pages allow these images to be reproduced to best effect in this volume.


The final section of this book is that on the final weathering these models, including painting and weathering of many of the “extras, the kibbles and bits” that enhance a model. This section is roughly half of the book, 150+ pages. These pages show the critical finishing layers of effects that can make or break a model, effects that the author does so well. 


This final section of the book includes; the use of washes, fading of paint finishes, paint chipping methods, the variety of weathering mediums which can be used, rust effects, snow effects, and much more.


Virtually all items that your typical AFV model may have on it or attached to it are also addressed in this final, crowning section of the book. Seen above are some images of the author’s treatment of spare tracks seen so often on these vehicles. Again, we see the materials used, and how they are used.


Not forgotten by the author (in fact, it appears to me that he’s forgotten nothing!) are the various stowage materials seen so often on AFV’s. Above we see some images of his treatment for wooden crates, including the creation of a two-part putty tarp draped naturally over them. Wonderful work, and the author has described and illustrated his techniques so perfectly that even a cave man has a fair chance of achieving similar results!


Tanks in combat, particularly in urban settings such as was seen in WWII Europe, seem to be magnets for all sorts of junk landing on them. The author has addressed this really nicely, using materials such as scale bricks, structural pieces, lumber, etc. to depict the effects one might see on a tank engaged in an urban setting. 


Above - The author makes full use of the entire spectrum of model finishing materials to reach his desired appearance of his models. Above is seen the use of enamels. Great images of “splatter” effects using enamel products are shown.


Earlier, in the section on painting we saw the author’s techniques for winter camouflage. Here we see how he achieves a superb look of snow itself on the vehicle. The author describes the application of snow as another step in the weathering process, treating it accordingly. As with all of the other techniques described in this book, the author does a very thorough job in showing the materials he uses, and very importantly, HOW these materials are applied to best effect.


Above - The book concludes with full treatments on the painting and weathering of plastic, metal and winter track links.

Conclusions

This review has barely scratched the surface of what’s actually addressed in this mammoth volume. Please take another look at the table of contents image near the beginning of this review for a better overview of what this book contains. In 307 pages, there’s a whole lot between the covers, and as I mentioned earlier, there is almost no “dead space” or filler material.

Adam Wilder is an extremely talented model builder, and luckily enough for we mere mortals, he’s equally as talented with his writing and photography skills. His explanations on the techniques that he uses are quite informative and clearly written, and the photography throughout this book is nothing short of superb. Additionally, although his test bed models used in this book are all 1/35 scale Soviet WWII examples, these techniques are absolutely valid for models of other nations, eras and even scales. And while this book isn’t inexpensive, a case can easily be made that this volume could easily have been split into two or even three separate books.

Kudos to the author for producing such a valuable, useful work!

Highly Recommended! 

Thanks to David Doyle Books for the review copy

Reviewed by Chuck Aleshire, AMPS Chicagoland

AMPS 2nd Vice President, Midwest Region

 

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