ISBN Number: | 978-84-19665-30-0 | Publisher: | Ammo by Mig Jimenez S.L. |
Published: | Thursday, January 16, 2025 | Retail Price: | $16.43 USD |
Reviewed By: | Ashley Abernathy |
AMMO by Mig- The Weathering Technical Guide: Metalized
First Impressions
This is a softcover book about 8in x 8in in size. An odd size, but I suspect that it maximizes the cost to bring it to publication. This book primarily illustrates the use of the A-STAND Lacquer model paints by AMMO as well as other AMMO paints and products. The book, in English, also includes Spanish and French translations even though the Dutch flag is on the cover. The publication is also printed in two more books covering four more languages.
Contents
Opening it up to the table of contents we have a great variety of modeling subjects. Starting with the first of six articles is a Car. This is something I think everyone can relate to and the complete focus is on painting the metallics. Specifically, the overall body color, engine details, and wheels. The final results are nothing less than fantastic.
Model #2 – Tank Rail Car
An interesting and fun subject to illustrate a variety of colors and even some good old fashioned weathering. What I noticed up to this point is the photography is awesome, sharp, completely in focus and well lit. This is fantastic so we can really see the step-by-step process in properly sized pictures. About 24 straight forward, simple, easy to follow steps are documented to complete the model.
Model #3 – Wargaming Tank
I can call this an Armor piece! This model also has great step-by-step illustrations. Towards the end, a mapping technique is used to overlay different levels of metallic wear and is simply done with subtle and realistic results. 35 steps are used to complete the painting and weathering of this model. The final two pages illustrate the final finish of additional chipping and rusting via the Atom Metal Acrylic paints. However, how it’s done is not presented (bummer).
Model #4 – Warhammer Figures
There are four figures represented here. Each one is almost the same figure but each is painted differently. Because there are four different painting techniques, the book reviews the painting of each figure. The different uniform colors and effects applied are well illustrated and explained. I especially like the two green figures as both look similar, yet used two different methods to complete them. This section is the largest and makes up 20 pages.
Model #5 – 1/32 P-51D
As an aircraft modeler, bare metal aircraft are a real challenge for me to nail the finish. Here is a perfect step by step guide. The focus is on the final finish but also the gun bays and engine are illustrated. A few other techniques are shown which is a huge “cheat sheet” to use as a guide for my aircraft. Specifically: Panel Shading, decaling on metallics, and creating scuff marks on the wings. This was a great review, and the final result proves it!
Model #6 – Mazinger Z
This is Japanese super robot from the early 1970s but as a modern model kit. Only 4 main colors are used. Illustrated in the beginning is the application of the blue metallics to achieve stunning reflective results and depth of color on the forearms, hands, as well as the lower legs and I guess feet. The great thing here is the exact same technique can be applied to car models. Next up are some of the head details with various Metallizers to achieve a specific result.
The final colors include painting of the Wings in red and the check and wing backs in the gray metallic colors. The final results speak for themselves.
Conclusion
This is a great book for any modeler to add to their collection especially if you want to begin learning how to work with Metallic paints. AMMO makes it easy by clearly illustrating the images and explanation of steps. I also think the important thing is the steps are all simplified and easy to follow. I am still impressed with the vibrancy of the photographs in the whole book. I hope they continue making more books in this series and format. I really enjoyed the read and picked up several tips to apply to my next model with metallic paints.
I highly recommend you pick up this little book. I think you will be very pleased.
Highly Recommended for all modelers.
Thanks goes out to AMMO by Mig for this review sample.
Reviewed by Ashley Abernathy
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