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MASTER CLASS CLINIC #1, BUILDING THE BF-109G-6
In this extensive three-disk DVD tutorial, master modeler Floyd S. Werner, Jr. takes you step by step through the model building and finishing process with Hasagawa's Messerschmitt Bf-109G-6 in 1/32nd scale. With over five hours of instruction, this collection will show you, in great detail, the techniques Floyd uses to achieve his excellent results. Floyd approaches his subject as if he were in the same room with you and describes in a straight forward and comprehensive manner the how and why of each step of construction and finishing his model. Don't get the idea that this is a dry presentation. Floyd's conversational approach is also interspersed with the occasional quip and reference to his hairdo!
The tutorial is keyed to different sections and features kit specific tips for the Hasagawa Bf-109G-6 in 1/32nd scale, supplies and tools necessary for construction, how to prepare the parts, detailing the interior of the model, constructing the airframe, sealing seams and re-scribing details that may be lost in sanding, painting Luftwaffe camouflage including mottling, applying the decals and finally, realistically weathering the model. The photography in this digital presentation is excellent and each close up step is clearly illustrated. The video is menu indexed so it's easy to review individual steps as you construct your own aircraft model. While based on the Hasagawa Bf-109 kit, the construction and finishing techniques contained in this tutorial are applicable to almost any plastic model.
Neophyte and experienced modelers alike will find this tutorial informative and entertaining. We have been modeling professionally for a long, long time and have to admit that we picked up a trick or two from Floyd's presentation. This tutorial is a great value for the price and we highly recommend it.
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MASTER CLASS TECHNIQUE BRIEFING #1, NATURAL METAL FINISHES
The second DVD release from Master Class Model Building Videos featuring the techniques of master modeler Floyd S. Werner, Jr. takes the mystery out of using the Alclad 2 metalizing system to achieve excellent natural metal finishes on your models. While essentially following the same format as their first video with interactive menu for reviewing steps and excellent close-up photography, this video provides clear and concise guidelines for applying Alclad 2 products, preparing the parts of your kit, especially seams, applying Alclad primer necessary for superior results, stripping chrome from kit parts, techniques for simulating aluminum, chrome and brass finishes, masking on natural metal finishes and weathering natural metal finishes.
The techniques presented in this DVD are a must for anyone who has never used the Alclad 2 system and will help solve some of the problems encountered by those of us who have. In particular, it's always been difficult to achieve a good overall coverage with our Paasche double action air brushes when painting the Duraluminium color. In this DVD we learned that a basic $69.95 Badger single action gun was the way to go. However, Floyd's technique of using automotive brake fluid to strip the chrome from kit parts, while effective, would not be our first choice. We prefer soaking the parts overnight in household ammonia to let the chrome dissolve away. Yes, we know ammonia doesn't dissolve the clear base as well as brake fluid, but we have found that the base usually does not present a problem and any build up of the base comes off when the part is polished in preparation for the Alclad 2 coats. It's just a matter of personal preference really, and Floyd's technique is certainly effective.
For those of us who like the occasional realistic natural metal aircraft in our collection, this video is highly recommended to help you achieve excellent results.
Special thanks to Rafe at Master Class Model Building Videos for the review samples.
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MASTER CLASS CLINIC #2, ADVANCED AVIATION MODELING WITH RESIN, PHOTO-ETCH AND VACUFORM CANOPIES
This, the third release in Master Class Model Building Videos DVD tutorials on building plastic model airplanes, is a very informative and comprehensive study on working with resin, photo-etch and vacuform canopies for the modeler who wants to take advantage of the universe of after-market details and accessories available today. Featuring the techniques of master modeler Floyd S. Werner, Jr., this well-produced and crystal clear collection of technique demonstrations covers working with resin components, heat-treating, bending, forming and assembling photo-etch parts, and the finer points of working with vacuform clear canopies. Further information includes cockpit super-detailing, external conversions, supplies and tools, adapting kit parts and problem solving. This 2-disk DVD tutorial provides hours of useful information and comes complete with a bonus in the form of a neat little resin headrest and armor panel for the cockpit of your next 1/48th scale Corsair project.
Most production companies would go to great lengths to produce a perfect presentation. What we like best about the Master Class Model Building Video productions is that they leave the mistakes, although in Floyd's skilled hands they are rare, in the the instruction sequence. This gives the viewer the opportunity to see how Floyd either fixes or works around the problem. This feature is a real boon for those of us who can never make it from point "A" to point "B" without a handful of FUBARs. The quality of photography is top-drawer, with excellent close-up coverage making every demonstration easily understood and informative. Floyd's step by step demonstrations are not rushed and nothing is skipped or glossed over, making this and all these tutorials, in our opinion, the best money can buy.
This tutorial is a must have for the serious modeler. No matter the skill level or experience of the viewer, they're certain to either learn something new or find their skills refreshed after watching. This video is available directly from Master Class Model Building Videos through their website, www.masterclassmodels.com .
A special thanks to Rafe at Master Class Model Building Videos for the review sample.
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