Airframe Workbench Guide No 1: Aircraft Modelling - Libor Jekl

[Paul A H]

Airframe Workbench Guide No 1: Aircraft Modelling

A Detailed Guide to Building & Finishing 1/72 Scale Aircraft

Libor Jekl

If you've perused Britmodeller's 'Ready for Inspection' forum, or if you've picked up a copy of Model Airplane International at some point over the past few years, the chances are you're familiar with Libor Jekl's wonderful 1:72 scale builds. Whilst it appears that Libor's excellent models no longer grace the pages of that particular magazine, thankfully we can still enjoy his work courtesy of Valiant Wings Publishing and their new range of Airframe Workbench Guides. While the idea of a manual of essential modelling skills is nothing new, this particular book is a little different. Firstly there is the format. Clear, compact and spiral bound, it has been carefully designed to be used on the modelling bench. In many ways its chapters are reminiscent of a top-quality magazine, but freed from the constraints of that particular format, the pages are uncluttered, the text is concise and clear and the photographs are perfectly exposed.

Those familiar with Libor's work will be unsurprised to learn that the focus of the book is 1:72 scale model aircraft. The author's tips and techniques are patiently explained, with each chapter broken down into simple step-by-step guides. The book is carefully pitched at the enthusiast modeller. It avoids patronising the reader with laborious explanations of basic skills, focussing instead on what I would consider to be intermediate to advanced techniques. The chapters are divided as follows:

• Rigging a model, with both elastic thread and stretched sprue;
• Rescribing panel lines;
• Building a resin kit;
• Creating rivet detail, both raised and recessed;
• Weathering techniques for camouflage paint finishes;
• Applying temporary white distemper;
• Fabric, wood and stripes;
• Creating realistic natural metal finishes; and
• 'Kwik-building' a handy chapter on speeding up the building and painting process.

Over the course of 120 pages, Libor imparts various hints and tips about how to achieving realistic finishes on your models. The use of different tools, paints and other materials is explained in detail, including airbrushes, riveting tools and the application of washes. While not necessarily suitable for beginners, I would say that even the most experienced modeller could learn a few tricks from this book. The enigmatically titled final chapter 'kwik-building' is only a few pages long but includes some simple advice about planning your builds, working on multiple models at the same time, selecting the right materials and the importance of taking regular breaks to avoid getting bogged down.

Conclusion

As denizens of Britmodeller already know, Libor Jekl is both a prolific and highly talented modeller. I've always enjoyed his work in whatever format it has been presented, but this particular medium is ideal for those wanting to up their game and expand their portfolio of modelling skills. The format is cleverly thought out and the whole package is beautifully realised. All-in-all this is a thoroughly enjoyable and useful publication. I look forward to finding out what will be next in this series. Highly recommended.

Review sample courtesy of

[Homerlovesbeer]

Looks like a good book.

[spruecutter96]

Producing paint effects like these on 1/72nd scale kits.... Holy Moley!

This modeller has to rank amongst some of the all time greats.....

Thanks very much for sharing.

Chris.