introduction

With the ever expanding role of technology and the internet, it’s becoming extremely easy for folks to share with the general public their skills and talents, and maybe even make a few dollars doing it.

Glenn Bartolotti has done just that with his downloadable PDF series “Step-by-Step Finishing German Armor.” For a mere .99 cents to $3.95 (depending on which volume), you can download a multi-page, full color PDF that takes you along each step to paint and finish a particular subject. Volume 7 ($1.95) covers a popular conversion that has been done for decades; mounting a Flak 38 on the bed of a captured truck.

review

To begin, the overall quality of the images, text, and layout is first rate. Everything is very clear and concise, using enough text to get the point across without being too verbose. Images show plenty of “before” and “after” effects, as well as close ups of the work being done. Each step is well documented and easy to follow along within the 15 page file.

For this particular volume, Glenn starts with a list of materials needed, as well as a very brief description of the kits used. Then he spends a single page on some brief historical background along with a single photo that the model is loosely based on. He also shows some of the simple modifications done over the next couple of pages. The volume does not go much into kit construction techniques, as this is about finishing models, not a full blown start to finish article.

The next series of pages take the modeler step by step through each stage of the painting, decals, and weathering showing the specific tool and medium used to create the effect. Only a single frame is spent mentioning the figures, but Glenn alludes to a future volume dedicated to figure painting. The last few pages are glamour shots of the finished model, and a final page providing contact info and advertizing for future volumes.

conclusion

Overall this is a great little resource and guide. The step by step approach takes some of the mystery out of how modelers get such realistic models by showing how the culmination of simple techniques leads to a stunning result.

And the price, well, who would think long about spending just under $2.00? With the cost of books and kits on the rise, this is a great way to learn new skills and save some cash for that next big kit on your list. Plus with the PDF, you can either pull it up on your computer or print the pages you need to have on hand at the workbench. Highly recommended and I’ll be looking forward to the next volumes!