I am new to military modeling and I am looking for the best resources to help me. Any advice on the best books/videos that covers model building(armor) and or diorama building? Thanks for any help. gdog

The older Shep Paine book Modeling Tanks and Military Vehicles is a great primer for the beginner.

You can't go wrong with Sheperd Paine's "How to Build Dioramas - Aircraft, armor, ship, and figure models" 2nd Edition ISBN 0-89024-195-3 (It's practically a modelling bible ). For groundwork, Richard Windrow's "Terrain Modelling" ISBN 1-84176-062-5 is fantastic.

If you want advice though... you've just found the best place on the web... Welcome to Armorama! Greetz from Cape Town

Rudi


p.s. I think that book Sabot mentioned is out of print, so you may have to search around for it a bit...

It was reissued recently and still widely available: http://www.squadron.com/ItemDetails.asp?item=KA12058

I bought quite a few magazines over the years, to help with building and painting, but these in relation to what is available on the net today, have become rather redundant, in my opinion.
If you are building a specific model, ask about that, because Osprey, plus a few others, have specific modelling books for that vehicle which are much better value in the long run.
You have also the opportunity to ask specific questions here in the armor forum as well, as there is somebody who will already have modelled it and can provide possibly any advice you may need.
Osprey have a master class book called terrain modelling, which is bit more expensive but definately worth the money as one-stop tips book for building dioramas and groundwork. Again, Armorama is blessed with some of the top dio builders in buisness, so you can ask specific questions in the dio forum.

For awhile Verlinden Publications was doing a series of books on dioramas, military vehicles, and aircraft. They were on glossy paper so I think they were a little expensive at say $15 for a thin book, but very well done showing step by step. Most better hobby shops carried them.

Finescale Modeler magazine will be very helpful for you.

Bob

Hi gdog,

You're looking for the best recource? Try ArmoramA!!! :-) , this is the best medium for all the questions, all the problems and all the tricks you'll need!!

Welcome my friend....John.

That's fantastic. Thanks for the update Sabot!

Welcome gdog

Like what has already been said, you have found one of the best sites on the web for modelers. This is not just bragging. We have guys and gals of

all skill levals, from all over the world. I'm sure you will fine that any question you have will be happily answered.
As far as books go The titles mentioned are all very good. One of the best, i.e. "cheapest" places to buy modelling/reference books has to be Amazon.com. They cover not just modelling books but history books from all eras.
Buying Models and supplies on the net is light years ahead of anything local hobby shops can come close to. There are some really great shops on the net, and kit selection is about anything you can think
of. Like anything else, if you have any questions about a internet shop just ask here on Armorama and you will find out all you need to know.

Good luck, and happy modelling
Harry D