Preview: Out of This World Modeling from Fine Scale Modeler

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Kalmbach Books and the folks at Fine Scale Modeler have sent along an advance copy of their upcoming book, Out of This World Modeling edited by Aaron Skinner.  This new book is a Sci-Fi modeler’s dream.    Spread out over 144 pages are 16 chapters devoted to a variety of genre subjects.    The standards kits are there, with the Enterprise from Star Trek and an X-Wing from Star Wars, but there is a lot more.    Vehicles are represented with chapters on the 1966 Batmobile and the Chariot from Lost in Space.   Aside from the hardware, this volume also includes build ups of the Catwoman figure from Moebius and Boba Fett from Bandai.    Each chapter includes dozens of step-by-step photos in full color.   Each chapter focuses on different aspects of model building with occasional sidebars on details such as tools and airbrushes.

The first chapter gets everyone’s attention.   Aaron Skinner does a detailed build of the 1:1000 scale classic TV Enterprise from Polar Lights.  Aaron covers a lot of the basics of model building – removing seams, gluing parts, filling gaps, prepping to paint, etc.

Over 100 photos document the project from start to finish.    Aaron doesn’t assume you know how to build a kit.   He shows you every step, and even an experienced modeler will learn something new.

Each photo is captioned with a clear description of what is being done.

The second chapter is more focused on using an airbrush to paint the Fine Molds 1:48 scale X-Wing.

Beyond the use of an air brush, the article offers insight on weathering using a variety of techniques including working with pastels.

Chapter 3 changes gears to build Moebius Model’s Catwoman kit.   Here Joe Hudson offers suggestions for building plastic figures, as well as detailing techniques for painting faces.

A later chapter by Jeff Pollizzotto shows a build up of Bandai’s Boba Fett figure.   This model is designed with movable joints.  Jeff shows how to build the figure in a static pose, filling the joints for a realistic display.

Mat Irvine describes how to detail the Polar Lights 1:25 scale 1966 Batmobile, including several variations.

In a later chapter, Mat covers the Lost in Space Chariot, detailing it out with Bare Metal Foil.

Gundam figures are also included in the book.   Steve Pontius shows now to detail and customize the models.

Galactica is featured in this modified build up of the 1:32 Viper Mk. II.    Brad Hair converts the model into the “Scarlet Viper” variation of the space fighter.

Out of This World Modeling goes way beyond the basics with a chapter on the Venator class Star Destroyer.   Author Nicholas Sagan details the model with 3D printed parts, and lights it up with LEDs and fiber optics.

Here is a full list of the subjects featured in the book.  Many of the authors are familiar to the readers of the CultTVman site.

  • Explore new techniques, seek out new projects by Aaron Skinner (USS Enterprise, 1:1000 scale)
  • Spray on target when airbrushing by Aaron Skinner (X-Wing, 1:48 scale)
  • Produce purr-fect plastic figures by Joe Hudson (Catwoman, 1:8 scale)
  • Improve and pose post-apocalyptic foes by Brett W. Avants (Maschinen Krieger 1:20 figures)
  • Light up the supersonic Dragonfly by Jeff Pollizzotto (Jonny Quest Jet)
  • Paint a fantastic Flaptter by Aaron Skinner (Castle in the Sky Flaptter, 1:20 scale)
  • Elevate Boba Fett to contest quality by Jeff Pollizzotto (1:12 scale)
  • Sink your claws into a superhero by Tim Kidwell (Wolverine, 1:8 scale)
  • Holy simple modeling techniques by Mat Irvine (Batmobile, 1:25 scale)
  • Make a Viper see red by Brad Hair (Viper Mk II, 1:32 scale)
  • Working with resin is a ball by Aaron Skinner (Dark Star Xenomorph, 1:8 scale)
  • Master Gundam style by Steve Pontius  (RX-78-02, 1:100 scale)
  • Try a super stellar vinyl vignette by Aaron Skinner (Groot and Rocket, 1:9 scale)
  • Replicate an extraterrestrial RV by Mat Irvine (Lost in Space Chariot, 1:24 scale)
  • Light and detail a Star Destroyer by Nicholas Sagan (Venator class, 1:2256 scale)
  • Start a starfighter from scratch by Ro Annis (Y-Wing prototype)

There is a little something for everyone in this book.   With hundreds of photos, every project, every process, every step is fully detailed here.     This book will be available in September 2017 from hobby shops and Kalmbach’s website.

Disclosure:  Thanks to Kalmbach for providing the advance copy.    We are offering the book in the CultTVman Hobbyshop.