This is a combination review for members of this forum and feedback for Kalmbach Publications for the FineScale Modeler Book, "How to Build Armor Dioramas" by Lynn Kessler.
Having been quite pleased with several Kalmbach books in the past, when I saw this title for sale, I immediately though it would make a fine addition to my expanding armor library. However, I ordered this particular book online and therefore did not have the opportunity to review it before hand. If I had, I probably would not have purchased it. The reason is really quite simple - the book is not what is advertised by the title.
This book's title is, "How to Build Armor Dioramas". When I read this title, I seem to naturally place the emphasis on the word
Dioramas. I suspect that many other modelers will do likewise. However, it appears as though while writing this book that Mr. Kessler put his emphasis on the word
Armor.
With the exception of Chapter 1, which covers the theme and design of a Diorama in the opening 9 pages, the first mention of Diorama construction does not occur until page 86 of this 112 page publication (Chapter 6). This is over 75% of the way through the book!
Based on the composition of this book, a more appropriate title would have been, "Building Armor Models, Military Figures, and Their Use in Dioramas." Chapter 2 is dedicated to basic modeling tools, while Chapters 3 and 4 are devoted to armor model construction, painting, and weathering. Chapter 5 covers assembly and painting of figures. Dioramas are finally covered in Chapter 6 - and this is the last chapter in the book!
As far as the information on Diorama construction is concerned, I can only say that I am extremely disappointed. In addition to other things, I was hoping to see expanded ideas for placement of vehicles over debris and terrain, much more on optimizing Diorama composition, coverage of the effective design of multi-level Dioramas, and various ideas or techniques for mounting dioramas. Alas, there is no significant information in any of these areas. Probably most surprising is that there are only a few pictures of 6 or 7 completed Dioramas in the entire book!
In a nutshell, this is a book for the absolute novice beginner modeler. For the most part, the information presented in this book, while interesting, is extremely basic, not very comprehensive, and contains absolutely no new or innovative ideas. All of the information presented can be located in other sources and is, in fact, common knowledge to anyone with more than a few months of modeling experience.
As a "First Book" for someone new to the hobby, "How to Build Armor Dioramas" would be an very good source for the basic information needed to build and finish armor models, military figures, and basic Dioramas. For anyone looking for advanced information designed to help an established armor modeler create unique and diverse Dioramas, save your money.
Enjoy your modeling...