Model Design & Blueprinting Handbook Volume 1 Book Review
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | April 2007 | Title | Model Design & Blueprinting Handbook Volume 1 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Author | Charles Adams | Publisher | ModelersNotebook.com |
| Published | 2007 | ISBN | 0-9791752-0-8 |
| Format | 266 pages, softbound | MSRP (USD) | $29.95 |
Review
When I first heard about the development of this series, I was pleasantly surprised to hear that someone was finally going to reveal a process and easy-to-accomplish steps in developing detailed three-dimensional models from obscure photos, three-view silhouette drawings, and/or incomplete line drawings. How do they do that? How do the model companies translate two-dimensional drawings into three-dimensional molds? How do scratchbuilders recreate unique models without a kit to start from?
The author has developed a series of tutorials to show the reader how to create blueprints using common software packages like Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW or even AutoCAD. These tutorials help the reader learn how to interpret images and drawings in order to develop detailed plans from which it becomes possible to create physical or digital three-dimensional models.
This first volume lays the foundation for creating designs:
- Creating Blueprints
- The Blueprint Process
- Blueprinting Basics and Standard Practices
- Laying Out Plan Views
- Making Construction Patterns
- Pattern-Making Basics
- Cross-Sections
- Developments
- Transitions and Intersections
This title has over 230 detailed illustrations to show the process of converting drawings found in various sources into detailed blueprints from which you can create your own masterpieces. The unique aspect of this title is that the author shows you step-by-step how to interpret what you see into definable shapes for your blueprint or design pattern.
If you've always wanted to learn how the master model makers create their masterpieces from obscure reference materials, this volume will start you on your way to developing the same skills in reading and recreating the designs to the degree where you can define dimensions, angles, etc. If you're getting tired of waiting for some model manufacturer to release a Farley Fruitbat (or any other subject) in your favorite scale, this is the science behind the magic of scratchbuilding your own unique model. This is cool stuff and all at a VERY reasonable price!
My sincere thanks to ModelersNotebook.com for this review sample!