Back to Basics

BACK TO BASICS

Discover essential modelling techniques to make your builds better than ever, brought to you by the Airfix Model World team. Review the full series from start to finish and check back for updates as new guides are published with future issues.

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The Next Step Part 3: Dispelling Humbrol Enamel Myths

AIRBRUSHING SKILLS GUIDE: Jay Blakemore shows how to get the best out of Humbrol varnishes, which have recently acquired a poor reputation.

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The Next Step Part 2: The 'Dark Side' of Modelling

AIRBRUSHING SKILLS GUIDE: Having described how to layer paint to create tonal effects, Jay Blakemore looks at how pre-shading can enliven finishes.

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The Next Step Part 1: It's All About Layers

AIRBRUSHING SKILLS GUIDE: Jay Blakemore expands upon his introductory tutorials by exploring more advanced airbrushing techniques - here, he examines layering.

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Weather beaten

If decals can be said to enliven a model, then weathering is the way in which builders add ‘character’ by varying the finish to represent the effects of climate and/or usage.

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Marvellous Markings

Decals can supply the finishing touch to a project. Here we offer advice on how to get the best from kit markings.

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Bring on the brush!

Painting can be one of the most rewarding aspects of a build, with the potential to transform a monotone model into a technicolour delight.

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Smooth building

One of the first steps taken by a modeller when advancing from ‘building for fun’ to more complex projects is the elimination of joins/seams. Here we examine how to achieve this.

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Let there be light!

This month we look at how to enhance the moulded detail on cockpit interiors via dry-brushing techniques and dark-toned washes, with the adage ‘less is more’ being a key rule of thumb.

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Colour Dilemmas

One of the most common questions posed to Airfix Model World concerns when to start adding paint to a model. As this month’s Back to Basics reveals, there’s no simple answer.

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The First Cuts

In this month’s Back to Basics, we look at the first stages of building, namely getting the parts off the runner and ready for assembly/painting.

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Tools of the Trade

Following several reader questions, AMW editor Stu Fone offers the first in a series of instructional articles aimed at novice modellers or those returning to the hobby.