HM Journal Issue 07 Modeling Tips

ISSUE NUMBER 7

HISTORICAL MINIATURES BY GEORGE GRASSE
HISTORICAL MINIATURES JOURNAL

FEBRUARY 2010

Tip 24) Using clips to hold parts for painting is necessary for all those details that have to be painted before they are to be attached to the main model. I use spring/tension clips in a variety of shapes and sizes. In the photo at right, upper row: infantry pack, infantry rifle-musket, soldier's arm; lower row: cartridge box, sword-bayonet, and sabre. In some cases, take the infantry pack for example, I would drill a small hole into the pack on the side that is attached to the figure. Then I would insert a brass rod, say, one inch long. It might need a drop of super glue to hold it. Then, I would attach a clip arrangement to hold the part. In this way, all of the infantry pack can be painted without having to remove the clips. Pull out the brass rod and that part is done. Note the copper clips. These have smooth surfaces and I use them so as not to damage the detail.

Tip 25) The basic periodical reference materials I think you will need for WW1 aircraft modeling are:

1) Windsock Worldwide, Albatros Productions Ltd, 10 Long View, Berkhamstead, Herts, HP4 1BY, UK. Published six times a year and exclusively dedicated to World War 1 aviation modeling (or modelling in the UK). Each full-color issue features book release section, a major modeling article, historical articles on aircraft usually with 3-view drawings, period photos, color profiles, and my favorite, the latest kit, accessory, and decal releases since the previous publication. Visit Albatros Productions Ltd website at www.windsockdatafilespecials.co.uk/. Some back issues still available.

2) Cross & Cockade International Journal, The First World War Aviation Historical Society, various addresses for departments (see website address). A UK quarterly publication devoted to World War I aviation somewhat with a strong emphasis on British & Commonwealth subjects devoted to aviation history. Regular features include extensive articles on aviation history (especially units, crew, and aircraft); aerodromes; reprints of post-WWI out-of-print manuals, handbooks, and diaries, and magazine articles; research tips including history and genealogy; book reviews; color profiles and more. All journal back issues available on CD. Visit their site at www.crossandcockade.com/.

3) Over the Front, The League of World War One Aviation Historians, various addresses for departments (see website address). A US quarterly journal much like C&C Intl above with an emphasis on American aviation in the war. Regular features include two or three major historical articles, Rare Birds including photos and 3-view drawings, color profiles, and book reviews. All journal issues including the predecessor to OTF, Cross & Cockade US, on CD with some original OTF issues available. Their site is: www.overthefront.com/.

4) Das Propellerblatt - Mitteilungsblatt der Interressengemeinschaft Luftharht 1900-1920 (IGL), various address (see website address), a German publication in soft cover format featuring German aviation history. Aircraft, personnel, units, photos, and the primary source for my ideas on modeling German aircraft. Back issues available. Visit their website at: www.propellerblatt.de/.

5) W.W.1 Aero, The Journal of the Early Aeroplane, various addresses (see website), a US journal of irregular publication which is now available on line via single issue subscription download. Back issues are being converted to CD. This journal has historical content of immense value to full-size replica construction, restorations, and large scale modelers around 1/4 scale. Their site lists the contents of all issues published at www.aviation-history.com/ww1aero.htm.

6) Byrd Aviation Books, 114 Deer Path Road, Williamsburg, Va., 23188-2208 open by appointment or chance. I always call in advance and let them know when I'll be there. One of the small but great early aviation book stores for new and old books and periodicals. Much of the above are available along with several other periodicals new and old. Their website is: www.byrdaviationbooks.com/index.htm.

In future issues, I will do my homework on Austro-Hungarian, Belgian, French, Italian, and Russian World War I periodicals.

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