RLM – Painting & Weathering Luftwaffe WW2 Aircraft, a DVD by JM Villalba

RLM – Painting & Weathering Luftwaffe WW2 Aircraft, a DVD by JM Villalba

An internationally recognized, acclaimed, respected and influential modeler, Mr. Juan Manuel Villalba, has just recently entered the area of educational scale modelling DVDs!

Well known for his books and articles, excellent photographs and tutorials, describing admirably built models with highly realistic techniques, he comes along now with an even more useful, really educational digital tool, which will surely be appreciated by modelers all over the world.

In this brand new DVD, titled “RLM – Painting & Weathering Luftwaffe WW2 Aircraft”, Mr. Villalba shows us how to get the best of Luftwaffe models in a very easy and straightforward way.

Featuring his build of an Eduard Fw190D-9 1/48 scale kit, we see, in live & real time, all the steps on how to reach high levels of realism, using simple tools and materials, like a plain double action Badger 150 airbrush, paint brushes, Tamiya acrylic & Humbrol enamel paints, masking tape, provided that we possess the determination to learn by carefully watching this 80 minute long video!

The DVD is professionally protected & packaged in a slim hard black plastic case. On the front sleeve there is a colour photo showing the Eduard 1/48 scale Fw190D that is the subject aircraft used for this project. On the rear cover we get a short introduction to the contents, along with some photos showing a sequence of some of the various stages of the painting and weathering process.

This is not a strict step by step build DVD. Although at certain steps we get some hints of assembly instructions, there is no other reference to the aircraft’s construction. The purpose is to demonstrate the use of distinctive painting and weathering techniques and the possibilities they offer.

The contents of the disc are divided in eight (8) simple main chapters, as shown at the start menu: At first the viewer must select the desired language for the subtitles - six different are offered: English, German, Spanish, French, Italian and Czech. As we watch the video we hear a smooth, easy listening instrumental music (of course we can put the music on mute or lower the volume).

The camera always focuses close to the working area of the model and the hands are moving steadily without obstructing the point of action.

There are no words to be heard playing this video. Personally we would prefer a narration in English but we were told by Juan Manuel that using subtitles was the wisest choice, regarding old problems with speakers of different languages. The main problem is that, technically, the narrative for a DVD can only be in one language. So DVD buyers speaking the selected language would be happy, but all the others would not and even a certain rejection is generated due to any selected language. (JM Villalba has produced all DVDs of Andrea Miniatures and experience has shown that the subtitles in multiple languages are more effective and less confrontational).

Painting the Interiors, Part 1

At this chapter the camera is close to the cockpit sidewalls, so we can learn how these can be transformed using simple techniques and applications (wash, dry brush, airbrush painting, filters) in such a way as all of those details really emerge realistically and emphatically. Instead of a flat, boring and mundane appearance, we get something that shows real depth and dimension, using shadows and highlights, which bring “life” to these areas. Air pressures, masking, primer, basecoats and paint mixes are all covered and noted. We really appreciated the small window in the upper right corner of the frame, showing the suitable air pressure for each task/step.

Painting the interiors, Part 2

This section is completely devoted to the cockpit and how to paint it by creating the necessary shadows and highlights to form realistic and convincing metal and worn effects on the floor, the side consoles, the instrument panel, etc.

Effectively you are mainly using the airbrush finest spray lines and the paint brush, building upon individual layers in order to provide the desired result. It is a clever process that once you master can be applied to any number of future projects, either as a stand-alone technique or in combination with others you have learnt.

Photo-etched parts & fabric seat belts

Many modelers have problems dealing effectively with the delicate, complex and intricate small metal photo-etched parts, but here we learn how to handle these with clever use of finely pointed tweezers, carefully applied glue and extra smooth & steady moves. Using the right CA glue and creating glass effect on the instrument panel are among the many tips shown here.

Preparing for painting

Riveting detail on the surface of the model with the right tool is crucial in obtaining the correct scale effect, together with ways to sand smooth/rivet wash the surface, to be absolutely clean and prepare it for primer and subsequent paint layers. We learn how to follow difficult curves while rivetting and use the right tool each time.

Painting

We learn how to use easy and cheap paper masks, together with masking tape in order to achieve the desired soft demarcation lines/edges between the camouflage colors, how to mix various acrylic Tamiya paints to create specific RLM tones, how (and how much) to thin them and finally how to apply them with the airbrush, even without masks, by freehand, creating difficult mottling effects, metal color variations, masking combinations and other painting/camouflage tricks.

It is astonishing how the skilful and very steady hand of Mr. Villalba shades the model using the old but trustworthy Badger 150 airbrush! It shows how you do not need the newest, most expensive and finest airbrush to come out with excellent results. We learn how to shade around the panels using thin, filter-like paint.

Weathering & Markings Part 1

Using a very thin mixture we learn how to shade the access hatches and panel lines of the Fw190. Painting each of the panels with lightened shades, as well to highlight each sheet of metal in a realistic manner. This includes using masks to create the ribs on the ailerons. This worn and faded texture of skin is shaded and then exhaust stains are created to further simulate wear.

Weathering & Markings Part 2

Instead of using the supplied kit decals the build is further enhanced by using those decals as templates for creating masks! With the use of simple and clever masks we  see how to achieve a far more realistic appearance.

With the markings complete and sealed, everything is blended together by means of some subtle chipping effects and acrylic washes, added to complete this interesting project, with spectacular results.

Gallery

The DVD finishes with still photos of the completed model taken from various angles. It is at this point you appreciate the importance and relevance of all the stages that have gone before and you feel the need to go back and check how the master have achieved specific effects, in case you did not had followed the steps very carefully! This is the most powerful aspect of this DVD – the fact that you can go back many times to clarify all the “mystery” spots and get results right before your eyes.

You get this feeling watching the video from the start to the end. In fact you will want to see it many times and take notes as the action develops (we strongly recommend this).

Conclusions

If you think that it might be a bit hard for you to spare a whole hour and twenty minutes of your valuable time to sit down still and watch an educational video, this product will change your mind, as you watch it evenly, wondering how fast those 80 minutes passed before you see the end titles! Time flies when you’re having fun with the good stuff! You will definitely wish you’d have lots more of this kind to watch  - perhaps in the next DVD!

This is a DVD that has been professionally produced with a lot of budget and expensive equipment (HDSLR cameras).

The quality is exceptional and the presentation first class. It excels in every area and is testimony to the dedication and professionalism of Mr JM. Villalba.

Visually, the recording is perfect with crystal clear footage. The subtitles are well pronounced and easy to read (plus the option of choosing from one of six languages). The onscreen information for paint mix ratios, airbrush pressure and other reference information is easy to understand and follow.

Although the content is broken down into chapters it is easy to miss the crossover points while viewing, as the titles of the chapters are only shown at the start menu and at the case cover/label. However it is very easy to go back to any step of the individual chapters using the players function buttons.

Many people refer to the methods used in this DVD as being a kind of ‘spanish’ style of painting and weathering, achieving a very distinctive appearance. It might be not to everyone’s taste and, anyway, some artistic license is used by all of us as our personal style. Practically the methods used here will work perfectly for most modellers who try to learn, while at the same time have difficulties in certain areas. We find that all methods used are within realistic & acceptable lines and we would use most of them in our projects without hesitation, as well as suggesting them to all modellers seeking practical, no-nonsense knowledge.

Let’s hope that there will be further releases in the future to complement this first DVD. A highly entertaining, superb value for money, educational, inspiring and, above all, motivational tool.

This DVD is available directly from Mr. Villalba and also from many outlets across the World. For more information please contact via e-mail: jmprophoto@yahoo.es

(Paypal accepted)

You can also check his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/jmvillalbaworkshop/timeline

 

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