Author: Paul Davies
Publisher: Pen and Sword
Reviewer: Nick Buxey
As a modeller and wargames terrain maker myself, it was very interesting to read Paul Davies’s book and it immediately struck me that no matter how long you have been engaged in the activity of model-making, you can always learn more. Paul, of course, is already well known for his modelling skills and numerous features in Wargames Illustrated magazine and there can be very few wargamers who have not benefitted from his knowledge, experience and expertise over the years.
Yes, it’s true, I had already developed a healthy respect for Paul’s talents before reading his book, so I suppose I’m a little biased, but then again, fellow model-makers can potentially provide the toughest criticism. I don’t know Paul personally, so that is a help in remaining fairly objective. I am able to summarise his book, thus: It meets the criteria contained in the title excellently at many levels. If you are a novice, there are clear, easy to follow guidelines for making almost anything concerned with wargames terrain. If you are more experienced there are still many tips, procedures and processes from which you can benefit. Paul covers the making of terrain tiles, rivers, walling, hedges, trees, buildings, etc, etc. True, many of these can be found in previous publications on the subject, but they are not written by Paul Davies and not so profusely illustrated with photographs. The latter is the one feature that stands out, and as a lover of ‘eye candy’ myself, I was delighted with the visual inspiration. The quality of Paul’s models and the professionalism in the finish of them really stands out.
Personally, I foresee returning to this book again and again for practical tips and lots of inspiration.
