Partizan Press Wargamer’s Painting Guide Volume 1

The first in a proposed series of painting guides, the Partizan Press Wargamer’s Painting Guide Volume 1 focuses upon Painting World War One 28mm Wargaming Figures for the Middle Eastern Theatres: The British, Dominion and Indian Armies. Yes, we know, that’s a VERY long title, but it does let you know exactly what the 109-page softback book is all about!

The book begins with a nice touch, an introduction which is suitably to the point and establishes the tone of the overall book: this is one man’s method (Mark Hargreaves – regular contributors to WI), which can be easily emulated and has been developed over a number of years. The approach to presenting the method is suitably pictorial, like the best painting guides. Why waste a plethora of wordage when you can just show an image and tell the reader what you’re up to as you go along?

Having presented the methods used to create and paint various infantry figures, the author focuses upon the importance of varnish and decent basing, before heading into the realm of mounted forces, cavalry, mounted infantry, Australian, British and Indian varieties, and some good examples of the insignia used by the various Regular, Yeomanry and Light Horse Regiments.

The book then moves beyond the world of infantry and cavalry to some ideas on painting Camel Corps, plus getting you artillery and gunners looking ‘bang on’, including both mechanical and organic ‘tows’.

A useful guide to the painting and different types of Motor Vehicles is equally useful, and includes some thoughts on converting diecast vehicles. The Dressing The Table section moves beyond the realms of ‘fighting men’ and provides thoughts and examples on the creation of vignettes to add more to the look of the tabletop. These vignettes range from command groups to ambulances, artillery HQs and radio communication. Appendix 1 provides a practical guide to actually converting figures, mostly via headswaps and greenstuff. Appendix 2 is short, but provides guidance on making one’s own paint washes. Lastly, the Useful Contacts section provides a guide to the best places to find miniatures, vehicles and decent tools to get the job done.

This is a very well done book, with plenty of diagrams and brief but concise explanations of each evolutionary stage in the process. I look forward to Volume 2, and commend the author on his approach to the topic.