Magazine Article Review:
by Michael Eastman

Magazine 'Make 05: Technology of Our Time', list price: $15.00, An unlikely source that would contain an article on modeling. A street tech magazine that contains all sorts of innovative ideas/methods. This issue's theme is Science, Weather and Outdoors. The current issue out at newsstands now has an article on page 44 - Model kit makers bring B-movie monsters to your home. The author is Gareth Branwyn and the title of the article is "It came from my garage."

It details the sculpting of unique monsters and how they are cast into resin kits. Gareth gives a quick run-down on the garage kit history via Terry Webb, editor of Amazing Figure Modeler Magazine and author of three books that chronicle the development of the do-it-yourself kit scene.

The creatures shown in the article were designed and built by Dave Britton, who specializes in alien trophy heads, constructed out of Casteline modeling wax and animal bone. He sells these on-line at Headhunters Studio. These figures show that it is a sophisticated sculpt, it's also a good example of how found objects can be assembled and amended with sculpting materials to create impressive-looking models.

Another example of kit making is presented by the Shiflett Brothers, who are also involved in the entertainment business. They got their start doing sculpture work for the video game series 'Oddworld.' They have also produced a line of resin kits, including the very Tank Girl-esque model Chloe: Aviator for Hire. The Shiflett's only do the sculpting, where many sculptors do everything: sculpting , modeling, casting, and sales. The Shiflett's maintain the largest sculpting online forum of its type.

Other modelers like Dan Perez include workshops on their websites that teach sculpting, molding, and casting. All in all, a very informative article on sculpting and contains examples of some sculptures. Highly recommended magazine for the 'Maker' in the family.

The article contains several good links - of which I will list:

Bare Metal Foil - Offers a full inventory of molding and casting materials, tools, and supplies, including starter kits.

Plastruct - Plastic stock that can be found at hobby stores and e-tailers.

Aves Studio - Makers of a line of self-hardening sculpting clays and two-part epoxy putties.

Super Sculpey - Polymer-based, oven-curing clay often recommended to beginners for its ease of use, but also used by the big boys. The Shiflett brothers use Super Sculpey, but say that it doesn't stand well on its own, so armatures should be used.

Vagabond Corporation - A source where you can obtain two-part polyurethane resin, such as Vagabond Corporation's Model-Cast.

Modeler's Resource - The bible for model builders of all stripes, from retro kit enthusiasts to garage kit collectors to diorama builders.

Dan Perez Studios Modeling Workshop - Perez's workshops take you step-by-step through beginning sculpting, model making, casting and other skills used in garage kit building. Highly recommended.

The Clubhouse - Popular online watering hole for kit creators and builders.

Amazing Figure Modeler - Excellent magazine for $28/4 issues. Premier magazine for figure modeling, with how-to's on everything from sculpting your own models to assembling, painting, and casting garage model kits.

Makezine.com - More resources for this magazine. Contains very interesting articles that cover many areas of 'Making Things'.

Other related sites of interest:

Gremlins In the Garage - Excellent site for figures and science fiction, hints and tips for sculpting, molding, casting and painting. Also has listings for shows, contacts, gallery, kit information and reviews. Off site links to books, chat rooms, magazines, newletters, videos and wired (which is an excellent listing of other sci-fi/figure sites available). A not-to-be-missed site.

Smooth-on - I have met these people at the conventions, excellent molding and casting materials. They usually carry samples so that you know what the materials look and feel like.