Exercises in imagination & scratchbuilding - Andy Pearson - Happy Medium Press (2010)

Let's take a journey, a journey into the mind of a scratchbuilder. Not just any scratchbuilder, not one who takes an actual object that existed and builds a replica from scratch. But one who gives three dimensional shape and form to an idea in a novel or a picture in his head. Author Andy Pearson is just such a modeler. He is regularly featured in Sci-Fi and Fantasy Modeller magazine.

In this book's eleven chapters; Andy will show you how to take an image in your mind or a book and give it form and substance. Each chapter is a walk through the building of project. From futuristic construction equipment, cybernetic whale, a cross sectional far away planet's seascape, space ships and much more, Andy takes you on the journey from idea to model.

This book is a must have for Sci-Fi and fantasy modelers and anyone who has been thinking about a first time scratch built project. The tips and techniques contained within will be of benefit to anyone who even thinks they might attempt such a project one day, be it fictional or real.

I enjoyed this book. I found it both informative and entertaining. While I normally confine my modeling to WWII aircraft, ocean liners and the occasional Star Trek ship, I learned a lot from this book that will pay dividends in all my modeling. I recommend this book to anyone with an interest in Sci-Fi and fantasy models and to anyone who wants to learn more about scratchbuilding.