MINION from DESPICABLE ME

KIT LIST : 160Q GREY / 160Q YELLOW / 160Q DARK BLUE / 260Q BLACK / 260Q DARK BLUE / 350Q YELLOW / 5" ROUND BLACK / 5" ROUND WHITE

Reluctantly I thought it was time to tackle another design in this book. I was actually quite pleased with the result. This Minion (spelling?) is a popular character for children. The instructions for this model are really bad, the english text makes no sense and it hard to follow. I made my own interpretation using the photos. This design has some good points. I especially like the way the arms fit into the shoulders and pass around the neck. It gives them a good shape. The head design and the eye are well put together. The feet are a little wobbly and not secured in the best way.

Stay away from this one if you lack experience, it is a little challenging but even so I am pleased with the outcome.

As my wife said "Is that Homer from The Simpsons" - says it all really :-)

[attachment=0:ujf3zji7][/attachment]838-minion.jpg[/attachment:ujf3zji7]

SMURF

KIT LIST : 260Q PALE BLUE / 260Q WHITE / 260Q BLACK / 5" WHITE ROUND / 5" PALE BLUE ROUND / 11" WHITE ROUND

I've been delaying making the next model out of this book as based on the last ones I knew it wouldn't be a pleasant experience. The instructions for this model are awful. The text and the photos are out of sync and really make no sense whatsoever!

Trying to be positive, the hat design is actually really good. It is a 5" white round with a raisin with the neck of the round balloon inflated and twisted in half and secured around the raisin. It gives a really nice shape. The use of the uninflated 260Q pale blue for outlining the eyes is also a nice technique.

What is a little annoying here is the photos do not show the completed model. I really made up some of the design myself and other than the points mentioned it is pretty lame.

[attachment=1:35hqcpsl][/attachment]smurf1.jpg[/attachment:35hqcpsl]

[attachment=0:35hqcpsl][/attachment]smurf2.jpg[/attachment:35hqcpsl]

(A voice chants softly from the back of the room)

...Lightning McQueen....

Dylan, my fingers are firmly in my ears. Please don't subject me to having to follow those instructions!

Ok, as its you. I will have an attempt tonight. I bet it will not look anything like the original photograph!

Hi Darren

I am waiting for better news with this one. I have this book coming my way so I just hope there is at least 3 or 4 good designs.
I love Micky and this is what swung it for me.

As an aside, I was on Beating's Facebook site yesterday and there are loads of images. Are these just samples or possibly a glimpse at his new volume.

Please bring me good news...

Rob

Oh Rob, please tell me no... you purchased an expensive book without seeing the rest of my review... oops - prepare yourself for a massive disappointment. In fact, hope it gets lost in the post so you can claim compensation!

LIGHTNING MCQUEEN

I actually think I made the best of a really bad situation. The instructions here are awful, the photos very unclear and I lost sense of everything mid-way through so found myself trying to look at the photos and making things up. I challenge anyone to get the same result as the original model using the instructions supplied. The body design is quite nice using multiple hearts and it certainly has potential but I do expect the instructions to tell me how to make it!

I prefer Mike Floyd's cartoon Lightning McQueen, far superior, instantly recognisable and much better value for money.

For my sanity I am tempted to finish my review now without making the last few designs. They are all just as badly written and photographed as the rest!

[attachment=1:1jj4sewa][/attachment]car1.jpg[/attachment:1jj4sewa]

[attachment=0:1jj4sewa][/attachment]car2.jpg[/attachment:1jj4sewa]

In fact, that's exactly what I shall do - I will break my own rules and draw this review to a close.

The remaining models are...

- the old man from the movie UP
- dinosaur
- megamind
- squirrel from ice age
- penguin
- nemo

In summary, this is the WORST product I have ever reviewed. The print quality is lousy, the photos small and unclear, the written descriptions incorrect and very hard to follow and the overview quality of the designs poor. I can't help feeling duped with the initial sneak preview design images before the book was released. Overpriced.

Use your money more wisely and buy something better. Only advanced twisters should attempt this book.

VERY disappointed.

Does everyone remember this classic review? Well I spotted that Aaron had released a single model book of Wacky Ralph (Wreck It Ralph Parody). Someone had posted a very brief review on a well known facebook group for which I had asked them to post a photo of the completed model. I was then shot down in flames for being disrespectful to the creator by having the cheek of asking such a request (apparently a full photo was never shown to protect copyright and all that) and how i was just verifying the quality of the model after being stung for £100 for one of the worse books ever written...

Well I felt the need to check out this new book for myself. Could it be more of the same? Or maybe something worth investing in?

I risk my money on behalf of you all and the greater good of the modelling community.

Should this be review #100??

:-)

I would love to see what happens. But I do not wish you any more loss. The choice it seems is yours...Choose ... Wisely..