Instruction Sheet

[BobLff257]

Could I ask members of the Planet if they consider it important or not to enclose an instruction sheet and painting guide within a kit. This is something I don't normally do but customers have raised this with me in the past and I am now considering this. Your opinions would be appreciated.


Rob

www.hardwick85.freeserve.co.uk

 

[Guy]

I think for the newer people to the hobby an instruction sheet / painting guide is helpful as they have not yet accumulated the reference library that many of us who have been in the hobby for years have. When I was doing box art for manufacturers it was my part to develop a color guide for each figure I painted.

 

[Sambaman]

Painting guide I find very useful, instructions, not so important for me. I suspect if it's a complicated kit, instructions wouldn't hurt, but if the subject mater is quite specific, painting instructions and good box art are a definite plus. HTH,

Jay H.

 

[tonydawe]

Hi Bob,

I agree with both Guy and Jay.

Some manufacturers can get away without adding instructions and a painting guide by having excellent front and rear colour photos of the finished kit on the box art. Some also include references to Osprey books where good photos or drawings can be used for painting reference.

Personally, I don't always need or use the instructions when they are included, but I always appreciate them when they are added.

 

[Einion]

I think a painting guide is well worth including. Instructions, not so much, unless there's something tricky in the construction order that you might like to highlight - part A needs to go on before part B, otherwise you won't be able to fit B properly, that sort of thing. Just for people who aren't yet in the habit of doing dry runs on assembly.

In addition to basic colour pointers/options it's worth mentioning the materials each item is made from, to give the beginner or young modeller a better sense of the subject. So if someone sees cuir bouilli for example and they've seen an article on painting it then they'll know how they'll want to treat it, rather than just being told to paint that item brown

A brief history of the subject is also a nice touch, just like in most of the plastic model kits that started many of us in the hobby. This will give the buyer a better starting point than just the title if they want to do more research on the subject and related things (e.g. another regiment).

Einion

 

[garyjd]

I think a simple painting guide is not only helpfu, l but shows a little extra effort on the part of the manufacturer. Besides how mant times have you heard folks ask questions as to the color of something because they could not tell from the boxart? When sculpting for production I always include not only coloring instructions but references for the piece as well.

 

[IIICorps]

I appreciate a painting guide when it's correct.

 

[1969]

This is a good point Rob and my opinion is if the kit is of multiple parts or complicated then guide to construction would be usefull especially for beginers, not everyone knows where a german gas mask cannister should go for example, this is also more relevent where there are no locater plugs etc for the piece to fit onto. I wonder how many potential new comers to the hobby have looked at a figure kit without instructions and decided to forget it due to lack of knowledge of the subject.

As for painting guide that would be a definite yes as long as like previously said `it is accurate` no point copying someones elses mistake .

Steve

 

[John Bowery]

Rob,
I also agree with all the above, as it is very helpful if you decide to do a figure that is not a subject that you know anything about.
Cheers
John

 

[BobLff257]

Dear friends, thank you very much for letting me have your thoughts on this matter - they are appreciated and I am now giving it some consideration. My initial thoughts are that most figure modellers have progressed through the ranks usually from airfix and AFVs and have level of basic modelling skills. It is difficult to gauge the amount of information required on how to build a model figurine when so much is available on the internet. As regards painting guides, I paint in Humbrol enamels and information given would not be appropriate to acrylics or oils. Now a decent front and rear photograph speaks volumes.

I am still giving this consideration and again thank you for your comments.

Rob

 

[housecarl]

I know Jon Smith gives a very in depth description of every individual item, form its development, materials used and type of wear it would develop. All very interesting, but I think most of the fun is researching the figure. Box art is also very helpful, as a picture paints a thousand and all that.
Good point,
Carl.

 

[moore]

I am fairly new to the hobby and I really like the insruction sheet, color ideas, and the box art being well done. I would be lost without it. I would at times need assembly instructions also. I am fortunate though, I have a club here that is of great help to me.

Dee

 

[khorgor]

I think a instruction sheet should be included if its a complicated kit. the japanese almost make me weep every time they don't supply instructions when you have over 30 resin parts o.o

as for painting guide, it would be appreciated, but its not essential. cover art is usually good enough