Review of Painting War #5 - Spanish Civil War

Herein is my review of the recently published book, Painting War #5 - Spanish Civil War by Rubén Torregrosa.

Front cover

Back cover

This volume is, depending on the source, 88 or 92 pages in length (curiously, the covers seem to be counted in the pagination), perfect-bound, and A4 in size.  It is printed in full color throughout.  Six of the pages are advertisements.  A few pages are given to basic painting explanations, but this is completely outshone by the specific painting guides.  

There are two, multi-page and fully photographed, step-by-step guides for painting miniatures, one a 1/72 scale militiawoman from Minairons, and the other an Empress Miniatures Carlist requete in 28mm.  Below is part of one of the guides:

I am not including many pics of the specific pages; just enough to illustrate my points hopefully.

And the bulk of the book, 39 pages, is used for painting details for different units of the Spanish Civil War, with one faction being used for each page.  From Andalusian militia to Condor Legion flak crews, the unit is very likely to be here.  Each unit has a listing of the specific Vallejo paints used for the miniature, and each page has a historical factoid and painting tips.

I have only a few issues with this volume.  One, scattered throughout are minor typesetting errors and misspellings.  Most are minor, but one stands out - 'let it fry' instead of 'let it dry.'  That one is a bit humorous!  Also, there are no hints to painting tanks - towed weapons, yes - but not for tanks.  It is my understanding that the author has a separate volume on painting vehicles.  The only issue that might be serious is a repetition of paragraphs.  The two paragraphs at the bottom of page 13 are repeated verbatim at the top of page 14.  It might not be a problem, but it is noticeable.  


Overall, this is an outstanding guide to the painting of miniatures for the Spanish Civil War, and I consider it to be $30 well spent!


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