Scratch Builder Monthly May 2023 is a supplement written and published by MJ Hobby Corner for use with making cheap models, primarily for tabletop wargaming.
The supplement is available as a 39-page PDF from DriveThruRPG for $2.99. One page is the front cover, one the Contents and one is the credits.
The Introduction is mostly the same as it has been for the previous issues and explains that this is a new publication will build on videos for projects.
The Creature Creator looks at making armatures from paper clips using floral wire to bulk them out. The armatures are then put into corks to hold them and it’s mentioned that a basic knowledge of anatomy is needed for sculpting. Foil can also be used for some creatures. It then looks at sculpting, and sculpting using different mediums other than clay, in this case using papier mâché.
MJ Hobby Talk looks at the process of making an undead spaceship for a fantasy game.
Cavern Game Board looks at making a carver board using cardboard and primarily spray foam, including some scatter made using old foil pieces with spray foam added and some made using primarily paper products.
Project Of The Month: Making a Game Mat Out Of a Towel covers the process of making a simple game mat using a towel, including adding roads and a river. There’s also an example of a desert mat.
Mycoid Warriors briefly looks at creating and painting a mycoid war band.
Winter’s Bite is a short piece of fiction.
On the Work Bench: Star Ship Creator explains a new series is coming to YouTube demonstrating how to make cheap starships. There are examples of existing ones made using various materials.
Project Show Case looks at some completed projects.
Thank You For Your Support looks at how the current issue uses Canva for layout and how it will follow the YouTube channel.
Scratch Builder Monthly May 2023 in Review
The PDF lacks bookmarks and is long enough with enough different sections that these would have been useful. The Contents covers the major sections. Navigation is okay. The text maintains a single column format and a variety of minor errors were noticed. There are a variety of photographs of tools, materials and projects in various stages of construction as well as finished. Presentation is good.
The issue has the usual blend of tips, examples of projects that aren’t covered in much detail from the construction side of things but which have some useful ideas and projects that can be followed along with to make something similar. As usual, most of the materials used are inexpensive, with the exception of polymer clays. Scratch Builder Monthly May 2023 can be found by clicking here.
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