I am often in a quandary with how to begin an IPMS/USA product review (It usually doesn’t last too long.) More often than not I'll just use the material that the manufacturers have made available via their websites. So, without further ado, via AMMO/MiG's website:

“Which are the most basic pigment colors a modeler needs to get started? Which are the most used colors across all types of modeling subjects including aircraft, ships, military vehicles, or spacecraft? This set (First Aid Basics) provides the easiest solution to the novice modeler who is just starting in the hobby and does not really know what is needed.

The set includes the most universal pigment powders most commonly used for any model and ranges from an earth tone to our popular gun metal pigment. You will be able to apply most dust, rust, and dirt effects on your models knowing that it is a selection created by Mig Jimenez himself based on the pigments that he invariably uses on all of his models.

A perfect solution should you get lost in our wide range of products. A starter set for beginners, occasional modelers, and those who simply do not have enough time to build their own selection of colors.

The First Aid Basics set includes five, 30ml bottles of the following colors:

• A.MIG-3004 EUROPE EARTH
• A.MIG-3007 DARK EARTH
• A.MIG-3008 TRACK RUST
• A.MIG-3009 GUN METAL
• A.MIG-3013 RUBBLE”

Weathering pigments or weathering powders are, in the simplest, the base that is added to a liquid medium to produce paint. As with paints, they come in a myriad of colors. The AMMO/MiG website lists over thirty different individual pigment colors from Vietnam Earth to North African Sand. Pigments may be used to weather a modeling project, or with subsequent layers, made to look like mud, rust, or debris build up. To help the novice amongst us, of which I am one, AK Interactive has a short video on the application of these products.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lm5E3SPTmo8

As noted in the promotional material, MiG has provided the 'new to the fold' modeler with the five most commonly used pigment shades in one handy package. If the title of this set is still throwing you for a loop, the Spanish word for 'aid' can also mean assistance. So, the five colors you will need be to begin your weathering adventures with pigments...First Aid Basics.

These shades have been selected by Brother Jimenez, his own self, as these are the ones that he uses most often when working on an armor project. Which is not to say that they are exclusively for armor. Any modeling project that you might imagine that could use some weathering is a candidate for these pigments. It is all about selecting the proper shade. After all, you wouldn't necessarily want to plaster dark earth pigment all over a modeling project that is sitting in the middle of a desert.

If you are familiar with using pastels to weather your modeling projects, I strongly recommend that you switch over to pigments. Pastels still have a place but as anyone who has used pastels knows, they just don't stick or wear very well, or for very long. And, don't get me started on trying to fix pastels with a clear over spray. There is a waxy component to these pigments from MiG that allows them to 'adhere' to the model much more better than has been my experience with pastels.

All five of the bottles of pigment included with this First Aid Basics set are clearly labeled on the side as well as on top of the cap of each container, handy and thoughtful.

My thanks to AMMO/MiG and IPMS/USA for this First Aid Kit.

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