FIELD MANUAL I – Workbench Edition Arrives as Demand Drives the Next Chapter of Andy Langridge's Figure Painting Series

FIELD MANUAL I – Workbench Edition Arrives as Demand Drives the Next Chapter of Andy Langridge's Figure Painting Series

By AFV Hobby Hub | AFVHobbyHub.com

The military miniature hobby continues to see a growing demand for practical, skills-based learning resources, and few recent releases have generated as much interest as FIELD MANUAL I – Workbench Edition by figure painter and author Andy Langridge.

Field Manual I

Originally conceived as a straightforward guide to making figure painting easier to understand, Field Manual I has rapidly evolved from a successful digital publication into a developing educational series that is attracting painters across multiple skill levels. The release of the new Workbench Edition marks the latest step in that journey, offering hobbyists a physical format specifically designed for use while painting. What makes the book particularly noteworthy is that it was never intended to be a traditional "coffee table" hobby publication. Instead, Langridge created Field Manual I with a simple purpose: to break figure painting down into a series of clear, repeatable stages that painters can actually apply at the workbench. The revised edition focuses on four camouflage patterns, faces and hands, guiding readers through the painting process step by step. Rather than relying on complex artistic theory, technical jargon, or intimidating concepts, the book explains what to do at each stage, why it matters, and how each decision contributes to a better finished figure and that practical philosophy remains central to the new Workbench Edition.

Produced in an A4 wire-bound format that lies completely flat, the book contains the same content as the revised digital edition but presents it in a form that can sit beside a figure while work is in progress. Every aspect of the design reflects its intended purpose as a workshop tool rather than a display piece. According to Langridge, the Workbench Edition was created directly in response to customer feedback. Readers repeatedly requested a physical version that could remain open while painting, allowing them to follow the process without navigating digital screens or tablets and the response has surpassed expectations. When preorders first opened, the initial 61 copies sold out in just 45 minutes, prompting a second preorder opportunity. Demand continued immediately, and at the time of writing 200 Workbench Editions have been bought and paid for, despite the books not yet having arrived from production. Combined with approximately 750 digital sales since 1 May 2026, total sales across all editions now stand at around 874 copies.

For a specialist hobby publication focused solely on figure painting methodology, those numbers represent a significant achievement and highlight a growing appetite within the modelling community for practical educational content.

The success of the Workbench Edition has also influenced future publishing plans. A previously proposed hardback collector's edition has been placed on hold while attention remains focused on producing the format hobbyists are clearly requesting most. The preorder model is also proving beneficial. Rather than attempting to forecast demand and maintain large inventories, production can be adjusted to match orders as they arrive. As a result, the book is no longer tied to a narrow launch window and can remain available in a more sustainable manner.

Andy Langridge's Story

For readers unfamiliar with Langridge's story, the popularity of the Field Manual series will feel particularly remarkable. His journey into figure painting began unexpectedly after being medically retired due to Complex PTSD. Painting first appeared during a therapeutic session and later became a personal outlet when he rediscovered an interest in the Second World War uniforms that had fascinated him as a child. On 1 January 2022, he began painting military figures seriously using a set of 1/35 scale Tamiya German Infantry figures and a small collection of paints. Rather than following established trends or attempting to replicate a specific artist's style, he focused on solving problems through repetition, observation, and continuous improvement. That problem-solving approach ultimately became the foundation for the Field Manual books.

Today, Langridge paints exclusively in 1/35 scale, works solely with Second World War subjects, and uses AK Interactive acrylic paints throughout. A typical camouflaged figure can require between 30 and 35 hours of work, with facial painting alone often accounting for four to six hours. Interestingly, despite growing recognition for his work, Langridge does not maintain a collection of his own figures. All completed pieces are pre-sold, and once a project is finished, it leaves the workbench for its new owner. The methods developed through that intensive painting process now form the basis for the next phase of the Field Manual project.

Looking Ahead: Field Manual II

Scheduled for release in late September or early October 2026, Field Manual II expands upon the principles introduced in the first volume. While Field Manual I focused primarily on camouflage and skin tones, FMII examines more advanced aspects of figure painting, including skin, printed fabrics, field-grey uniforms and heavier cloth materials. More importantly, it explores how colour, light, structure, texture and visual hierarchy interact across the figure as a complete subject. As with the original book, the objective is not to make painting appear more complicated. Instead, Langridge continues to remove unnecessary mystery from advanced techniques, explaining decision-making processes in clear, understandable stages. A key feature of FMII is its connection to the recently announced Signature Series. The first 26 commissioned figures in the series sold out shortly after launch, and the order book remains closed. The techniques demonstrated in FMII are the same methods currently being used on those commissioned pieces, ensuring the material remains practical rather than theoretical.

The Future of the Field Manual Series

Development is already underway for Field Manual III, which will focus on Allied uniforms while continuing the advanced methodology introduced in FMII. Rather than reinventing the process with each book, future volumes will build upon the same foundational principles. Different uniforms, fabrics and colour palettes may change, but the core decision-making structure remains remarkably consistent across subjects.

Alongside the books, Langridge plans to continue producing Signature Series figures and may also return to selected box-art commissions when suitable opportunities arise.

A Growing Resource for Figure Painters

From the perspective of AFV Hobby Hub, the most interesting aspect of the Field Manual series is not simply its sales success but its educational philosophy. At a time when many painters are overwhelmed by conflicting techniques, product recommendations and increasingly complex tutorials, Langridge's approach focuses on clarity and repeatability. The result is a resource designed not just to showcase finished work but to help hobbyists improve their own. With approximately 874 copies sold, a highly successful physical launch, and additional volumes already in development, the Field Manual series has quickly become one of the more interesting educational projects in military figure painting.

For painters looking for a practical guide they can genuinely use beside the workbench, FIELD MANUAL I – Workbench Edition appears to deliver exactly what its title promises.

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