Model Art Co, Ltd.

Model Art Profile Series #1 Kawasaki Ki 61 Hein

Reviewed By  John Hoffman, IPMS# 45381

MSRP: ¥2,190 approximately $18.65 Review copy courtesy of Model Art (www.modelart.jp) Model Art kicks off a new series of aircraft profile books with this volume on the Ki 61 Hein. This book covers all variants of this aircraft from early prototypes to the Ki 100, the final, radial engined version. The book is 152 pages, soft-bound format, printed on quality stock. Within these pages period photos are combined with photos of existing airframes in various states of preservation. There are some beautiful photos here, and they provide a great deal of information. Complementing the photos are various illustrations. Some of these appear to be actual works drawings used to design the Hein, although they are credited to Kunihiko Sato on the Model Art website. ( http://www.modelart.jp/english/index.html ) The color profiles are interesting as well. Some are presented in the traditional side view, others as orthographic. Almost all of these are supported by photos of the actual aircraft on the same page. While this may not be a new idea, it is certainly helpful. Four pages of color illustrations for the cockpit interior and exterior details are included and very well done. Three model builds are included as well. One showcasing the new Hasegawa 1/32 kit, with a few scratch built additions. Two 1/48 Hein's are used to show the camouflage patterns typical of these aircraft. Another interesting feature is the page of color "chips". While not actual paint, all the major colors used on these aircraft are given, with a brief description. The nearest Federal Standard (F.S.) number is provided as well. The text is primarily in Japanese. While there are some English captions with the illustrations, none are provided for the photographs directly. Instead, you must go to the back of the book, where you will find ten pages of translated text. This is not the ideal way to do this, and presents the only flaw in this otherwise excellent book. I would certainly recommend this book to modelers building the Ki 61. Those interested in the history of this elegant aircraft may not find it as useful. I would like to thank Model Art and IPMS/USA for the opportunity to review this book.

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