Model Art Magazine - #707 July 2006

Model Art

Model Art Modeling Magazine
No.707, July 2006

Reviewed By Phil Pignataro, IPMS# 17254

MSRP: 1050 JPY

I've seen this publication around from time to time, but was surprised to learn this year represents the 40th anniversary of the magazine. This is a Japanese language modeling magazine that covers all aspects of the hobby. To get a feel for what the magazine was about, I looked on the IPMS web site at a couple of reviews of earlier issues. The July issue seems to follow their "standard" format and subject matter. You'll find high quality photos and high quality paper, but articles written in Japanese with a few English titles here and there. There is, however, about a page long story in English concerning the cancellation of the TSR-2 by the British Prime Minister, Mr. Harold Wilson.

The following is a synopsis of the articles and photos in each category:

  Aircraft:
  ˇ Close-up photos of completed 1/48 kits of the Aichi D3A1 Val, Nakajima B5N2 Kate, Mitsubisi A6M2b Zero, and Yokosuka D4Y Judy. Also included here is a 1/72 kit of the Aichi E13A1.
  ˇ 5 pages of color profile drawings of the Val, Kate, and Zero.
  ˇ Close-up photos of the nose area and cockpit of the Japanese Air Force's T-2CCV research aircraft.
  ˇ Kit reviews with detail photos of the Italeri B-26K and Airfix TSR-2. There is a very useful set of pictures of the cockpit and exterior detail of the TSR-2.

  Ships:
  ˇ B/W photos of a Liberty ship (I think) in 1/700. Also shown are a parts breakdown and a side and plan view drawing.
  ˇ Kit review of the CV-9 Essex in 1/700 with several close-up photos of the completed model.

  Armor:
  ˇ Kit review of the 1/35 Dragon M4A1 (76mm) Sherman tank in a small diorama.
  ˇ Color photos of a 1/35 Flak Panzer I Ausf. A

  Automobiles:
  ˇ Color photos of the 1/24 Mitsubishi Lancer and Subaru Impreza including pictures of the kits' parts.
  ˇ 1/43 kit of the 1974 Nissan from a Kenya cross country race.

The last portion of the book has small photos of numerous aircraft, armor, ship, and auto kits. There is also a section of decal sheet pictures, as well as pictures of model related books. It's interesting to browse through these pages to see what's new. While unable to read most of it, I enjoyed this magazine and was inspired by the beautiful finished models. I remember old issues of Koku-fan aviation magazine had inserts giving the highlights of the magazine in English. That practice would help with this magazine also.

My thanks to John Noack and Model Art (www.modelart.jp) for the review sample.

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