Model Art Co, Ltd

Model Art Modelling Magazine No.752, July 2008

Reviewed By  Dick Montgomery, IPMS# 14003

MSRP: $14.00 Web Site: www.modelart.jp Imported to the US by Dragon Models USA www.dragonmodelsusa.com The magazine is a slick, glossy 7"x10" magazine of approximately 150 pages per issue. Think of a National Geographic that features models and you've got a good mental picture of Model Art. Each issue covers a broad spectrum of modeling from aircraft and ships, to armor and automotive subjects. While the text is in Japanese the accompanying photographs and drawings are sufficient to please those who are English-only readers, or not fluent in Japanese. This issue is an excellent resource for those who are interested in Japanese carriers from 1941 to 1944. Coverage begins with the Shokaku. As the cover shot indicates, this issue features coverage of the Nichimo 1/500 scale Shokaku. Six pages are filled with excellent color images of the model. Eighteen images offer a detailed view of the model being built and painted. While the cover story features the 1/500 Skokaku, an argument can be made that the best article in this issue focuses on "How to build Japanese aircraft carrier", all in 1/700 scale, featuring the Zuikaku as seen at the Battle of Cape Engano, Aug 25, 1941, the Skokaku as seen at the Battle of the Coral Sea, May 7, 1942, and the Zuikaku, as seen at the attack on Pearl Harbor, Nov 9, 1941. Each model is shown in progress, as well as after completion. Detailed color images show the camouflage schemes, colors, and some of the conversions required for more accuracy, and an entire page of aftermarket parts that were used in the construction of these 3 models. The nautical theme of this issue continues with a review of the new 1/700 scale light cruiser Naka, a Sendai class vessel. The 4 page review includes color images of the model and detailed shots that will assist a builder in completing the model. Two short articles feature military vehicles. The new Tamiya Opel Blitz 4x2 cargo truck is covered in a 4 page article. The color images accompanying the article are excellent references for anyone wishing to build this kit. The model is shown as slightly weathered and in a camouflage scheme that, with the help of the magazine, can be easily duplicated. The images are sufficient to demonstrate the masking technique used. The 2nd of these articles covers the Soviet MAZ-527G with MAZ/ ChMZAP-5247G Semi Trailer. This kit review features the Trumpeter 1/35 scale kit. Like the preceding article this offering provides the reader with sufficient views of the kit, both unfinished and completed, to build, detail, and paint this Soviet heavy hauler.

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