Model Art Co, Ltd

Model Art Modeling Magazine #22 Winter 2006 Japanese Navy Seaplane Carriers

Reviewed By  Luke R. Bucci, PhD, IPMS# 33549

MSRP: 1619 yen (approximately $13.67) ISBN: 001406196313 Available from Model Art ((www.modelart.jp) and online stores. Pages: 136; Size: A4; Pictures: more than 500 of article subjects (not counting ads); mostly color; Diagrams: 20 in 1/700 scale; Foldouts: 1 Model Art No. 22 magazine issue is primarily devoted to World War 2 Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) seaplane carriers, and building their kits in 1/700 scale. Another section is devoted to modern US Navy Nimitz-class carriers, and there are only a few other topics. This issue is a primary resource for anyone interested in building IJN seaplane carriers. More than other navies, between the world wars the IJN experimented with floatplanes as attack aircraft as well as for reconnaissance. Initially, they converted merchant ships (tankers), some with partial flight decks for storage and protection, and some that appeared like regular merchant ships with catapults. Next, the IJN built four large, cruiser-sized, devoted seaplane carriers that carried 24 aircraft each. Those that were not sunk early in the war were converted into midget submarine carriers, then into regular light carriers in 1943(Chiyoda and Chitose). As usual, Model Art magazines are almost entirely in Japanese, but the paper and pictures are of top quality. Fortunately, the wealth of photographs of models in various stages of construction along with pictures of finished kits paint a visual picture of how to build these kits and how they should appear when finished, so the inability to understand the text is less painful. This issue shows how to build the kits OOB (out of box, with no embellishments other than paint), as well as adding photoetched details and rebuilding pieces. Each ship also has profile drawings, and there is a color page of camouflage colors and schemes, rare in the IJN (almost every ship was a shade of dark grey, depending upon the yard where it was painted). From my experience building the Aoshima 1/700 scale IJN Chitose kit over 15 years ago, and comparing this issue to other Japanese language texts and references, the articles depict very accurate renditions of IJN seaplane carriers. In fact, this issue has all of the available kits in the same place, making it a premiere resource for model builders. A history of these ships starting in 1914 is presented, but is in Japanese. However, the photographs tell the story. Models covered are: Wakamiya, Notoro, Kamoi, Chitose, Chiyoda, Mizuho, Nisshin, Sagara Maru, Kamikawa Maru, Kimikawa Maru, and Akitsushima. Each ship model has several pages specifically devoted to building the kit, along with photographs of finished models. Most look spectacular, and provide tips and incentive to building accurate depictions of these ships. A foldout shows a painting of the Chitose and the other side shows a photograph of a model of the USS Nimitz. The first 39 pages describe building three modern US Navy carrier kits - the Abraham Lincoln, Nimitz 2003 and 1977, along with a pictorial and line drawing history of the class. Other articles cover building the Uraga class JMSDF Minesweeper Tender kits, and the Revell US Navy attack transports, released under various names and box arts over the years - an archive article. A 2-page Reader's Gallery rounds out the articles. There are only a few pages of advertisements in this issue. This magazine would primarily interest aficionados of IJN waterline ship kits. The quality of production is excellent, and this issue is a reference guide for building accurate IJN seaplane carriers. Definitely recommended for building IJN seaplane carrier kits.

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