MSRP: 1,096 Yen (Approx $11.50)
ISBN # 4910087330692 01095
Publisher: Model Art Co., Ltd, 1-12-30, 1Chome, Kudankita Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-0073 Japan
Website: www.modelart.jp

This publication is a soft cover magazine containing 160 pages and is printed in Japanese. While much is going to be lost without a translation there is still much that can be enjoyed and extracted from this high quality magazine. As they say, a picture is worth 1,000 words and Model Art routinely is filled with exceptional photography.

A series of photo essays cover the Tamiya 1/350 Mogami, Fujimi 1/700 Kongo, Tamiya 1/700 Repulse, Tamiya 1/700 Scharnhorst, Pit-Road 1/700 Richelieu, and the resin HP Models 1/700 Vittorio Veneto. Each kit is covered with color photographs which show the model in various stages of construction. It is easy to see some of the small errors that must be corrected in some of these kits, the photographs making it clear which parts must be modified. The photos also display some spectacular camouflage schemes, deck colors, and colors for some of the gear one will place on the vessel.

A short article entitled, "Modeling JASDF", features the color scheme for an F-15DJ. Full color line drawings cover the appearance of this aircraft in a very comprehensive manner.

New Kit Reviews

In the same manner as the F-15DJ, short articles feature new releases, the first of those articles features a Ferrari. Supported by outstanding color photography, the Fujimi 1/20 Ferrari 248 F1 that raced in the 2006 Brazil Grand Prix is reviewed.

Mono Chrome's VRC-105 Centauro RCV, in the service of the Spanish Army is reviewed. Color images show this model, with its extensive and spectacular system of tire suspension, in detail and built up. Several of the images were taken of the model throughout the process of construction prior to any paint scheme being applied. Additional color images show a weathered and dirty vehicle on an excellent diorama base.

Dragon's Smart Kit of the 15cm s.I.G.33 (Sf) auf Pa.Kpfw.1 Aust.B uses the same basic approach as the Mono Chrome kit. The images of the model prior to painting clearly show the location of the PE parts while the images after the weathered finish has been applied show the modeler how to finish the kit giving it a used and weathered appearance.

Hasegawa's 1/48th scale I.A.F. F-16I is the subject of another of these New Release reviews. Detail shots show the tail hook, cockpit, and the array of bulges and housings that fit in front of the windscreen. Of course, the excellent color photography shows the camo scheme.

Fly's news Macchi M.5 in 1/48th is a spectacular example of the superior quality of the photography that fills Model Art. The complex and very colorful paint scheme of this unique aircraft is detailed in eleven color images. If you are a WWI fan this New Release Review is sufficient to justify the purchase of this edition of Model Art.

The final New Release review is on the other end of the historical timeline from the Macchi M.5. The Revell 1/44th C-17A is detailed by photographs across five pages. The pictures are split between color and B&W, with some stunning images of the interior of the cargo bay, complete with an M-1 stored within.

Following the New Release section, a series of advertisements for kits in B&W show the bob art and the parts carriers laid out around the box.

Model Art gives the modeler an extremely useful tool. The high quality images in Model Art serve as an outstanding and valuable resource when one wants information regarding the color that should be applied and the placement of color patterns.

My thanks to Model Art for the chance to review this great magazine.