MSRP: 1150 JPY (approximately $12 USD)
Website: www.modelart.jp

Like all Model Art issues, this is presented almost entirely in Japanese. The main articles and reviews are in color, and the rest is mainly black & white with some color. The value with Model Art magazine is its in-depth photographs and pictures of new models and how to build, modify or improve them. Pictures tell the story, so a lack of English language text is not a big deal. The format is 7 1/8 x 10 1/8 inches in size and has 160 pages. The printing, reproduction and photograph quality are excellent as always.

The September 2009 issue cover shows the major feature of this month – the McLaren/Honda Formula One 1/20th scale car models. Pages 7-45 have separate articles about building and detailing seven different cars from 1988 to 1992. The article is very detailed and goes in-depth to show historical information, and many photos of the real cars for modeling reference. The kits are Tamiya and Fujimi. The article goes on to cover garage kits, diecast and other Formula One cars of the era.

The other main articles are as follows:

• Three 1/144th scale F-15J eagles – with very unique colors!
• Dragon 1/35th scale Sd.kfz. 161/4 Flackpanzer
• Hasegawa 1/48th scale TA-4J Skyhawk
• Special Hobby 1/32nd scale Heinkel 100D-1 propaganda fighter
• Cyberhobby 1/35th scale Pz.Kpfw. IV Ausf H
• Great Wall Hobby 1/35th scale SWS 60cm IR searchlight carrier UHU
• Trumpeter 1/350th scale HMS Repulse
• 1/700th scale HMS Renown 1942

Every issue has mini articles about techniques, new releases, and general "what's going on" in the market place. Plus many other mini-reviews of all subject material worth reading. Of particular interest, is the New Book releases which are scattered throughout the magazine. Most of these are English language books – worth looking into through US book distributors.

This issue is recommended if you like Formula One car models and want some Technical and Historical background as well. This large magazine is one of the best at keeping up-to-date with new armor, ship and aircraft and car kits. Model Art magazine is always an inspiration and thanks for the opportunity to review it.