Model Art Co.

Model Art Modeling Magazine, No. 30 - 2008 Winter

Reviewed By Dick Montgomery, IPMS# 14003

MSRP: 1,700 Yen (Approx $18) ISBN: 4910123191287 - 01619 Website: www.modelart.jp The publication is a soft cover magazine with 137 pages that are dedicated to nautical subjects, mostly vessels from the Japanese Navy. Most of the models covered in the publications are ships from the 1935 to 1945 time frame, but some are modern and some are non-military vessels. Published in Japanese, the typical English-speaking modeler may wonder if this publication can be of value to them. The answer is "yes". Without an English language translation the modeler is missing the explanatory text discussing the history of the subject of the article, and missing the explanation of the modeling techniques being used. Even so, there are a sufficient number of photographs and line drawings that those who are language limited can glean a great deal of useful information from the magazine. An article supported by excellent photography is the lead article which covers the 1/350 scale Kongo. The images contained in this 10 page article show the placement of photo etch parts and styrene replacement parts (scratchbuilt?) and how they fit on the kit parts. Immediately following the Kongo article, the 1/350th IJN Seaman Figure set is shown along with a "color guide" for the uniforms. A Google search found some related products on the Dragon USA website at: http://www.dragonusaonline.com/item_detail.aspx?ItemCode=FUJ11151. With some of the related products shown on the website one could easily make use of this publication to make some significant upgrades to the Kongo. The centerpiece of this issue of Model Art is a lengthy and well documented article entitled, "Genealogy of Japanese Destroyers of the Kagero/Yugumo Class, Part 3". This 46 page article is illustrated with some excellent photographs of Hasegawa, Tamiya, Aoshimo, and Pit Road kits. Many of the photographs show before/after shots of various parts for the models that are upgraded or modified. The modeler who wishes to upgrade or modify one of the Destroyer kits will find the line drawings that accompany the article to be very clear and well drawn. A short article features the Aoshima 1/700 kit of the Oyodo (1943). The color and B&W images of a completed kit are more than enough for a rookie modeler to construct this kit as an introductory project. For those who prefer to model subjects of the JMSDF, an article covers a 1/700 LST, Osumi Class vessel. Illustrated with photographs of the actual vessel and the model parts, and with the line drawings provided, one can build up an accurate replica of this very interesting vessel. The publication ends with a section entitled, "Revell Archives". Various older Revell models are shown along with images of the box art. This issue focuses on the USS Defiance and some Swift Patrol Boat subjects. My thanks to Model Art for our review sample.