Model Art Co., Ltd

Model Art Modeling Magazine, No. 32, Summer 2009

Reviewed By  Dick Montgomery, IPMS# 14003

MSRP: 1,700 Yen (Approx $18) Imported by Dragon USA: www.dragonmodelsusa.com Website: www.modelart.jp (English Language Website) The publication is a soft cover magazine with 140 pages that are dedicated to nautical subjects, mostly vessels from the Japanese Navy. Published in Japanese, the magazine contains a wealth of excellent images that clearly illustrate the models and techniques being covered within each article. The lead article is by Ralph Kuo. In text and images Mr. Kuo covers some detailing techniques for the Aoshima 1/350 Takao. The photography reveals an highly detailed Takao straight from the box. Mr. Kuo, however, makes use of an extensive P.E. set to add additional detail. Unfortunately the P.E. set is not identified in text or in an image showing the manufacturer of the set, however it appears to be the Gold Medal Models set. Pre-painted figures by Fujimi add life to the model. An amazing photograph shows a dozen crewmen manning stations on the platforms of the superstructure. Additional images show an incredible amount of p.e. added to the superstructure, masts, around and on the smoke stacks. Of particular notice are the two catapults. The images, all in color, provide the modeler with sufficient reference material and detail for a very challenging "detail" project. The Heavy Cruisers Tone and Chikuma are featured in the second article of this issue. Detailed images, in color, are accompanied by some exquisite profile line drawings. These two models are 1/700 scale but the detail is eye catching and very clear in the images. An interesting follow up to the article on the two cruisers features a scratch building project. Images and lines drawings lead one through the process of scratching a 1/700 Chikuma converted into a carrier. A series of smaller "show and tell" articles feature color and b&w images of several models in 1/700. These include the Mogami, Hyuga, and the oiler Hayasui. Returning to the more detailed, longer form of article, accompanied, again, by color images are two features showing super detail work on a 1/350 Mogami and a 1/350 Ise. Included in this series of 1/350 ships is an article about a subject seldom seen…that being the Akitsushima Seaplane Carrier. This is a limited edition model, only 500 being manufactured. The kit is a combination of brass, photo etch, and resin. Model Art has a reputation for high standards in photography and art work. Although those who are limited in their ability to read Japanese text may find the magazine's appeal limited, it is suggested that the layout of the articles and the detailed nature of the images makes the magazine worth the cost. My thanks to ModelArt for the chance to review this great magazine.