Model Art

Ship Modeling Special #33 Autumn 2009

Reviewed By  Michael Scott, IPMS# 43177

MSRP: ~$18.00 Imported by Dragon USA - Website: www.dragonmodelsusa.com This magazine really qualifies as a "model art" publication. It is written almost entirely in Japanese with an abundance of color photographs, line drawings to scale and historical photographs in black and white. It is solidly bound and printed on heavy paper making a substantial volume. Although my inability to read Japanese prevented me from gaining a deal of technical and procedural information on the builds showcased here, I found that a close inspection of the build sequence and finished model photographs, and there are plenty, certainly compensated for that. By close inspection I mean that I donned my Optivisor, settled back in a comfortable chair and looked closely at what Model Art has to offer. This issue devotes about two-thirds of its contents to the building in 1/350 and 1/700 scales of the IJN carriers Akagi and Shokaku as they appeared in December of 1941. As the cover points out, these are: "Aircraft Carrier AKAGI and SHOKAKU of Attack on Pearl Harbor". The remainder of the publication looks closely at the Republic of China destroyer, Dang-Yang 1954, converted from the Tamiya 1/350 Yukikaze. This is followed by a lengthy section on "Genealogy of Mine-Layer of the Japanese Navy" with period photographs, line drawings and model photos. The main feature, the IJN carriers, is exceptionally well done. The piece on the 1/350 Akagi is obviously based upon the new Hasegawa kit and the extensive photo etch sets offered with it. I believe the builder, or builders, used the kit plastic flight deck, as they demonstrate a complex masking sequence to obtain the various color hues in the flight deck planking. The sequences on assembling the various complex photo etch parts, especially for the flight deck support structures almost makes me believe I could actually do this. Almost. One example of the level of detail put into this model are the photographs of how the tiny rails that run lengthwise on the outside of the weather bulkheads are done with very small brass pins and wire. Indeed, these are surpassed by the fine example of the railings and stand-offs that festoon the downward curving stacks. These have to be seen to be believed. The remainder of this section on the carriers is as well done as the section on the Akagi. Even if, like me, you don't read Japanese, but are interested in the ships covered by this issue, you will find it money well spent. In fact, if I ever am crazy enough to attempt to build the big Hasegawa Akagi, and I just might, I will refer to this magazine often. Definitely recommended. Thanks to Model Art and IPMS for the opportunity to have my mind blown by these fine Japanese builds.