Model Art Modeling Magazine is a Japanese publication that is released monthly. The text is mainly in Japanese with some English subtitles throughout. One benefit of these magazines is the high quality of the photographs and the models that are used.

This month’s issue is geared toward the Formula 1 fans, but the issue starts off with a report from the 2013 Shizuoka Hobby Show. This is covered in four pages packed with color photographs. Some models of note – Tamiya’s 1/32nd F4U-1 and Minicraft’s 1/72nd PBM-5/5A are just a few of the examples.

The Formula 1 article is covered in over fifty one pages. The largest focus of the article is on the John Player Special cars. They use models of these cars along with tips on building them, captured in black and white and color photos. Along with models, there are photos of the actual cars in color and black and white photographs.

Model Art Modeling Magazine is a Japanese publication that is released monthly. The text is mainly in Japanese with some English subtitles throughout. The magazines’ striking feature is the high quality of the photographs showing the models used.

This issue has two feature articles instead of just one, as normal. The first article covers the Pz.Kpfw. IV. They use models of an Ausf. D by Tamiya, Ausf. F2(G) by Dragon, Ausf. H early by Tamiya, and an Ausf. J late production. These are all 1/35th scale. Within the article, they go over how to improve these models, along with a breakdown of German gray between three different paint manufacturers (Mr. Color, Tamiya enamels, and Vallejo). The last part of the article consists of photos of a Pz. IV Ausf. J. in a museum, along with line drawings of some of the differences between versions.

I am a big fan of Osprey books and I have quite a few in my collection and find they usually provide all the information needed to research a model. This book by Ross Cowan is no exception, and it is a follow-up book to his work Roman Legionary, 58 BC – AD69, which was published in 2003 by Osprey.

The Roman Legionary in the prime of the Empire was a fine tuned fighting machine. Kept in shape by constant labor, such as building forts and roads, their universal training meant that Legions from opposite ends of the empire could fight alongside each other seamlessly. Each man knew his place and function in the battle lines.

This is not to mean that the Romans were unbeatable. There are several cases of Legions (Approximately 5000 men at full strength) being destroyed or vanishing during our time period. Also, with rebellious leaders trying to seize control of the Empire, it was not uncommon for Legion to face Legion in battle.

This is Model Art Magazine’s Mechanics – Major Robots in Golden Age. As with the regular Model Art Magazine this is printed in Japanese with some English subtitles.

This special issue covers “Mechanic Models” with an emphasis on models from the 80’s. The subjects of this issue are covered with the use of built up models that are shown in full color photographs.

So what is a Mechanic Model? From going through this issue I would describe it as your Transformer, Gundam and Mech type model. Some of the models built are a RX-78 Gundam, Aura Battler Dunbine, ATM-09-RSC Scopedog Red Shoulder Special and VF-1J Valkyrie. With each of these is a build article that gives tips and tricks to the builder.

There is one model that is reviewed that almost everyone should recognize in this issue. This is the Fine Molds 1’48^th scale X-Wing Fighter. This has got to be one of the nicest kits of the X-wing that is on the market.

Model Art Modeling Magazine is a Japanese publication that is released monthly. The text is mainly in Japanese with some English subtitles throughout. One attractive feature of these magazines is the high quality of the photographs and the models that are used.

In this month’s issue, the feature article covers dealing with aftermarket parts (resin and photo etch), and then they show the application to actual models. They cover everything from removing PE from the fret, bending PE, and cleaning resin. This article covers approximately the first quarter of the magazine.

The next article is the continuing series on building a JASDF T-28B. This month they cover the wings and landing gear.

The April new kit review covers the following kits: GWH 1/48 Mig-29 Late type 9.12, Kinetic 1/48 T-45 A/C “Goshawk”, Pit Road 1/35 Crossley Armored Car Model 25, Tamiya 1/35 M109A6 “Paladin”, and Fujimi 1/700 Aircraft carrier Cruiser Mogami.