Model Art Issue 59 is typical of other Model Art magazines in that it is written entirely in Japanese, with occasional English words, usually in article titles or in captions. The Vessel Model Special is a quarterly issue that focuses on naval subjects. Advertising comprises the inside covers (and back cover) along with another four pages showing what is available and new, always useful for building up that wish list. I counted 596 photos (mostly in color) along with 17 side view or top view drawings. Additionally there are a lot of color scrap drawings highlighting details in the Ship Construction series.

Tsesarevich (Russian: Цесаревич) was a pre-dreadnought battleship of the Imperial Russian Navy, built in France at the end of the 19th century. The ship's design formed the basis of the Russian-built Borodino-class battleships. This set represents what she carried prior to an attack in the night of February 9, 1904, in the Russian-Japanese war. She was one of three ships to be struck by Japanese torpedoes and limped back to Port Arthur. There she lost four of her 75mm, two of her 47mm, and two of her 37mm guns to reinforce the port defenses. After the Russian-Japanese war, Tsesarevich, helped suppress the Sveaborg Rebellion. Around 1906, her fighting top was removed and her superstructure was cut down, in the process losing more guns, mainly most of her 75mm guns. In time, ~ 1914, all of her 75mm guns were removed.

Academy is one of the most eclectic kit manufacturers on the market. Not only do they make traditional models in a range of scales, they also make educational kits such as this one. It’s nice to see a mainstream company try a variety of strategies to entice younger modelers into the hobby.

The Kit

There are four sprues, all of translucent plastic that are of different colors. The plastic is on the soft side, but certainly strong enough to meet the demands of moving the kayak through the water. For those of us not mechanically inclined, the motor and gear box are pre-assembled, so no fears of trying to trying to become an electrician or mechanical engineer. There is a small sheet of stickers for the little robot man, but that’s about it.

Thanks to Master-Model for the barrels and IPMSUSA staff for handling the request and publishing this review.

Bottom Line

Master-Model supplies the ultimate barrels for 4.7in/45 (120mm) main guns for most WW2 British destroyer classes.

For ship modelers looking to improve the look of their ship masts, or specifically their yardarms, Master Model has come to the rescue. Their Yardarm Set Number 1 contains a dozen replacement yardarms in lengths of 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, and 17.5 mm (two of each size is included). The already small brass items are finely tapered out to the ends, just like the real thing. If replacing plastic yardarms on a kit, the comparison photograph shows what a difference these can make.

My hits are that once again, the folks at Master Model have released some very finely detailed replacement parts, in this case for the 1/700 scale ship modeler. The fine taper are clearly visible, and will make a nice upgrade for a reasonable price.

I have no valid miss for this release itself. The directions only show the items that are present, and mention set number 2 in this scale as well as the two sets available in 1/350 scale.