Although this large format publication on fine, heavy paper is almost entirely written in Japanese, it does feature an extensive set of line drawings detailing every bit of the surface features found on the various versions of IJN Mogami. Like 140 pages of them. Fortunately for English reading modelers, each page features explanatory text in both Japanese and English.

The IJN Mogami, originally built as a light cruiser, went through a number of yard overhauls and re-designs, emerging before WWII as a heavy cruiser and destined for fame starting with the Battle of Midway. The background for each of these versions is explained in the book, in English as well as Japanese, and sets of drawings for each version is included to aid the modeler in understanding and building the exact version of the ship he desires. Short of actual photographs, everything one could wish or need to know about the different configurations of IJN Mogami is found here. As an example, the first page of drawings is actually a three-page fold out with IJN Mogami shown from the starboard side and top view in her 1935-1938 light cruiser configuration. The reverse side of this enormous page shows IJN Mogami in her 1939-1942 configuration, and finally page 2, another 3-page fold out is devoted to her final, post 1942 configuration as a sea plane cruiser.

These large drawings are keyed by sections to the following 130+ pages of detailed drawings for each configuration. I have built Tamiya's 1/350 Mogami 1942 version kit. It sits now in its basic form and with this book I will be able to add various items of detail to make my kit unique and faithful to the original.

For those merely interested in this level of detail, or those anticipating adding significant and accurate detail to their IJN Mogami kit, this is a must have publication. Outstanding.

Thanks to IPMS and ModelArt for the review opportunity.