As a regular at IPMS shows, I’ve often seen Kagero’s Super Drawings in 3D series on display, and I’m kicking myself for not picking up a copy sooner. After diving into Takao, the latest installment in this impressive series, I can confidently say that it was well worth the wait.

This softbound book boasts excellent print quality, with full-color gloss A4 pages that bring every detail to life. The vintage photographs have been colorized, offering a fresh perspective on the Takao, and there’s even a few images of a stunningly detailed scale model of the ship.

The focus of the book is on Takao, the lead ship in the Imperial Japanese Navy’s Takao-class heavy cruisers, which also included Atago, Maya, and Chokai. The first ten pages provide a brief yet informative history of Takao, followed by several pages of meticulously detailed technical drawings, including two examples showcasing the ship’s camouflage and color schemes. For anyone looking to replicate the Takao, these illustrations are an invaluable resource.

However, what truly sets this book apart are the 3D-rendered images of Takao that fill the majority of the volume. The CAD modeling is top-notch, and while the artist isn’t credited, the precision and detail are evident throughout. The renders are more than just visual treats—they’re accompanied by insightful annotations that break down the ship's structure and provide essential context. This feature alone makes the book a must-have reference for modelers.

For anyone working on a model of the Takao—or just passionate about naval history—this book offers an exceptional combination of historical insight and practical guidance. The content is both informative and visually stunning, making it a fantastic addition to any ship modeler’s library.

A big thank you to Kagero Publications and IPMS USA for providing this excellent resource for review!

Highly recommended!