Model Art Issue 63 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 All About Aviation is part of the Model Art Extra series. This issue leads off with either short articles on a finished build or an in depth step-by-step ‘how to’ on the build and painting. The finished model photographs are of high quality in brightness, color, and depth of focus. Advertising is limited to two pages, the inside covers. I counted 749 color photos, one black and white drawing, and 106 color drawings, many color profiles. You will find throughout this journal, color photographs of the real aircraft that are discussed.

This issue focuses on USAF modern fighters and attackers, featuring six aircraft as seen below in the contents. Each chapter contains a section on ‘Development and Upgrade’, ‘Paint Scheme’, ‘Combat Configuration, and one to two detailed builds. The artistry is truly amazing as each modeler depicts important features of his build, often comparing their changes with detailed photographs of the real aircraft. Additionally, there are sections devoted to ‘External Weapons’ and ‘Flight Equipment’. Although each chapter has featured builds, there are short reviews of other kits available for each of the featured aircraft as well as a review of available injected kits for external weapons.

I was pleased to see the section on ‘Flight Equipment’. This consisted of several sub-headings describing the ‘Old-Spec Helmet and Oxygen Mask’, ‘Current-Spec Helmet and Oxygen Mask’, ‘Flight Suit and Anti-G Suit’, ‘ANVIS (Aviator’s Night Vision Imaging System)’, ‘JHMCS (Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System)’, ‘Scorpion System’, ‘F-35 HMDS (Helmet Mounted Display System)’. Multiple views of each system are included, all in color.

Contents

• F-15C/D
  • Development and Upgrade [Page 5]
  • Paint Scheme
  • Combat Configuration
  • Great Wall 1/48 F-15C MISP II USANG Build by Abe Keji
  • External Weapons [Page 26]
  • Hasegawa 1/72 F-15C Eagle “GALM 1” Build by Kurofu Kenzo
• F-15E
  • Development and Upgrade
  • Paint Scheme [Page 45]
  • Combat Configuration
  • Revell Germany 1/48 F-15E Strike Eagle Build by Yanai Kenji [Page 54]
• F-16C/D
  • Development and Upgrade
  • Paint Scheme
  • Combat Configuration [Page 70]
  • Tamiya 1/32 F-16CJ (Block 50) Falcon Build by Matsumoto Naoto [Page 77]
  • Flight Equipment [Page 90]
  • Tamiya 1/48 F-16 (Block 25/32) Falcon Build by Ohashi Yuyaka
• F-22
  • Development and Upgrade
  • Paint Scheme
  • Combat Configuration
  • Hasegawa 1/48 F-22 Raptor Build by Akiyama Isami [Page 118]
• F-35A
  • Development and Upgrade
  • Paint Scheme
  • Combat Configuration
  • Hasegawa 1/72 F-35A Lightning II Build by Takeuchi Tsuyoshi [Page 135]
• A-10A/C
  • Development and Upgrade
  • Paint Scheme
  • Combat Configuration
  • Tamiya 1/72 A-10A Thunderbolt II Build by Watanabe Yoshimitsu [Page 155]
  • Hasegawa 1/72 A-10C Thunderbolt II Build by Watanabe Yoshimitsu

I find the Model Art magazines useful, even though I don’t read Japanese. The pictures of the built up models, articles showing the build process, painting features, and historical photography all provide useful information. Model Art magazines are available from Dragon Models USA’s many retailers and from various overseas retailers, such as Hobby Link Japan, Hobby Search 1999 Models, and Lucky Model.

My thanks to Model Art and IPMS/USA for the chance to review this great issue.

Highly recommended!