For those unfamiliar with Model Art Modeling Magazine, it is a Japanese-produced modeling magazine that is released monthly. Along with the monthly releases, the company also releases several special issues. These special issues cover a multitude of subjects from IJN submarine depot ships to F1 race cars to airbrushing, as a few examples. The text is primarily in Japanese with some English subtitles but the photography is phenomenal.

The main article in the November issue is a continuation of articles from the September issue on heavy and medium IJN aircraft carriers. In the current issue, they cover IJN light carriers. Each of the carriers is represented by a 1/700th scale model kit. The carriers are the Hosho, Ryujo, Shoho, Zuiho, Ryuho, Chitose, Chiyoda, Taiyo, Unyo, Chuyo, Shinyo and the Kaiyo.

Following the first article, there is a four-kit build review. The first kit used for this is the Pit Road 1/700th scale IJN aircraft carrier Ryuho short- and long-deck, and there are some period photos included that appear to be from the Ryuho upgrade. The next kit featured is the Fujimi IJN aircraft carrier Ryuho 2nd upgrade. The last kit featured is Hasegawa 1/700 IJN carrier Shoho. Each one of these is a stunning build, in my opinion.

Next is a small photo feature on the Pit Road Contest 2012. I was able to translate the Japanese text with Google translator to figure this out. There were some phenomenal models, with most appearing to be in 1/700th scale.

Two small articles follow. One is about 1/700th scale submarines, and then a continuation of a series on building the ICM 1/72nd MIG-25PD. This second article has been an ongoing series covering the building of the kit along with actual photographs of the real plane.

The issue then moves into the new kit review. The new kits reviewed in detail this month are the 1/24 Nissan R89C Group C Racer for the 1989 Le Mans 24H race by Tamiya, Xuntong Model Tu-2T Soviet Torpedo Bomber in 1/48, Fine Molds 1/35 Type 4 “Chi-To” IJA Tank (planned prototype ver. & production ver.), and Airfix’s 1/72 Bf-109E-4 and Spitfire F Mk.22.

Following the kit reviews are two more build reviews using the Italeri 1/48th V-22 Osprey and converting it to a MV-22B, and the Hasegawa 1/72nd Ace Combat ASF-X Shinden II.

A regular feature in Model Art Modeling Magazine is the Neo Historic Garage, where they built a car kit from the 80’s or early 90’s. This month’s car is the 1990 Toyota Corolla Levin GT Apex.

The issue concludes with a multitude of new kit releases and many advertisements.

I recommend this magazine, as it gives you an exposure to modeling outside of the USA. I would like to thank IPMS/USA and Model Art for allowing me to review this fine product.