Model Art Issue 940 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 Model Art magazine is a monthly issue that has evolved from their first issues in 1966 that focuses on all modeling subjects. I’ve attempted to capture the contents below, but please be aware of translation difficulties. There are about 40 pages of advertising, out of the 160 pages, showing what is available and new, always useful for building up that wish list. Nearly all the articles are supported with color photos. A few of the ongoing series are supported with black and white drawings and photos

This issue features the McDonnell-Douglas RF-4 Recon Phantom II with build reviews of 1/48, and 1/72 kits. This is a rather extensive feature starting at Page 10 and continuing to Page 56. This feature also includes plenty of detail photographs of the real things as well as pics of extremely well done models. The included profiles are very well done with color call outs in FS numbers. The New Kit Reviews are always well done, but the build on the new Ebro 1/20 McLaren Honda MP4-30 really caught my attention with the fiber optics lighting of the rear lights. I would have to say my favorite series is the IJN / IJA Airplane Illustrated that highlights aircraft details in color scrap drawings (Page 110) to emphasize what can be barely seen in original black and white photographs.

Contents:

• Scratch built 1/700 IJN Yoshino Protected Cruiser (Page 6)
• Follow Your Heart: Mobius 1/8 Martian from Mars Attacks!
• Special Feature: J.A.S.D.F. RF-4 Forever
  • RF-4E / RF-4EJ Serial Numbers
  • McDonnell-Douglas RF-4E Phantom II “Sea Camouflage” – Hasegawa 1/48 Build Review
  • RF-4E / EJ Phantom II Photo File (Page 23)
  • RF-4E 913 Profiles
  • RF-4EJ 397 Profiles (Page 32)
  • The Question about J.A.S.D.F
  • RF-4EJ 406 Profiles
  • RF-4EJ 371 Profiles
  • RF-4E 901 Profiles
  • The Future of Japan’s Tactical Reconnaissance Capabilities
  • Hasegawa 1-48 RF-4E Phantom II Air Intake Duct Enhancement (Page 41)
  • Break Ready…Now!-Hasegawa 1/72 RF-4E Build Review
• JASDF RF-4E/EJ Phantom II Model Kits
• RF-4E Phantom II Operating Camera Pod Conversion of the Hasegawa 1/48 F-4EJ (Page 51)
• JASDF 1/144 RF-4 Phantom II Accessories
• Mission LED Volume 6 (Page 74)
• 3.5 Rittoru Judd V10 Mounted in Mazda’s New SWC Car
• 23^rd Kiya Con 2016 Contest Report
• New Kit Review
  • Aoshima 1/12 1974 Honda CB400 Four Build Review (Page 84)
  • Flyhawk 1/700 HMS Aurora 1945 Build Review (Page 87)
  • Trumpeter 1/35 HEMTT M983 Tractor Build Review (Page 93)
  • Eduard 1/72 Focke-Wulf Fw 190A-8 Build Review
  • Ebro 1/20 McLaren Honda MP4-30 Build Review (Page 102)
  • Tamiya M24 Chaffee Build Review
• IJA / IJN Airplane Illustrated Volume 132 (Page 110)
• Neo Historic Garage: Fujimi 1/24 Nissan Cedric / Gloria GT SV Build Review (Page 112)
• New in Plastic (Page 118)
• Book Reviews
• Model Art R&D: What A Wonderful Drone World
• Reader’s Club

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 book.

Highly recommended!