Description

I have reviewed a couple of ModelArt magazines with their impressive variety of subjects and techniques in each issue. The “Plamo Manual” focuses on one subject theme and describes how to build each subject in detail. From ModelArt’s English web site they describe a Plamo Manual as “Plamo Manual is the key handbook for those who have wanted to perfectly build in cars, aircrafts and naval vessels. Moreover, it even elucidates how to use airbrushes for painting. Plamo Manual is a helpful and necessary guide for all modelers.” This issue focuses on modern jet fighter aircraft. The production quality of this “manual” is exceptional. The 112 pages are high quality and weight paper stock, all color and with superb photos. There are a few general and advertiser pages, but for the most part the “manual” is packed with content. Some other Plamo Manuals focused on Ship, AFV, aircraft carriers, painting models and WWII aircraft.

Table of Contents

1. Tamiya: 1/32 F16CJ (Block 50) Fighting Falcon
2. Hasegawa: 1/48 F-22 Raptor
3. Hasegawa: 1/48 U.N. Spacy VF-1A

What! Just three articles in a 100-page + magazine? Yes, but remember that this is a “manual” and each article has complete multi-step instructions for each sub-assembly and where needed multiple steps for a single part. This is a very detailed set of illustrated instructions for not only assembling parts but also correcting any defects in the kit. It is a “how to do it” cockpit to wheels assembly and I cannot stress enough how much detail there is. My only lament is that it is in Japanese. But, with all the photos, you should be able to figure out what is going on. Also, where appropriate there is a list of tools, paints and other materials that need to be used to accomplish the build and/or corrections.

Conclusion

Thanks to ModelArt and IPMS USA for the opportunity to do this review. I give this my highest recommendation and I am considering learning Japanese.