Model Art Profile is published in Japan and is printed in Japanese. Some of the image captions and text have been translated into English, and while the translation is well done, the amount of text in English is minimal.

But as the old saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words, and the hundreds of images contained in this publication will serve as a excellent and comprehensive reference guide for the modeler.

Profile 13 is the most recent installment in a series of Profiles, and the good news is that most of these publications are still available. To view a list of these publications and to see the aircraft that are covered by these Profiles, follow this link: http://www.modelart.jp/english.special.mp.list.001.html

Number 13 provides very thorough coverage of the A6M3, A6M5, A6M7, and A6M8. Earlier variants of the Zero were covered in Profile Number 12. The publication is consistent with the previous Model Art Profiles. It is softbound, 160 pages in length, and is 7 inches by 10 inches.

There are hundreds of b&w photos. These are vintage images, most of which I do not think I’ve seen before. An example of one of those images has been included with this review and can be viewed by scrolling to the bottom of this page The photo shows a derelict Zero, # 878, resting as vegetation begins to enclose it.

There are a number of color images showing detail such as an engine, interior shots of the fuselage, cockpit, gear struts, and wheels. These images were taken of aircraft on display (or in storage) at the Auckland War Memorial (NZ), Imperial War Museum (Duxford), Planes of Fame (USA), and Imperial War Museum (London).

English translations of photo captions are on page 155-156. Certainly not every caption was translated into English, and some of the translations relate to some full color side profile illustrations rather than photographs. Still, the translations are in English and are sufficient to pass as though written by an English-native speaker.

Full color side profiles populate the publication. These profiles show various Squadron markings and color schemes and are of very high quality.

2- and 3-view line drawings are provided for each of the 4 variants of the A6M covered in this publication. These line drawings will assist the reader with those small characteristics that delineate the different versions of the A6M.

One of the best features of Profile 13 is the 18 pages of color drawings showing a huge amount of detail that a modeler might wish to add to his project. These drawings cover a wide range of subject matter, from intricate detail seen on a throttle quadrant (image included at the end of this review) to five different versions of the pilot’s headrest. These drawings are a goldmine for the modeler who wishes to add detail or enhance the detail built into the kit.

The “other best feature” of Profile 13 is the section labeled “Zero Fighter Modeler’s Guide,” starting on page 130. Featured within this section are tips for building the Hasegawa 1/48th Type 22, the Tamiya Type 22 in 1/48th scale, the Tamiya A6M5/5a in 1/48th scale, and the Tamiya Type 52 in 1/72nd scale. All of the guides feature a large number of high-quality, full-color images of each of these kits “in progress.”

For additional information regarding seat belts (by Fine Mold), please read the review of the Fine Mold IJN seatbelt set by going to http://web.ipmsusa3.org/content/ijn-aircraft-seatbelts-sets

This product is highly recommended. Thanks to Model Art for providing this excellent publication to IPMS for review, and to IPMS for allowing me to review it.