Model Art is a Japanese publication that specializes in different aspects of plastic modelling. They have a monthly publication that covers all different genres, but also they publish special issues focusing on a specific topic. In this case how to improve your airplane models.

Be aware that all the text in this special issue is in Japanese. Still the step-by-step pictures are self-explanatory and if you install Google Translate in your smartphone, you can get a machine-based translation for the images captions.

This special issue has tips and techniques being applied in the following airplane models

• Mitsubishi G4M1 - Betty
• Kawasaki Ki45 - Nick
• Kawanishi N1K1 – George
• Aichi D3A1 – Val
• Nakashima Ki44 - Tojo
• Kawasaki Type3 – Tony
• Mitsubishi A6M5 – Zero

Most of the tips and ideas relate about to how to paint and weather your models, but there are a few tips related as to how to assemble them. Something I found interesting is that because of being a Japanese publication, the authors show pictures of some supplies that are often not-known in the Western Hemisphere (but available via internet orders). For instance of Mr Silicone Barrier, which is an airbrushable coating that can be used to reproduce scratched and peeled off paint finishes.

Recommended to modelers of all levels.

I would like to thank Model Art Japan and IPMS/USA for the review sample.