Model Art #939

Following the release of MA#927, HERE, MODEL ART decided to release a second volume, again entitled "Nihon Riku-Kaigunki Dai Zukan" or "Imperial Japanese Army & Navy Airplanes Illustrated Book #2" or simply Model Art #939. It has 146 pages full of photos and illustrations by the well-known duo of Sato Shigeo & Sato Kunihiko. This time it is split into three parts: IJAAF & IJNAF gun sights, IJAAF & IJNAF drop tanks and subjects of various interest including gun-cameras, the stabilizing float of Mitsubishi F1M "Pete", Zero Model 21 formation lights and markings for TainanKu Zeros, various details for the Mitsubishi 1MF, markings for the Nakajima A2N, markings and details for the Mitsubishi B1M, a very interesting 6-page special on the Mitsubishi triplane 1MT, a six page on the Mitsubishi 1MT floatplane operated by Ando Hikoki Kenkyujo and a very helpful to the modellers 10-page special on the Nakajima Ki-44 "Shoki" that could help you detail and paint the Hasegawa 1/32 kit.

When I got this second volume last year I wasn't particularly impressed by the haphazard choice of subjects. I liked better the first "Zukan 1" and that's why this short review is so belated. I'm not sure how helpful to modellers are the beautiful nonetheless illustrations of the interior construction of the small floats of the "Pete" or the interior of the "Zero" drop tanks or the fine details of gun sights usually hidden inside closed cockpits. The last part about the "Shoki" though is really very helpful to modellers and I can't recommend it enough. Yes, it will answer ALL your questions about the landing gear and wheel well colors as well as the cockpit seat, belt, instrument details and much more.

Everything else I think concerns mostly aviation historians, aircraft restoration technicians and Japanese aviation fanatics (myself included).

So, all in all I don't know how recommended this publication is but in any case it is available through our on-line store, HERE.  

If you have already purchased this publication leave a comment if you like with your thoughts.

I have both volumes in this superb series.
The quality of artwork exhibited here is stunning - they are two of my favorite volumes on Japanese aviation. I often simply browse through these books with a cup of coffee - always picking up a new detail here and there...
This volume (number 2) contains fantastic sections on gunsights, droptanks, floats and various details on Japanese biplanes...
The highlight for me though, is the comprehensive section on the Shoki at the rear of the book.
For anyone who appreciates detailed artwork - these books are a must.
Adam O'Brien