IJN warship model book

[chuck]

Gekkan's IJN Fleet scale model book is highly recommended. There are photo collections covering models of 35 different IJN warships, ranging from battleships to little 14 meter landing ship. Most of the models are in 1/100 scale. Some are in 1/200, and a few in smaller scales. While some of the model may contain a few minor points of inaccuracy when measured against latest research, the quality of the actual model work are all so excellent in most cases as to make you cry. Many of the photos are taken from angles not seen in photos of the real ships, and reveal details that would be very hard to find elsewhere. There is an amazing 1/20 scale cut away model of Yamato's 18.1" turret with full working details, including operating semi-automatic interrupted screw breech block. There is also a set of work in progress photo of a 1/200 scale Yamato (Solid wood and scratch built, not the big plastic kit) that would make your jaw drop.

[Dan K]

Agreed. Nice to have all the superlative Gakken models in one handy volume.