The Carrier Deck Chronicles: A Deep Dive into Model Art No.1164
The Carrier Deck Chronicles: A Deep Dive into Model Art No.1164
Welcome, fellow builders and aviation enthusiasts, to another issue-by-issue breakdown from the pages of Model Art. For September 2025, the team has delivered a truly spectacular edition (No.1164) that will resonate with every naval aviation fan out there, regardless of skill level. With a special feature dedicated to “U.S. Navy Fighters in the Jet Age,” this issue is a masterclass in blending historical reverence with the technical artistry of scale modeling. It’s a compelling look at the legacy of carrier-based aviation, from the iconic Phantoms and Tomcats of yesterday to the cutting-edge Lightning II of tomorrow, all seen through the lens of our shared hobby.
The magazine’s cover itself is a statement, dominated by Tamiya’s brand-new 1/72 F-35C, a kit that has been highly anticipated in the global modeling community. This modern marvel of engineering shares the spotlight with its esteemed predecessors—the F-4 Phantom II, the F-14 Tomcat, and even a glimpse of the F-8 Crusader, all of which are featured in stunning detail within the pages. For a modeler, this is not just a review; it’s a journey through the evolution of naval air power.
A Legacy of Steel and Steam: The Significance of U.S. Navy Jets
Before we delve into the plastic, it’s worth appreciating the real-world significance of the aircraft featured in this issue. The U.S. Navy’s jet fighter fleet is a chronicle of technological evolution, each aircraft marking a distinct era in naval warfare. From the F-4 Phantom’s brute force and versatility, a workhorse of the Vietnam era, to the F-14 Tomcat’s formidable swing-wing geometry and long-range intercept capability that defined the Cold War, these aircraft have captured the imagination of generations. They were more than just machines; they were symbols of national defense, technological superiority, and the sheer audacity of launching a supersonic jet from a moving runway at sea.
This historical context is what elevates this issue beyond a simple product showcase. It provides a narrative framework that makes each kit more than just a model. It’s a tangible piece of history you can build, paint, and display. The articles within the magazine do a superb job of linking these legendary aircraft to their historical missions and roles, giving the modeler a deeper appreciation for the subject matter. This approach is particularly valuable for newer modelers who may be drawn to the aesthetics of a fighter jet but lack the historical knowledge to fully appreciate its place in aviation history.
The Featured Stars: Key Kit Highlights and First Impressions
At the heart of any Model Art issue are the featured builds, and No.1164 does not disappoint. The spotlight naturally falls on three exceptional kits, representing different eras and different model manufacturers, giving us a fantastic cross-section of the hobby’s best.
Tamiya 1/72 F-35C Lightning II: As the cover star and a brand-new release, Tamiya’s F-35C gets the royal treatment. This is a kit that exemplifies Tamiya’s reputation for engineering excellence. The review highlights the kit’s clever parts breakdown, which minimizes seams and simplifies construction, especially around the complex contours of the stealth fighter. The level of detail is impressive for a 1/72 kit, with crisp panel lines, accurate weapon bay interiors, and a well-appointed cockpit. The review showcases the kit’s unique ability to be built with an open canopy and deployed flaps, a feature that allows modelers to capture the dynamic essence of the real aircraft. For modelers intimidated by the F-35’s unique shapes and stealthy finish, the review provides a wealth of painting and weathering guidance, making this build approachable for a wide audience.
Zoukei-Mura 1/48 F-4S Phantom II: Zoukei-Mura is known for its “Super Wing Series” and its obsession with internal detail, and their 1/48 F-4S is a perfect example. This kit is a deep dive into the engineering of the Phantom. The magazine’s review explores the kit’s full engine and fuselage interior, which, while not essential for every builder, provides an incredible level of fidelity for those who want to super-detail their project. The review also praises the excellent fit of the major components and the crispness of the engraved and raised detail. The F-4S variant featured in the magazine is a fantastic subject, and the review demonstrates how to bring out its character through careful painting and weathering, focusing on the heavy panel lines and wear-and-tear characteristic of a carrier-based aircraft.
FineMolds 1/72 F-14A “Bounty Hunters”: FineMolds’ F-14A is a modern classic, and its inclusion here is a nod to its fantastic reputation. This kit is a prime example of a well-engineered 1/72 Tomcat. The review emphasizes the kit’s superb surface detail, particularly the delicate recessed panel lines and rivets that capture the look of the real aircraft. What makes this kit special, and what the magazine highlights, are the excellent decals for the VF-2 “Bounty Hunters” squadron, a beloved livery among Tomcat fans. The build article is a testament to the kit’s excellent fit, which makes the complex swing-wing mechanism a joy to assemble rather than a chore. For anyone looking to build a definitive 1/72 Tomcat, this review provides a convincing argument for why the FineMolds kit should be their first choice.
Building Experiences and Quality Comparisons
The reviews in this issue go beyond just showing finished models; they provide invaluable insights into the building process itself. This is where Model Art truly shines for a global audience. The magazine provides step-by-step photos and detailed descriptions that walk the reader through the construction of each kit. This is a crucial element for those who may not be able to read the Japanese captions, as the visuals themselves are a masterclass in technique.
For the Tamiya F-35C, the build log focuses on achieving the unique finish of modern stealth aircraft, including the use of specific paints and weathering techniques to simulate the paneling. The article highlights how the kit’s design, with minimal parts for the airframe, allows the builder to concentrate on the complex finishing process. This is a thoughtful approach by Tamiya, recognizing that a model of a stealth fighter is as much about the paint job as it is about the assembly. The magazine shows how to master the “paneling” effect that is a key visual characteristic of the real F-35.
The Zoukei-Mura F-4S build is a lesson in detail painting, showing how to make the intricate internal structure come to life. The builder’s article in the magazine is a fantastic resource, detailing the painting of the cockpit, landing gear bays, and engine exhausts. It’s a showcase of advanced techniques that can inspire modelers to push their skills to the next level. The review points out the rewarding experience of building such a detailed kit, especially for those who enjoy the intricate work of super-detailing.
And the FineMolds F-14A article provides great tips on how to handle the swing-wing mechanism and the delicate decal application for the detailed squadron markings. The review emphasizes the satisfying click-fit of the parts, which is a hallmark of FineMolds’ engineering. The focus on the VF-2 “Bounty Hunters” livery is particularly appealing, and the magazine provides close-up shots of the finished decals, showcasing their quality and opacity over the light grey airframe.
The juxtaposition of these three kits also offers a fascinating comparison of modeling philosophies. Tamiya’s approach is about a streamlined, satisfying building experience with exceptional fit and detail. Zoukei-Mura caters to the hyper-detailer who wants to see the guts of the machine. FineMolds represents the “jewel box” approach, offering a precise, highly detailed kit in a smaller scale. By showcasing all three, the magazine provides something for every type of modeler, from the weekend warrior to the competition-level enthusiast.
Beyond the Carrier Deck: Other Highlights in the Issue
While the U.S. Navy jet fighters take center stage, Model Art No.1164 is far from a one-trick pony. The issue contains several other features that broaden its appeal and provide valuable content. A fantastic build article on Academy’s 1/72 F-8E Crusader, another “Last of the Gunfighters,” provides a nostalgic look back at one of the US Navy’s most storied jets. The article shows how a slightly older kit can be brought to life with modern detailing and painting techniques, making it a great resource for modelers with a backlog of classic kits.
The issue also features a special report on the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force’s P-3C Orion, a powerful parallel to the US Navy’s own patrol aircraft. This article, featuring a 1/144 scale kit, serves as a great example of building larger, multi-engine aircraft and a wonderful look at a subject not commonly seen in Western modeling magazines. The build is a testament to what can be achieved with a smaller scale, with impressive detail work on the engines and surface features.
Finally, the magazine touches on other genres of modeling. A new kit review of what appears to be a monstrous Godzilla figure from Bandai and a showcase of Tamiya’s 1/35 Soviet T-34/76 tank are included. While a tank or a monster may seem out of place in a jet-centric issue, it underscores Model Art’s dedication to the entire spectrum of the hobby. It reminds us that at the core, the principles of craftsmanship, painting, and weathering are universal, whether you’re building a sleek jet fighter or a battle-worn tank. The inclusion of the “Veteran Kit” feature, specifically highlighting the T-34, is a fantastic touch, providing a guide for modelers on how to tackle older or simpler kits and get great results.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Have for the Global Modeler
In a world where digital content often dominates, Model Art No.1164 is a powerful reminder of the value of a physical, well-curated magazine. The quality of the photography, the depth of the builds, and the thoughtful historical context make this issue an essential addition to any modeler’s library. It transcends language barriers through the universal language of modeling—stunning visuals and impeccable craftsmanship.
For the American modeler, it offers a fresh, detailed perspective on a subject they may already love. For the European and Asian modeler, it provides invaluable insight into some of the most iconic aircraft in modern history. Whether you’re a fan of the sleek, futuristic F-35C, a nostalgic builder of the swing-wing F-14A, or a detail fanatic ready to tackle the complexity of a Zoukei-Mura Phantom, there is something in this issue for you. Model Art No.1164 is more than a magazine; it’s a tribute to the legacy of U.S. Navy fighters and a celebration of the modeling community that keeps their stories alive. It’s a must-have for anyone who builds, collects, or simply admires these magnificent machines.
