Modelling US Navy Jets
1/48 Painting Techniques for Jet Aircraft

by Mokeo

Reviewed by David Couche

When I received this book, I was astounded at the quality of the books, the skill and ability of the modeller and the photographic results that are totally lifelike.

The author, Mokeo, is a 44-year-old Japanese modeller, who previously worked as an architectural model maker, was a long-time modeller but started taking it seriously in 2016.  The majority of his building is modern jet fighters primarily in 1/48 and 1/32.

In the book there is a tail piece on the author and his work environment which is very compact. I’ve put a copy of it here.

And now, on to the book. As you would know, US Navy carrier-based jet aircraft operated in the harsh environment of an aircraft carrier, salt water, cramped and frequent handling led to a worn and tired looking aircraft. The book gives a thorough explanation of high and low visibility painting and weathering techniques in this one book.

Mokeo deals with 4 iconic aircraft, being the F-4 Phantom II, F-14D Tomcat ( 2 different builds), F/A-18F Super Hornet Hornet and a Marines EA-6B Prowler that have symbolized various eras of the U.S. Navy and are enduringly popular among aircraft modelers and aviation enthusiasts.

This book, "MODELLING US NAVY JETS: 1/48 US Navy Jet Painting Techniques," uses 1/48 scale plastic models of US Navy jets as a canvas and carefully explains how to paint and soil them. The 'high visibility' and 'low visibility' paint schemes representing the US Navy aircraft are explained using the F-4 Phantom II and F-14 Tomcat (both Tamiya 1/48), respectively.

In addition to basic painting techniques, Mokeo also thoroughly introduces weathering techniques that will bring out the charm and worn look of the aircraft. The materials and tools Mokeo uses are all readily available at any hobby shop, making this a must-have for those painting a U.S. Navy aircraft for the first time, those new to weathering, and even veteran modelers looking to improve their weathering skills. I’ve included a number of pages showing how Mokeo goes through a wide range of techniques, from metal exhaust nozzles, swing wing marks of the Tomcat, the many oil stains of the F-18 and the mottled paint surface of the Prowler. This is just a small glimpse as to what this book has to offer.

A real bonus with this book are the photographs that Mokeo has taken of these aircraft and inserted onto operating backgrounds that have these models looking lifelike. His use of subtle lighting and staging angles create an amazing look.

If there is a downside to this book, it is nothing to do with the book itself, but with how you can purchase it. I found it on a number of Japanese sites (with many only in Japanese), HLJ, 1999.co and a couple of shops on eBay at inflated costs. But the hunt for it is well worth the results. As mentioned above in the disadvantages, the book I believe is aimed at the Japanese market as the Japanese text takes the prime position and is in a larger font than the English translation. This does make it harder to read and you really have to look closely to get the information and technique descriptions. That being said, the translations read well in English and are very meaningful.

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He has written 5 more books, with a couple of them focusing on Japanese WWII aircraft, which I will be looking out for.

This is a great book from a new Japanese modeller and author, Mokeo. Incredibly impressive skills and a willingness to pass on those skills, to you. This is one, high class production, even as a soft cover.  I can’t recommend it highly enough.

Many thanks to Dai Nippon Kaiga or Mokeo for the review sample.

Text and Imges Copyright © 2024 by David Couche
Page Created 23 October, 2024
Last updated 23 October, 2024

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