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Hauler/Brengun was founded in 1999 and produces scale plastic kits, resin kits and accessories, photo-etched details for kits and other accessories.
As a former carrier sailor, books on the history of these ships fascinate me, and both modelers and fans of the Essex-class carriers will enjoy this new release in the “Images of War” series from Pen and Sword in their Maritime line. There are some great photographs of the ships and their aircraft, along with some of astronaut recoveries. A total of 24 ships of the Essex-class were built and served well from World War II through Korea and Vietnam, with the last ship serving as a training carrier until 1991.
It’s a model, it’s a game it’s two, two, two things in one! Atlantis Models has done all the heavy lifting getting the molds and license for this kit. Once built, you can play ice hockey. Inside the box, you will get multicolored sprues (yellow, black and white and one spring) all ready to assemble and play. This kit is well molded and has no flash. It is snap tite in that it all pushes together. There are stickers included for the hockey sticks, Snoopy’s spot and the markings on the “ice’.
Assembly, start to finish, will take about 30 minutes. A good sprue cutter or razor saw will help remove the parts as the sprue gates are substantial. The pieces are heavy too, in order to tolerate the beating the game will take being played with constantly. I did deviate from the instructions in that I glued Snoopy and Woodstock together and clamped them well. A quick sanding and I repainted both. I hand painted the eyes, mouth and noses and gave them several good coats of clear.
A true blast from the past, Atlantis Models has reissued the Aurora Godzilla kit with glow in the dark parts. As a kid, I remember the “Frightening Lightening “versions. This issue comes in a square box with alternate glow parts for the head, hands, feet, spine, top of the tail and nameplate. The kit also includes the destroyed city base. Total parts are 32 in Godzilla green with 14 separate glow alternate parts.
The company website states:
“The latest issue of your favorite magazine concentrates on an important aspect of any build: accessories. The details and optional accessories that bring realism into your modelling projects, add narrative, or complete a diorama. These accessories present interesting painting and weathering opportunities. For example, few WWII German projects are complete without “German Jerry Cans”, stowage and sandbags are a popular subject with armour modeler’s, tank ammunition and ammo crates including the different metallic areas and textured woods. Mig Jimenez, explains the processes behind painting and weathering a large fabric gun mantlet: adding interest and texture to the material. Each technique and effect explained in this latest issue can be applied to a range of subjects: whether a beginner or experienced modeler this issue will leave you inspired for your next project”
