Hauler produces high quality photo-etched sets for AFVs, airplanes, cars, railway vehicles, resin accessories for dioramas and resin kits (1). Since this is my first association with Hauler-Brengun I think it is appropriate to mention something about the website. The company is located in the Czech Republic and the website is in British English. Other than the occasional misspelled word the website is user friendly, easy to navigate, uncluttered, and well laid out with clear links to the products available, contact info for the company, and a shopping cart for online purchases. I did not use the shopping cart to obtain this review sample. It was provided by Hauler as a courtesy item to the IPMS Reviewer Corps.

Scale Aircraft Conversions has produced replacement gear for the Hasegawa 1/32 Spitfire Mk II, Vb, VI kits. The gear strut attachment points will also match up with the Revell I/II kit, and perhaps some others with the same wing tooling. I have reviewed several of these sets, and have purchased a few more on my own, because in all cases, they have been superior to the kit items.

The white metal replacements are a clean drop-in for the kits plastic parts. The supplied items include two main gear struts and braces, and one tail gear assembly. Also included are white metal tires. The tires are a significant improvement in detail over the kit tires, which are devoid of any tread pattern. The SAC tires also have tread and improved rim/lug detailing.

• Azur MS-406C.1, Stock #A109, $27.00
• Azur MS-410C.1, Stock #075, $27.00

History

The Morane Saulnier MS-406 series of single seat fighters originated in 1934 after a design competition, with the MS-405C.1 eventually being ordered into limited production in 1937; only 16 were produced. During that year, minor modifications were made, with subsequent Morane fighters receiving the designation MS-406C.1. Initially, 50 and 80 MS-406’s were ordered on different contracts, and with the threat of war looming, an additional 825 were ordered from the SNCAO factory during May, 1938. Production ended in March, 1940, with 1079 MS-406’s being produced. A number of developmental aircraft were considered, using different armament and engine combinations, but the only one to enter production was the MS-410C.1, which featured a revised radiator and additional armament. After the surrender in 1940, 11 MS.

The Product

My sample arrived packaged in the all-too-familiar orange-topped poly sleeve with the typical card insert. After close inspection of the parts, I found them to be perfect. These little beauties are just what the Doctor ordered. They’re a drop-in replacement for the kit parts. They’re easily detached from the pour block and ready to install. How easy is that?

The Bottom Line

I recommend these babies to anyone wanting to enhance his Skyraider build.

Thanks to, Aires/Quickboost and IPMS for the opportunity to review these nice little castings.

History Brief

The F/A-18 was ordered for the United States Navy and Marine Corps as an all-weather, supersonic, aircraft carrier-capable, multi-role aircraft. It was first flown in November 1978, and introduced into service in January 1983. The F-18 has a proven track record so effective that it’s still used in the fleet as fighters, attack bombers, and airborne electronic warfare systems aircraft.

The Product

My sample arrived in a small rectangular box featuring a very cool painting of a retro 1950s painted Navy Hornet. The kit consists of 60 parts in grey and 1 part in clear, the panel lines are raised, and there is a fair amount of flash present. The old molds are starting to show their age. The instruction sheet is clearly printed b&w booklet. This kit features a unique decal sheets with two options: