Hauler, a small company out of Czechoslovakia, continues to add to its list of quality aftermarket and modeling supply products; this time with a package of four 50 gallon steel barrels in 1/35th scale.

The package contains a single baggie containing four barrels mounted on backing blocks. No stencils and/or decals are included. The barrels are single-piece affairs, eliminating the need to remove that pesky seam line found on standard two-part barrels included in many armor kits.

The barrels are attached at one end to the backing block, and while the attachment is significant, the rim of the barrel keeps things pretty much in place during removal. A lot of resin dust is produced during this process, and unless you plan to carefully sand the cut end and scribe detail into it, you are going to lose the use of that end of the barrel on your model or diorama.

I finished the four barrels by applying a primer coat of Gunze Mr. Finisher 1500 Black, followed by a coat of Tamiya XF-62 Olive Drab thinned 50/50 with Gunze Mr. Color Leveling Thinner. Once dry, I put a little Uschi Metal Polishing Powder (Steel) on my finger and smudged a little on the sides, finishing by rubbing the powder in with my fingers and thumb. I then took Uschi’s (Chrome) product and ran a finger-tip around the top rim for a little extra bling.

I recommend this Hauler product for any modeler who wants to add a little realism to their work with quality after-market products, although some may have trouble with separating the barrels from the resin blocks. Once painted and weathered, however, they look right at home in any WWII diorama or AFV.

I would like to thank the Hauler for providing this product for review, and to IPMS USA for giving me the opportunity to build it.