Hauler is known as a supplier of high-quality detail parts for aircraft, as well as other subjects. Once painted the fuel barrels provide a very nice addition to any diorama.

Package Contents

2 sets of resin containing the fuel barrels, with each set containing 6 barrels.

Instructions

The barrels are molded in resin and there are no instructions contained or needed in the kit.

Painting

The first thing I did was to wash the resin barrels in soapy water to remove any residue that may be on the pieces.

I decided for ease of handling that I would leave the barrels on their resin sprue.

I started painting the barrels by first applying Stynlreyz, light gray. I then decided that I would “paint” the barrels with AK weathering pencils.

Historical Background

The Focke Wulf FW-190 was produced in very large numbers during World War II, and was used by Luftwaffe and other German allies until the end of the war. Since the aircraft probably exhibited a wider variety of camouflage schemes and markings than any other World War II fighter, it has become a favorite of modelers throughout the world, and over 100 kits have been produced of this aircraft in 1/72 scale alone, not to mention 1/48/ 1/32, and 1/144 scales. This issue only covers the FW-190A-2 through FW-190A-9, and does not include any of the prototypes or the FW-190D-9 or TA-152 series.

Historical Background

Air Vice-Marshal Johnnie Johnson, CB,CBE, DSO & Two Bars, DFC & Bar, DL, the highest scoring Royal Air Force pilot of World War II, had a diverse and very interesting background, as he was able to infiltrate the ranks of the RAF, which tended to favor the admission of the upper classes. Johnson was very middle class, and achieved his position through his quality as a man, not his position in British society. There have been a number of books written about Johnson’s life and career, but this book takes a different approach, consisting entirely of photos taken of him or of the people he associated with, and sometimes even of the airplanes he flew. These are captioned, giving explanations of what was going on, and who was involved. Johnson comes through as a very human character, someone you would like to associate with if you had the chance.

Armor builders have long used photo etch parts to get realistic thickness of parts. So why wouldn’t they want the same in the smaller scales? With Tamiya revitalizing the 1/48th scale armor market it was just a natural fit. The latest is the Soviet T-55 and Hauler has you covered.

Inside of a resealable package are two light grey resin pour blocks that feature new ammo boxes and some lights. These are way too small to produce accurately in injection plastic. In addition to the resin pieces are THREE frets of brass photo etch. To say that this set is comprehensive is an understatement. There isn’t a part of the basic kit that isn’t touched by the photo etch. You will need a magnifier to use some of these parts. The finesse is exceptional. Besides grills, there are latches and supports for the fuel drums, which are beautifully rendered. The turret and driver’s hatch get the PE touch inside and out.

The HK B-17F & G are really nice kits. Much nicer than the venerable Monogram B-17G and the Revell B-17F, however there are some areas where I prefer the older kit. One of those areas is the engines.

There are a variety of companies that have made update sets for the engines. For me the best and easiest to use is this Aires set.

Packaged in the typical Aires cardboard box are four beautiful engines. The detail is exceptional with the cooling fins on the cylinders being the deal cincher for me. Included in the box are the four engines and four ‘banks’ of push rods with plenty of extras. There are also four spacers included. Also in the box is a fret of brass ignition leads for the cylinders. Illustrated instructions are also included.