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BROOKHURST HOBBIES

WEEKLY NEWSLETTERS


The Weekly Updates from Brookhurst Hobbies!

Volume 3 Number 2

January 13, 2025



Executive Editor: Henry Tremblay

Managing Editor: Jon Trask

Content Contributors: Brookhurst Hobbies Staff

Week 2 - California Wildfires...


Because of the tragic wildfires in our area, it's difficult to think of much else this week. Suffice to say that we are experiencing something unprecedented in recent memory. With literally thousands of homes, businesses, schools and places of worship lost already, this disaster will affect our area for a long time to come.


So first, we would like to express our praise and thanks to all of the thousands of first responders who have worked without hesitation from the first moments; and will stay until the last ember is extinguished. To all of those people putting their lives on the line to save others and to limit the damage wherever possible. Every one of them is a true hero. Thank you all.

Soon teams of disaster relief professionals will surge into the area to try and assist those affected in whatever ways they can. If you'd like to support the relief efforts that will be ongoing for some time, we will provide some links below:


The American Red Cross: Red Cross Website (This website is set up in conjunction with the LA Rams, and assures the donations are flagged for wildfire relief in LA). You can also call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or text the word CAWILDFIRES to 90999 to make a $10 donation.)


The United Way of Los Angeles: United Way Wildfire Response Page


The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank: LA Regional Foodbank Website


World Central Kitchen: World Central Kitchen Website


California Fire Foundation: Cal Fire Foundation Relief Website


The Pasadena Humaine Society is fully stocked with donations but can use monetary help. They are also coordinating with the YMCA and Pasadena City College for donation drop offs and pickup for those in need with pets. Their update page is here: Pasadena Humane Society Eaton Canyon Fire Updates


Lastly, the Los Angeles based International Medical Corps is providing evacuees with medical and hygiene assistance: International Medical Corps Website


If you’re a sports fan and want to help, the LA Rams have created a special LAFD shirt and cap from which all proceeds from their sales will be given to the LAFD Foundation and the American Red Cross. LA Rams Store Website


For Hockey Fans the Violent Gentlemen brand has created a shirt, Sweatshirt and cap that will split it’s proceeds between the LAFD and the Orange County Hand Crew (Firefighters seriously injured last September returning home from the Airport Fire). Violent Gentlemen Website


For anyone who is located outside of the Southern California area and unfamiliar with our local geography. Brookhurst Hobbies and everyone here on the team are about 30 miles away from the closest of the fires (Eaton Fire). So, no one here is currently at any risk, we are just very concerned for our friends, neighbors and customers who are located to the north of us in LA County.


In the world of hobbies, we received a huge restock of Aoshima, Fujimi and Takom kits (literally a pallet full of new kits arrived). Plus the rest of the usual suspects, so without a lot more veerbage, let's get into what's new in the store.

A home in Altadena, California fully engulfed in flames on January 8th.

Photo courtesy CNN and Getty Images.

LA Rams shirt to support LAFD can be ordered here,

Violent Gentlemen Hockey Brand shirt supporting LAFD and OC Hand Crew

Remember...

Gift Cards are always the right size.


Available in any denomination in store or on the website.


Buy them here!

We buy collections!

Have you visited the sale tables at the back of the store lately? New collections are constantly being added and this photo shows only a portion of what you find there on a daily basis.


And don't forget to check out the sale tables up near the front of the store as well. Two great spots to find all sorts of bargains and cool kits to work on for your next build.

Pre-Orders

Can now be found on our blog "Notes from HQ" on the website. They will still run here, but after the first appearance they will move over to the blog where you can easily find and reference them without having to scroll through the same items week after week here in newsletter. That should provide a better weekly experience for users with a easier to navigate newsletter each Monday afternoon! Let us know what you think about the new format?

We have a number of new Takom kits on order and expected in early 2025. I'm going to put the links for them and they should be live soon for you to reserve one.

You can find them HERE: Takom Pre-orders


We have three new Zoukei Mura SWS kits on order and expected on January 31, 2025. Pre-orders on these will remain open until January 24th.

You can find them HERE: Zoukei Mura Pre-orders


The new edition of the Dungeons & Dragons Monster Manual with a Special Edition cover is still open for Pre-order. Expected to Arrive on February 4th, 2025, well ahead of the regular release date of February 18th.

You can find it HERE: Dungeons & Dragons Monster Manual Pre-order


The new Polar Lights, Herbie the Love Bug Pre-order in 1/25 scale kit is available HERE: Herbie the Love Bug Pre-order



Upcoming Store Events

Innistrad Remastered Launch Party

Friday, January 24th

7:00pm


4 rounds. Pack per win prizing + Deadeye Navigator participation promo.


Whether you've never played a trading card game before or your closet is filled with card games, Magic: The Gathering has something to offer you. Play online or in paper to experience the thrill of a wizards' duel. Explore 30 years' worth of stories, characters, and art. Make new friends at Magic events at your local game store. There are lots of ways to be a part of the Magic community, and we're so happy to have you!


Atherdrift Prerelease

Friday, February 7th

7:00pm


-And-


Saturday. February 8th

2:00pm


4 rounds. Pack per win prizing.


Whether you've never played a trading card game before or your closet is filled with card games, Magic: The Gathering has something to offer you. Play online or in paper to experience the thrill of a wizards' duel. Explore 30 years' worth of stories, characters, and art. Make new friends at Magic events at your local game store. There are lots of ways to be a part of the Magic community, and we're so happy to have you!


From ICM Holding

1/48 B-26B Marauder "Flak Bait"

In Stock Now!

The actual aircraft "Flak Bait" is currently undergoing restoration and preservation at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

"Flak Bait" B-26B


We begin with an anticipated kit from ICM. The B-26B named "Flak Bait" the aircraft that flew more missions than another aircraft during WWII. It looks like a great kit and we have in store and available now.


The Model

  • SCALE: 1/48
  • TIME PERIOD: WWII
  • BOX SIZE: 16.15" x 10.25" x 2.15" (410 x 260 x 55 mm)
  • Model Kit Size: 15.25" x 17.88" (387 x 454 mm)


Decal Marking Options Included with the Kit:

  • B-26B-55MA 42-96077 "Ladies Delight", 584th Bomb Squadron, 394th Bomb Group, Summer 1944
  • B-26B-55MA 42-96214 "Coral Princess III", 494th Bomb Squadron, 344th Bomb Group, 1944
  • B-26B-55MA 42-96165 "The Big Hairy Bird", 599th Bomb Squadron, 397th Bomb Group, July 1944


The Aircraft

On April 26, 1943, the B-26B-25-MA bomber with serial number 41-31773 rolled off the assembly line at the Glenn L. Martin Company plant in Middle River. By the end of May that year, the aircraft and its crew arrived in England, where they were assigned to the 449th Bombardment Squadron of the 322nd Bombardment Group. During combat missions, American bombers faced significant threats from German anti-aircraft guns, collectively known as Flak. As they approached their bombing targets, crews often had to break through waves of anti-aircraft fire. According to American pilots, many of their planes seemed to attract large amounts of shells fired by the Flak guns. Based on this, Lieutenant Farrell, a crew member of bomber 41-31773, coined a nickname for their plane – ‘Flak-Bait’. This name was a playful adaptation of the nickname of the Farrell family’s dog, who supposedly attracted hordes of fleas and was called ‘Flea Bait’. The plane oddly began to live up to its name, receiving hits from anti-aircraft shells in almost every mission. Every control surface was replaced at least once, and the hydraulic and electrical systems sustained damage. Twice, the plane returned with only one functioning engine. Despite these challenges, ‘Flak-Bait’ completed 206 combat missions – more than any other US aircraft during World War II.



B-26B Marauder "Flak Bait"

MSRP $100.99

Our Price: $90.89 

Click here to see it on our website

From Hasegawa

1/72 X-29 "NASA" Exparimental Aircraft

In Stock Now!

X-29 "NASA"


From Hasegawa we have a re-boxed, limited edition version of their X-29 "NASA" plane from the 1980's.


The Model

The X-29 first flew in 1984; within a few months, it was employed by NASA as an experimental research aircraft. A year later, it held the distinction of being the first forward-swept wing aircraft to reach supersonic speeds in level flight. In 1991, the X-29 was retired after a total of 242 flights. Two surviving examples can be found at the National Museum of the US Air Force and at Edwards Air Force Base.


Decal Options:

  1. NASA, Code: 049
  2. NASA, Code: 003

Parts come molded in white plastic with clear for the canopy. Measures 205mm long and 115mm wide when completed.


The Vehicle

X-29 was built as an experimental aircraft to study practicability of a forward-swept-wing fighter. The most characteristic point of FSW aircraft is the main wing angled forward constructed with the latest compound material technology. FSW aircraft is supposed to maintain excellent maneuverability in any speed range. Control is by digital Fly-by-Wire system, and stability and maneuver are maintained by 40 times calculations per second.


Data

Crew: one;

wingspan: - 8.29m;

length: 14.7m;

Height: 4.29m;

engine: GE/F404-GE-400;

thrust 7,270kg (on afterburner);

maximum take-off weight: 7,990kg;

maximum speed: 1,975km/h

X-29 "NASA"

Our Price: $30.99

Click here to see it on our website

From Aoshima

1/700 IJN I-19 Submarine

In Stock Now!

IJN Submarine I-19


We received a number of Aoshima waterline kits. This I-19 stood out with some new parts to better represent the deck weaponry and an interesting backstory.


The Model

1/700 Waterline Series (459)

Specification

- Scale: 1/700

- Construction type: Assembly kit

- Decals: Included

- Special feature 1: 1/700 Assembly Plastic model of IJN Japanese Submarine I-19

- Special feature 2: The parts are molded in Grey Color

- Special feature 3: This set includes 2 of submarine. Modellers can choose to depict the submarine with various armament and in either waterline or full hull form.



About IJN Submarine I-19

On 15 September 1942, while patrolling south of the Solomon Islands during the Guadalcanal Campaign under the command of Commander Takakazu Kinashi, sighted and attacked the U.S. carrier Wasp, firing a spread of six torpedoes. Three of the torpedoes hit the Wasp, causing heavy damage. With power knocked out, Wasp’s damage-control teams were unable to contain fires. She was abandoned and scuttled.


The remaining three torpedoes from the spread hit the U.S. battleship North Carolina and the destroyer O'Brien, the latter of which later sank on 19 October 1942 en route for repairs. North Carolina sustained significant damage and underwent repairs at Pearl Harbor until 16 November 1942.


I-19's torpedo salvo sank an aircraft carrier and a destroyer and severely damaged a battleship, making it one of the most damaging torpedo salvos in history.



IJN Submarine I-19

MSRP $17.99

Our Price: $16.19

Click here to see it on our website

From AMT

1/25 1977 Ford Custom Van "Fanta"

Pre-order for January 30th!

1977 Ford Custom Van "Fanta"


We will be receiving a number of AMT kits by the end of the month. Some fun stuff like a 1970 Monte Carlo lowrider, a '57 Bel-air...but this 1977 Custom Ford Van promoting Fanta soft drinks was the one that really caught my eye.


The Model

The 1977 Ford Custom Van model kit is a great project for any experienced modeler and fan of the irresistible flavors of Fanta Soda. Add it to your collection today!

This Ford Van can be built in 1 of 3 ways; custom, stock, or delivery. This kit comes with great features such as bucket seats, an orange-tinted roof vent, an orange-tinted custom porthole, fender flares, side pipes, 5 spoke mags, and pad-printed Goodyear tires. ALL-NEW colorful FANTA water slide decals with eye-popping packaging.

Features:

  • 1:25 scale, skill level 2, paint & glue required
  • 140 parts
  • Molded in white, clear, transparent red, transparent orange, and some chrome-plated parts
  • Black vinyl tires
  • Built size: 7.25 inches long
  • Ages 10+



1977 Custom Ford Fanta Van

MSRP $30.99

Our Price: $27.89

Click here to Pre-order it on our website

From Bandai

The Gundam Card Game

Details Announced

Pre-orders and Event Information Coming Soon!

The Gundam Card Game is now slated for a July 11th release. There will be four starter decks released simultaneously. We will provide a peek at each one below. There will also be releases of card cases, card sleeves and dice. We will cover all of those and more in greater detail as we continue to receive updates.

Heroic Beginnings

Starter Deck ST01


x1 Ready-to-play 50-card deck

x10 Resource Cards

x8 Token Cards

x1 Paper Damage Counter

x1 Rule/Playsheet

x1 Bonus Pack

Wings of Advance

Starter Deck ST02


x1 Ready-to-play 50-card deck

x10 Resource Cards

x8 Token Cards

x1 Paper Damage Counter

x1 Rule/Playsheet

x1 Bonus Pack

Zeon's Rush

Starter Deck ST03


x1 Ready-to-play 50-card deck

x10 Resource Cards

x8 Token Cards

x1 Paper Damage Counter

x1 Rule/Playsheet

x1 Bonus Pack

Seed Strike

Starter Deck ST04


x1 Ready-to-play 50-card deck

x10 Resource Cards

x8 Token Cards

x1 Paper Damage Counter

x1 Rule/Playsheet

x1 Bonus Pack

From Bezier Games

Ultimate Wherewolf

In Stock!

Ultimate Werewolf


Ultimate Werewolf: Revised Edition


BEZIER GAMES


This Revised Edition has reimagined Ultimate Werewolf to allow new players to quickly get up and running (terrified!), with larger, bolder packaging, totally rewritten and simplified rules, and a guide for the included roles. Ultimate Werewolf: Revised Edition features more than 30 unique roles, 18 different scenarios to allow groups of all sizes and experience levels, a set of 80 fully illustrated cards, a moderator scorepad to keep track of games, and a comprehensive game guide with dozens of pages chock-full of insights, tips, and strategies. With all-new art and a great new card design, it`s the perfect way to introduce groups of 7-30 people to Werewolf.



Ultimate Werewolf

MSRP: $14.99

Our Price $13.49

Click here to see on our website

UPCOMING RELEASE!

From Wizards of the Coast

Aetherdrift

Pre-release Event February 7th & 8th!


Innistrad Remastered

Launch Party January 24th!

Magic the Gathering- Aetherdrift


Start your engines for a high-octane death race across the Multiverse! Swerve through three planes of mayhem, dodging dangerous obstacles and rival racers along the way. Crew up unique vehicles and mounts as you discover which racing team best suits your style, then hit max speed to claim the gold.


Pre-release in-store events are being planned for February 7 & 8, 2025



Magic the Gathering - Innistrad Remastered


Rediscover everything you love to fear in Magic's Gothic horror plane with Innistrad Remastered. Feel the nostalgia with a retro frame card in every booster and feast your eyes on new movie poster cards.


Launch Party in-store event is being planned for January 24, 2025


Pre-release Order Details coming soon for both!

From Osprey Publishing

South Atlantic 1982

The carrier campaign in the Falklands War

In Stock!

South Atlantic 1982


Description


A detailed account of the war-winning role that a handful of Harrier squadrons played in the Falklands War.


On 5 April 1982, the British aircraft carriers Hermes and Invincible sailed for the South Atlantic at the heart of the task force that would retake the Falkland Islands, known to Argentina as the Islas Malvinas. Air power was essential to the operation, and some analysts considered the contest unwinnable. The British had just 42 fighter jets available (28 Sea Harriers and 14 RAF Harrier GR.3s), and were outnumbered three-to-one by the Argentinian Air Force.


Naval expert Angus Konstam offers a focused history of naval aviation in the Falklands War. The superbly manoeuvrable Harriers provided air cover during the ferociously contested landings, and later a Harrier Forward Operating Base on the islands was also made available. He explains how the British forces achieved their impressive Falklands air-to-air record, shooting down 21 Argentinian jets for no losses, while suffering more to anti-aircraft fire. He also looks into the Harriers' ground-attack campaign, and explains the roles played by weapons technology, radar, electronic warfare, aerial reconnaissance, and support helicopters.


Illustrated throughout with spectacular new artwork, 3D diagrams and maps, this book explains how the brutal test of the Falklands War showed the way forward for naval aviation and fleet air defence for decades to come.




South Atlantic 1982

MSRP: $25.00

Our Price $20.00 

Click here to see on our website

Quick Hits

and

Upcoming Items


Expected this February from:


MENG


EA-18G Growler

1/48 scale

 

The U.S. Navy VAQ-138 'Yellow Jackets' Electronic Attack Squadron was established in February 1976, initially equipped with the EA-6B Prowler electronic warfare aircraft and deployed aboard the USS Saratoga (CV-60). The squadron began transitioning to the EA-18G Growler electronic attack aircraft between late 2009 and 2010. In 2011, it deployed to Iraq and Kuwait in support of Operation New Dawn, followed by a deployment to the Middle East in 2013 to participate in Operation Enduring Freedom. Since then, the squadron has been frequently stationed overseas, carrying out various missions.

Expected this soon from:


Hobby Boss


German Pzkpfw IV Ausf.J

Medium Tank

1/48 scale

 

The Panzerkampfwagen IV Ausführung J, also known as Gerät 550 or Sonderkraftfahrzeug 161/2, was the last variant of the famed Panzer IV. It was produced from January 1944 to the last days of April 1945 in the Nibelungenwerk (Ni-Werk) factory in Sankt Valentin, northern Austria.


This variant was characterized by many modifications made to the previous models in order to speed up production and save on valuable raw materials.

Coming soon from MiniArt

Kharkiv 1943: Tram & Stug. III Ausf. G w/Crew. - BIG SET

1/35 scale


This MiniArt BIG SET captures the streets of Kharkiv during the pivotal battles of 1943. The kit includes a tram, a StuG III Ausf. G assault gun, 13 figures (crew and panzergrenadiers), road signs, and a diorama base, offering everything needed to recreate an Eastern Front scene.


The combination of military vehicles, figures, and civilian elements provides a rich and dynamic setting for any WWII-themed diorama. With detailed parts and accessories, this kit is perfect for modelers looking to build a piece of history. An excellent addition to any collection.

"Imperial 2030" set to arrive later this month


Rio Grande Games will release Imperial 2030, a new economic strategy game in January 2025.


Imperial 2030 is a standalone game based on the rules of Imperial by Mac Gerdts, who also designed the acclaimed board game Concordia. In the original game, players attempted to influence the destinies of old imperial nations (Austria-Hungary, Italy, France, Great Britain, the German Empire, and Russia) as investors. These nations would take turns battling over resources and land all while the players used their investments to gain political advantages.


In the new game, the six empires have become six powers in the modern age: USA, Europe, Russia, China, India, and Brazil. The nations now battle each other over control of neutral land and sea areas in an effort to become the top superpower in the world. Players strive to control governments by becoming the largest investor in that nation and try to get the best rate of return on their efforts. In the end, the richest investor wins the game.


This game is for two to six players, ages 14 and up, and plays in 120 minutes.


CATAN GmbH has announced a new sixth edition of its flagship title Catan as the game approaches its 30th birthday. 


The base game along with its core expansions, Seafarers & Cities & Knights will release in the spring, with Traders & Barbarians, and Explorers & Pirates to follow.


Created by designer Klaus Teuber and launched in 1995 by Franckh-Kosmos Verlag in Germany under the title Die Siedler von Catan, the game was awarded the prestigious Spiel des Jahres or “Game of the Year” award. An English-language version published by Mayfair Games as The Settlers of Catan followed. 


At the game’s 25th anniversary, it was re-branded under the simpler name Catan for the title’s fifth edition. Over 30 years, the game has sold more than 45 million copies worldwide and has been translated into numerous languages.


This new edition keeps the same core mechanics and features updated and upgraded components designed to offer greater ease of play. The rulebook has been revamped with additional images and examples of play to streamline the learning process for new players, and the artwork has been redone.


The core set, Catan: The Game, will include 19 terrain tiles, a 6-piece board frame, 18 number discs, 4 player aids, 2 bonus victory point tiles, 96 wooden playing pieces, 2 card trays, 2 dice, and 120 cards. It supports games with 2 to 4 players.

Remember...

Gift Cards are always the right size.


Available in any denomination in store or on the website.


Buy them here!

Issue 2 of our weekly newsletter for 2025.


I hope that anyone in Southern California reading this is safe and not directly impacted by the wildfires. For anyone that is, you have our deepest sympathies. To all of the first responders, utility workers, National Guard and government employees who are helping to guide us through the worst of times, and there to begin the resilient recovery that that we are all capable of creating...our hearts and thoughts are with you today and going forward.


Here at the shop things are on track to remain on the usual schedule. Don't forget there's a Sprue Cutters meeting at 6pm on the first and third Tuesdays of each month (the next one be held, on, January 21th at 6:00pm): and the AMPS meetings are on held on the second Saturday of each month (February 8th, will be the next one). We have regular Magic groups, D&D groups and other events held in the Brookhurst Club. Ask us about joining in to any one of our gaming groups!


Remember that we are always seeking submissions to "What are you working on" which we plan to feature weekly whenever possible.


We welcome any suggestions, comments and even corrections to the newsletter! Drop us an e-mail to info@brookhursthobbies.com or come in to the shop sometime and chat with us in person.


From all of us here at Brookhurst Hobbies...

Thanks for reading, and we hope to see you soon!


Regards,

Jon Trask

Brookhurst Hobbies

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www.brookhursthobbies.com | 714-636-3580 | info@brookhursthobbies.com


Brookhurst Hobbies 12188 Brookhurst Street, Garden Grove, CA 92840