F4F Wildcat Vs A6M2-N “Rufe”

During the time period of 1942 to 1943 in World War II significant aerial battles took place over the Solomon Islands. When the United States’ F4F-4 Wildcats aircraft tangled with the Japanese A6M2-N “Rufe” float plane fighters (dubbed the Zero on floats) the fighting was fierce and often deadly.

Filled with archival photos and beautiful color illustrations the F4F Wildcat Vs A6M2-N “Rufe” Solomon Islands 1942-43 book, written by Michael John Claringbould and published by Osprey Publishing, recounts the encounters that are relatively unknown.

The book contains firsthand accounts, combat reports, operational documents from both the United States and the Japanese, diagrams, and extensive and highly-detailed text.

An analysis is included of the Solomon Islands battles with further reading recommendations.

What is it about vintage aircraft that is so enthralling? To me it’s the profile and engineering, especially of WWII aircraft. There was no wasted space, fancy electronics or unnecessary details.

Flown by the seat-of-your-pants and more feel than instrumentation, the pilot’s knew their aircraft-it’s power capabilities, maneuverability and what it could or could not do. It took real skill and talent to fly what were essentially big chunks of metal.

The aircraft were rugged, well-built and performed as they were designed. Pilot comfort was sometimes sacrificed to obtain the best possible performance from each aircraft. It was war and engineers did whatever it took to ensure aerial victory.

Hebrews 4:12For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Santa’s Hot Springs Oasis

Santa puts in a lot of work the entire year to prepare for Christmas. The old boy gets tired, sore and needs some rest and what better place to get so much-needed R & R than at a hot springs?

Lemax’s Santa’s Hot Spring Oasis is quite a resort. Check out the snow lined hot springs in front of Santa’s Hot Springs Oasis complex. Santa and his elves are soaking up some sun and fun in the springs that is stone lined and has a red ladder leading into the pool. Fill it with water (it circulates) and watch as Santa in his inner tube and four elves soak up the warm water and sun.

The two-story building has an igloo entrance complete with a wooden door and Christmas wreath. Next to it is another igloo containing The Sauna Room with a couple taking in the soothing warmth lit by overhead lights. Another sauna customer waits out in the cold.

The third structure is a small snack bar all in red with two candy cane poles to its left. A customer in ordering something to eat. Next to it are twin candy cane poles tops in green.

A Christmas wreath, a pine tree and lights make up the front entrance-way. To the right side of the building are two more small shop alcoves. Snow is in piles in around and on the building.

The second story has three snow-capped window awnings over three-pane red windows. A small porch extends out with a towel, life ring and some long purple and white trousers left out to dry on the railing.

On the left is a brown room with a Santa Claus in a barrel decorating its roof. Turn on the power and Santa ducks in and out of the barrel reciting some Christmas cheer backed by music. On the middle building is a large clock counting down the days to Christmas. The hands turn once the power is turned on and the face lights up.

On the top flat roof three water spouts that move up and down. On the top of with waterspouts is a Santa’s Hot Springs Oasis sign.

Be sure to check out the slanted and crooked chimney in red, green and white.

The right side of the roof has a Post Season sign and extended peaked roof with a light, a roof peak cap and a large window in red and green. A white owl perches on the sign.

On the right side of the building is a Towel Station flanked by rolled towels on the roof and cabinet and a small roofed opening with a Robes Attendant standing behind the counter. On its front is a Beach, Bath & Hand sign and a red and white laundry barrel. A small evergreen tree sits on the snow beside the barrel.

On the back of the building are several windows, a doorway and varying wall textures of board, stucco and wood planks. The power cord plugs into the back.

Other fun objects to look for are more trees, Christmas decor, abundant lights that come on once power is turned on, a white rabbit, some red shoes, a loose towel, a small drink with a straw, roof hatches, a small smokestack, green shingled roofs and other little hidden goodies.

The Santa’s Hot Springs Oasis comes in a large box with color photos on all sides.

Inside the miniature building set is cradled between two form-fitted cardboard sides secured with a Velcro strap.

Just look at the details, colors, sculpt work and amazing design and various functions of the set-up. It took a lot of talent to create such a small masterpiece and Lemax employees have done an excellent job.

Hebrews 4:12For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Afraid Of Everything

There were two things I was deathly afraid of when I was young; spiders and the happy and sad faces of comedy and tragedy as depicted in theatrical plays.

Spiders frightened me because we were poor and lived in ramshackle house with wood spiders and the masks because my mom had a set of plastic masks she hung on the wall. Brrrr-they still give me the creeps.

What are you afraid of? What are young kids afraid of?

In Afraid Of Everything the creative team of Adam Tierney and Matthieu Cousin and IDW Publishing present a delightfully and slightly spooky and unsettling collection of stories exploring all the different types of fears.

Accompanied by clever and colorful illustrations each short tale is sure to send chills down your spin, make you think twice and maybe cause a giggle or two.

It’s beautifully illustrated small graphic novel, with great stories, amazing layouts and title illustrations and Behind The Scenes goodies all wrapped up in small packages kids are sure to love (and grown-ups too).

Deuteronomy 31:6Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

The Universe Box

Five time Hugo Award winning author Michael Swanwick’s new collection of stories in The Universe Box from Tachyon Publications combines magic and science fiction that mix myth and legend.

I’ve never read any of Michael’s books and I wasn’t sure what to expect.

As I read through the book two things struck me about his writing-it is unique and unconventional. That’s good.

He has the uncanny ability to immediately grab a reader’s attention within a few paragraphs into each story. I felt as if I knew the characters and settings after just a few words and was immersed in the stories almost immediately.

The author is extremely inventive and proficient in a wide rage of story genres.

Whether dealing with time travel, magic, mystical themes or AI Michael draws readers in using minimal words and yet somehow fully descriptive.

His writing style reminds me of of some of the anthologies written by Ray Bradbury, Isaac Asimov and other masters of science fiction and fantasy.

The author has a knack for mysteries, adventure tales and haunting, scary and unsettling stories.

I intend to search out and read other books by the author.

Psalms 34:4I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.

Gingerbread House

There are Christmases and then there are very special Christmases. When I was about 12 years old or so my brother Dallas and his wife Marge invited me along with them to a Christmas village in Michigan.

It was located in one of the many German townships in Michigan. This particular town was well-known for its Christmas theme.

There was one particular shop that displayed Christmas trees, decorations, accessories, etc. all year long. I loved that store. My favorite section in the store was the gingerbread section.

Gingerbread was everywhere! Cookies, cupcakes, pastries, gingerbread themed jars, bags, clothing, candles-wow!

Giant gingerbread figures sat on or about displays, candy canes and other Christmas paraphernalia helped accent the gingerbread holiday theme.

Imagine a little shop with a Gingerbread Bakery sign atop a red, six window, Christmas wreath decorated door surrounded by a candy cane border and inset in a gingerbread roof doorway with white swirling walls, twin gold bells, a large peppermint at the roof’s peak and a small decorated Christmas tree out front on the snow-covered, cobblestone pavement.

On top of brick chimney is a gingerbread man next to a striped peppermint pole holding a Bringing Christmas Magic Home banner. The peak of the main part of the cottage is a stripped candy cane with another gingerbread man with presents.

In the Rolife Gingerbread House are gingerbread goodies of all types: pastries, cakes, candies, and cookies all sitting on tiered counters and a table.

There is a banner strung across the back wall highlighted by the beautiful overhead glass shade light.

Cups hang from hooks on the wall, a colorful menu offers tasty goodies, there is a hot coco machine, tins of gingerbread confections and a large gingerbread man figure that rocks back and forth.

Check out the windows on both sides and on the door that actually opens.

There is so much color, details and amazing miniatures with clearly legible labels, signs, stripped wallpaper and other holiday hidden gems.

Parts come in bags or are shrink wrapped in plastic along with various paperwork and Instructions.

I started to put together the kit beginning with the floor and wall sections eventually moving on to furniture, brick-a-brac, the lighting, wall hangings, etc.

Folding the small paper products and applying the stickers was a little bit cumbersome to me so I used tweezers to apply them and the pointed tool to peel off stickers from their paper.

A Flathead screwdriver came in handy for popping out small parts. I was careful to only open the bags for parts that I needed them at each sage of assembly. A Phillips-head screwdriver and tweezers come with the kit.

I’ve included a photo below of the tools I like to keep on hand when assembling a kit. Big hands, old age and less than perfect eyesight makes using tools a must.

With small loose 3D pieces I occasionally had to use tweezers to pick them up and be careful to make sure I didn’t drop them or have them fall off the table I had the kit on.

Unfortunately when assembling one of the small pieces of furniture I broke off a tab. But with a little glue it was as good as new. Gotta be more careful, klutz that I am.

All the large parts have tabs that easily pop into place securely holding the parts in place. Lighting was easy to set up.

Any small adhesive strips were difficult for me to remove so sometimes I used glue instead. Whatever works. The Gingerbread House will make a great table decoration when Christmas rolls around.

Like always when assembling a Rolife kit be sure to take your time, enjoy the process, follow the Instructions to the letter and never, never take out more parts that what you need for each step of the building process.

The box the Gingerbread House comes in is bit different than most Rolife boxes. It has a slip-on lid with a huge color photo of the Gingerbread House on its lid.

On the back of the box are two large color photos, a list of materials used, a notification that batteries are required and more info. The kit consists of 250 pieces, is recommended for those 14 years old and older and includes LED lights.

As I assembled the kit I could almost hear Christmas music playing in the background and could smell the wonderful gingerbread goodies. Suddenly I feel very hungry-gingerbread goodies perhaps?

To see what other Rolife kits has to offer click here. For photos and video of the Gingerbread House click here and click here to see more Robotime products.

Jeremiah 29:11For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.

How To Survive Anywhere Second Edition

Usually whenever anyone mentions survival books it is usually associated with surviving in the wild. In How To Survive Anywhere Second Edition by author Christopher Nyerges and published by Stackpole Books, readers are provided with guide to survive in not only in the wilderness but in urban, suburban and rural environments as well.

In this uncertain age where services and goods prices are escalating, rents and mortgages are soaring in price and it seems everyone is out for themselves having survival skills are necessary.

Knowing how to grow and preserve food, to make due with less, how to acclimate to different climates, provide shelter, stay healthy, provide medical aid and so forth are important capabilities.

There is so much information contained in this small softbound book that provides practical and tried and true information, skill sets and insights. Filled with photos demonstrating various skills the book is handy book to have around at home and whenever you go on trips, camping and vacations.

Psalms 28:7The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth; and with my song will I praise him.

US Tank Tactics In World War II

As a kid I loved watching Hollywood movies about World War II. I especially liked films about Tanks. I thought it was so cool to be able to drive around battlefield, fire off the tank’s cannon and be safe and secure in my little metal box.

Boy, was I wrong. Tank life was anything but pleasant. It was hot, claustrophobic, taxing, dangerous and exhausting.

In US Tank Tactics In World War II, written by Steven J. Zaloga with illustrations by Steve Noon and published by Osprey Publishing, the history of tanks during WWII is examined along with tactics used during the war years, different campaigns in Europe, in the Pacific and Africa, difficult terrains and weather conditions, the challenges, personnel, victories and defeats accompanied by archival photos and full-color illustrations.

Tank warfare during WWII was more than aim and fire. It involved humans pushed to their physical and mental limits.

2 Timothy 1:7For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

Dasher’s Bumper Boats

Every wonder what Santa’s reindeer do to have a little fun? Who would have thought that reindeer like water bumper boats!?

Dasher has it all figured out for a little relaxation and fun. Lemax's Dasher’s Bumper Boats number six in all and look like plump reindeer-antlers and all, and all the numbered boats but one carry red and green dressed elves.

They float about in a large blue pond surrounded by a yellow escarpment with silver rails in the front-just add water.  Three lights illuminate the pond from the front and other lights brighten up the candy-stripped lighthouse with its green roof and translucent lens area topped by an gold pole red flag. A larger Dasher’s Bumper Boats sign in red and white is held up by candy cane poles and a small lit up Christmas tree is to its right.

A large archway allows the boats to pass underneath. It is covered with snow and has a red-capped polar bear leaning against a candy cane pole with a North Pole sign.

In front of the lighthouse is an elf and just to the right of the lighthouse’s door is an open window with another elf leaning out of it.

Stone steps lead down the snow covered stone pool enclosure and at the bottom are four pine trees, an Enter Here sign and a large sign that reads: Dixon’s Cove & Snack Bar, Reindeer’s Game Arcade and Comet’s Bobsleds above a North Pole Transit red and white sign with pine tree art on both sides.

I absolutely love the wooden walkway around the pool, the pool floor decoration, the penguins, the twin outdoor lighting on a pole, the small bench, silver trailing, little brown rabbit, guardrails with a red life flotation ring, polar bear, reindeer in the tower window, small evergreen trees, signs, lights, music and bumper boat action. the small lighthouse with a translucent light globe, its wraparound windows, gold trim windows and door and the snow-capped archway.

For a decidedly different type of Christmas check out Dasher’s bumper boats. Great detail, coloring, sculpting and all of it wrapped up in a protective shell inside a flip lid box. The floating elves come in their own little pack away container within the box. Christmas just got a little more aquatic.

1 Corinthians 15:51-57Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

Inventing The Wild West

Americans were and are fascinated by The Wild West. It all started in the middle of the 19^th Century.

As explorers, fortune seekers, entrepreneurs and those seeking to start a new life the wide open spaces of the mostly unexplored Western United States was a natural draw.

Add in the California and Alaskan gold rushes, the expansion of the railroads, free government settler land, the Civil War and other factors and its only natural that The West would foster romanticism, wonder and stories of danger, excitement and the promise of wealth.

Conflicts with native Americans, robber barons, railroad tycoons, rustlers, cutthroats and other unsavory characters also sweetened the pot.

Folks back East and around the world thrilled at the exploits of real cowboys, wild encounters with Indians, traveling Wild West shows, saloons, train and bank robberies and the rough and tumble life of those who traveled West.

Stories proliferated in dime novels, Wild West shows, heroic exploratory conquests, bloodshed and romanticism.

Nostalgia, folklore and fakelore fed the public’s appetite for excitement and there were those only to happy to contribute to the myth of life in The Wild West.

Newspapers, magazines and cheap novels fed the flame and soon radio, motion pictures and television all contributed to the myth. Marketing executives, publishers, broadcasters and merchandise manufacturers all benefited by perpetuating a vision of The Wild West that was more fiction than fact.

Did you know that at one time Westerns were the most popular movies being produced and at one time almost 40 Western TV series were being broadcast in a short span of years?

Cowboys became heroes while in fact they were hard working, rugged individuals that existed and endured the worst conditions for little pay.

Author Jeremy Agnew and McFarland & Company, Inc., Publishers present the truth behind the legend of the West in Inventing The Wild West.

It successfully peels back the myth to present the real Wild West and how media created an idolized picture of life in the West. It provides an insight of how, with a little modification and marketing, The Wild West transformed from a dry and dusty and dangerous region into a haven for heroes and Wild West justice.

Ephesians 4:29Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

Manga Shop

I was absolutely thrilled when a representative from Lumibricks contacted me to say they would like me to review their Manga Shop Neon City Cyber model kit.

I've always been fascinated by Japanese Manga.  I've followed the growing Manga market here in the United States and how more and more young people are choosing Manga over American comic books.

I've read my fair share of Manga, mostly the old classics like Ghost In The Shell, Akira and Astro Boy.  I can understand the draw Manga has here in the United States.  It is not limited to just superheroes but encompasses all genres of fiction and real life.

Previously I contacted Lumibricks about reviewing their model kits when I’d spotted a Lumibricks video on YouTube about Lumibricks’ various model kits and I was blown away by the complexity, lighting and overall design of each model kit.

If you like to see what Lumibricks has to offer click here to visit their website. There are photos, videos and all sort of fascinating information.

To be clear Lumibrick model kits can be complex. There are a lot of parts. The Manga City set-up clocks in at a whooping 1,699 pierces and is best assembled by those 16 years old and older although for younger kids adult supervision is best.

The main material used in the model kit is ABS and there is a LED Light Kit.

First things first. I received the model kit in a large cardboard shipping box securely sealed. Inside the model kit product box was protected by a wraparound plastic bubble sheet.

The Manga Shop box features a full-color photo of the shop on its cover. The box is black and made of heavy-gauge coated cardboard. Specs, small photos and other information are on all sides.

The box has a flip-lid with fold-in flaps. When I opened the box I was floored after seeing all the part bags. Wow!

Bags are sealed in plastic and numbered. Instructions refer to the bag numbers. There are a lot of bags of various sizes as you can see by the three photos I’ve included. Also there are two very comprehensive User Manuals filled with color photos and part illustrations that coincide with the part bags. Assembly steps are page-by-page.

The User Manuals provide step-by-step assembly instructions. Look over the User Manuals-they are chock full of photos, fun images and other cool stuff. 

Be careful to follow the instructions carefully and never remove more parts that you need through each construction phase. I like to have a few tools: tweezers (included), a small pointed tool (a Phillips-head screwdriver (also included) and strong light (such as flashlight or small stationary light, on hand because my eye-to-hand coordination and eye-sight are not what they used to be.

You may use your own favorite tools or use none at all.  I've included a photo of the various tools I use whenever I assemble model kits.  Various kits use different tools.

A small box contains all the lighting components separated in small paper bags that are numbered. Lighting assemble is a breeze and so easy using the plug and secure tabs. Likewise the model kit parts snap together and are easy to take apart and adjust if you mess up. The Brick Separator comes in handy.  Think of the model kit like a certain well-known snap together product but on steroids.

With its translucent, transparent and neon lighting the Manga Shop is a real eye-pleaser. Flats, bricks, a brick Separator and Service Card are also included.

The Manga Shop model kit is not for the timid. It takes patience, determination and it’s not a quick slap together model kit. It takes time-but time well spent.

This is the first Lumibricks model kit I’ve ever assembled. I’m taking it slow, easy and I can’t wait to see what it will looks like once finished. I may get my wife and grandkids to give me a hand.

There are a lot of small parts in different colors, shapes and sizes. Various part colors make it easier to assemble the model kit.

The Manga Store combines both modern and classical Japanese aesthetics and design. Look for holographic signs, neon lightning and some cyberpunk mechanisms-future shock! Some flash, strobe or are constant.

Lights! Lights! Lights! They are everywhere from storefronts, lanterns, displays and machines. Look for warm hues to bright neon in all shapes and sizes.

The are two floors with an incredible amount of interior design and items including comic book covers, bookshelves, vending machines, reading niches and other little hidden corners where you just might find some interesting hidden Easter Eggs such as pop culture references, art and other objects. You can connect to other Cyberpunk synchronized model kits (with working lights) that expand to make an entire city block!

Both floors are easily accessible and be sure to check out the exclusive figures with the set.

Here we go. The first thing I did is to go over the lighting and familiarize myself where it goes and when.

I admit that I was a little confused on how to use the User Manuals until I realized that the part bag numbers refer to chapters.

A chapter may require two or three bags of parts or more. So, by taking the parts out of their bags and putting them in separate ‘dishes’ it is easier to find parts in each section especially since they are different colors that coincide with the part colors in the User Manuals. It’s that easy. Sometimes my old brain takes a moment to kick in.

Also you wire and test the lights as you go. The covered light channels aid in keeping the lighting set up clean and tangle and damage free. Very clever.

OK onto the floor and wall flats where all the parts assemble on. I opened the first bags, looked at he instructions and dove in. Full speed ahead!

That wasn’t so bad. The User Manuals are easy to follow. Instructions are uncluttered and have just a few images per page. It’s so easy to follow and no confusion. Even an old timer like myself can do it!

I find it best if I work on the model kit a little while, put it aside for a day or so and then tackle it again. That way I don’t frustrate myself and the whole experience is enjoyable-which is what it is intended to be. Deep breaths, slow down and enjoy the process. What a great way to relax and it makes a good family project. I’m in no hurry. I’m retired, there’s no need to.

Even better there are no stickers just printed parts. Lumibricks snap together firmly. Wiring is threaded as you assemble the model kit and special bricks hide the wiring safeguarding pinched or broken wires. Special electrical connectors allow you to connect other buildings resulting in uninterrupted
electric current flow.

Finally I’d like to talk about the design and packaging components of the model kit. Having been in the graphic design, marketing and drawing occupation for over 30 years I appreciate the work it goes into creating a product.

How Lumibricks is able to produce such a complicated, well-designed and cohesive product for what I consider a very good inexpensive price astounds me.

The detail, numerous illustrations, 3D renderings and comprehensive and informative text in the two full-color User Manuals are a work of art with well thought out designs and very time-consuming and thorough pieces of print material. It took a lot of work to prep them for print and the printing process takes lot of knowledge and skill. Add to that the selection of paper stock and binding and the User Manuals can get expensive.

Lumibricks must have a very talented group of designers, artists and production people to coordinate the printing, package design, part manufacturing (so many varied parts in different colors!), parts packaging and assemble.

It truly is a huge group effort and it shows in the high quality products Lumibricks turns out. I am truly impressed. I know I would really have had to struggle to develop and produce such a product. Talk about a lot of work!

Take a tour of the Manga Shop and check out the rooftop articulated and lit racoon, the floating screen, lit doorways and windows, the cool characters, interior details and merchandise, the vending machine, a clever second story with its slanted roof and wild electronic gadgets, hidden niches and corners, pop culture Easter Eggs, a retro robot, awnings, signs, a base with a walkway, printed images with no stickers and much, MUCH more!

It is an amazing assemble of bright, colorful, high-tech gadgets and goodies with an amazing attention to detail and working lights. And at the price you pay you get far more than expected. It’s well worth your money and time.

For ore Lumibricks kits click here.

Mark 11:24Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

I’m A Believer

Just to show how old I am I remember when the Monkees debuted in the mid-1960s on NBC TV.

Originally created to cash-in on The Beatles craze-a sort of Americanized version, the Monkees went on to become a respectable and creative band on their own.

At first many of their songs featured instrumentation by studio artists but as the band progressed they performed their own hits and proved that they were more than a cookie-cutter Bubble Gum band.

Only Micky Dolenz is left from the band and his book: I’m A Believer, co-written with Mark Bego and published by Lyon Press, looks back over the last 60 years from the band’s genesis to its current status as a pop culture phenomenon and nostalgic icon of Baby Boomers.

While Micky is the last member he keeps the band’s music alive by performing on his own and paying tribute to his lost band members. He shares his life of Monkees, music and madness.

The book delves into the band’s beginning, its turbulent years, band conflicts, fame’s ups and downs, hilarious anecdotes, rough times, the cost of fame and more.

Micky recalls his life with the Monkees, their music and the madness.

In celebration of the band’s 60th Anniversary there is a new chapter, an updated discography and filmography.

”Hey, hey, we're the Monkees
And people say we monkey around
But we're too busy singing
To put anybody down”

1 Corinthians 16:14Let all your things be done with charity.

Old West Gold Mine

Gold! The bright shiny metal is the thing dreams are made of. People have fought and died trying to acquire it. Kingdoms rise and fall when its gold reserve grows or shrinks. What is it that makes gold so precious?

Way back in the middle of the 19^th Century gold fever hit the United States. People from far and wide traveled to far away territories rift with danger, severe weather and harsh conditions. Robbers, cutthroats and con artists proliferated.

Lumibricks’ Old West Gold Mine captures the feel of the age of prospectors with its craggy cliff and open mine, sparse vegetation, dry dessert floor, cobbled together mine equipment, a flickering camp fire, a mine car filled with gold nuggets, rails, a lit lantern and fire, a cow skull, a camp tent, cooking and mining utensils, supply boxes and barrels, a small creek, a crude wench with hooks, a Hanford Gold Mine sign, wooden pylons, and more.

The crane works, you can set of a simulated explosion with the a simple push of a stone and the mine car rolls on the track, creaking along. Rotate the spit over the fire and don’t forget to turn on the mine light and lantern.

All of the various components are very colorful, cleverly designed and executed and the kit looks great on any bookshelf, table or wherever you want.

I really like the way Lumibricks ships and packages its kits.

I received my Lumibricks Old West Mine Kit sealed in a heavy duty cardboard box sealed with tape.

Once opened the box contains the kit. The kit box is also made of heavy gauge cardboard and features a flip lid with side flaps. It too is sealed shut.

A full-color photo of the completed kit is on the front of the box. On one side are a couple close-up photos of the figures that come with the kit. Unlike ‘other’ building kits the figures in the Lumibricks Old West Gold Mine have heads that actually swivel making different poses possible. Cool!

The kit is made for those 16 years old and older and consists of 658 pieces. On the back of the box is a warning section cautioning about the danger of batteries (not included). Keep out of reach of children.

Inside the box is a full-color User Manual with a Service Card insert. Pages progress through the build of the kit using highly-detailed, full-color diagrams that follow kit construction page-by-page. Bags inside the kit are numbered to coincide with the pages in the booklet.

Be sure to follow the User Manual to the letter beginning with the lighting. Light wires are cleverly hidden by channel bricks on the kit.

Sixteen bags containing parts are in the kit. Parts are color-coded to match the colors in the assembly schematics. It makes the build soooo easy.

Two bags contain the LED lights (batteries not included) and a Brick Separator is also included. You’ll need tweezers and a small Phillips-head screwdriver (included). A Brick Separator comes with the kit. I suggest a strong light and a magnifying device.

I have large hands and since I’m 73 years old my eyesight and eye-to-hand coordination are not what they used to be. I can use all the help I can.

I started with the lights, progressed to the base and before I knew it the kit was complete. And I didn’t mess up once-well, maybe once. But I’m an old codger. Give me a break!

The trick is to go slow and enjoy the process. Parts snap together easily and securely and by following the User Manual step-by-step mistakes are at a minimum. If you goof up, use the Brick Separator and start again.

Visit the Lumibricks site to see what other kits are available by clicking here. To see more of the Old West Gold Mine click here. There is even a video, click here.

The quality of the kit is excellent. Bricks fit together with a snap, the User manual is very comprehensive, part bags make building the kit organized and easy and the color bricks coinciding with the schematics make finding the right bricks a breeze. I especially like the lighting that flickers, the moving parts and the attention to detail.

Psalms 34:4I sought the LORD, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.