F2A-3 Buffalo

Subject:
Brewster
F2A-3 Buffalo
Kit Used: Tamiya 1/48

Review & model by:
Mark Huhtala
Pictures: R. Forys

History: The Brewster Buffalo was one of the most controversial aircraft of the Second World War. Although designed as a carrier fighter, its only use in combat by the US was from land. It was also never very popular with US Navy or Marine pilots, but managed to become one of the most successful aircraft used by the Finnish Air Force against the invading Russians, scoring an impressive kill to loss ratio of twenty-six to one.

Construction of the prototype began in 1936, and the first flight was in December of 1937. More modifications and testing were done during 1938, and in 1939 the prototype was re-engined with a more powerful 1200hp engine, which yielded a top speed of 340mph and a range of 1600 miles. The Navy accepted the aircraft and designated it as the F2A-2, and in early 1941 two squadrons operating from the carriers Lexington and Saratoga transitioned to them. Although fairly successful, the aircraft was hampered by landing gear issues, which proved to be a problem that although was improved, would never be totally eliminated.

In 1941, the Navy ordered the final version of the Buffalo, designated as the F2A-3. It featured a redesigned nose section that was 10 inches longer, increased armor and ammunition capacity, and an increase of fuel load to 240 gallons, which gave it a flight time of up to 13 hours. However, horsepower was not increased, and with the added weight, performance decreased.

[The prop blades are the kit blades slightly reshaped.]

[I cut the ailerons loose to pose them at a slight angle.]

By this time, it was becoming apparent that Brewster the company had many issues. Their production facilities were inadequate for mass production, and problems with the management and sales staff led to charges of profiteering. The Navy was also tired of erratic production schedules, and these issues, more than problems with the aircraft, led to the decision to abandon further development of the Buffalo.

[The fuselage was cut and lengthened by 3/16 of an inch just forward of the wing.]

The Kit: After completing a build of a Battle of Midway Vindicator, I decided I needed a Midway Buffalo to go with it. After doing some research, I determined that the Buffaloes on Midway were F2A-3's. I had the Tamiya F2A-2 in my stash, and the conversion didn't appear to be too difficult so I decided to attempt it.

[EZ Line was used for the antenna wire.]

I started by cutting the fuselage forward of the wing, in order to lengthen it by 3/16 of an inch to represent the longer fuselage of the F2A-3. I then inserted a strip of styrene at the cut to lengthen the fuselage. The cockpit was done OOB except I added the armored headrest found on this version. The sliding portion of the canopy is from the Falcon U.S. Navy canopy set, and the wheels and tires are from True Details.

[The sliding portion of the canopy is from the Falcon U.S. Navy canopy set.]

[The cockpit was done OOB except I added the armored headrest.]

I actually stole the prop hub from a Monogram Wildcat, and the prop blades are the kit blades slightly reshaped. I also cut the ailerons loose to pose them at a slight angle. EZ Line was used for the antenna wire, and the antenna mast was replaced with one made from brass strip so it wouldn't bend when the antenna was tightened.

[The aircraft was weathered using pastels and a silver pencil]

The undersides were painted with Model Master Light Grey FS36492, while the upper surfaces were painted with Model Master Navy Blue Grey. The interior was painted in my own mixture of interior green, made from 80% Floquil Southern Green and 10% ATSF Yellow. The stars came from a generic Aeromaster sheet, and the letters and numbers are model railroad dry transfers. Finally, the aircraft was weathered using pastels and a silver pencil.

I chose to recreate the markings of a Buffalo flown by Capt. William C. Hubbard of VMF-221. Capt. Hubbard, a Marine was awarded the Navy Cross for his action during the Midway battle.

[Capt. Hubbard, a Marine was awarded the Navy Cross for his action during the Midway battle.]