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Modelers Lounge => The World of Scale Models => Topic started by: gedmundson on March 05, 2021, 03:16:58 AM

Title: 1/48 Brewster Buffalo F2A-3
Post by: gedmundson on March 05, 2021, 03:16:58 AM
When my younger brother Tony (Snowbird3a in these parts) and I were little lads, we built lots of 1/72 scale models. We'd get 3-Packs of Revell's kit series, and Tony would build ones that I didn't want. We didn't even try to pronounce the names of some of them, Mitts-Bushy Zero, Kaz-Wacky Heen, and for the Polikarpov we just called it a "Pajamas plane". Tony got to build the Brewster Buffalo, I never did. But I always liked to play with that model - it looked so chunky and cool with it's big greenhouse canopy.

Fast forward 50 years later and I finally have my own to zoom around the house. This is Special Hobby's 1/48 scale F2A-3 Midway version. I figured I'd just build it out of the box, but later realized that it needed a bit of work to make it look respectable. Even though I added some extra detail to the cockpit, I closed the canopy since I like the overall look of a fastened-up aircraft. You can see plenty through the large glazing anyway.

Cheers,
Gary

(https://i.imgur.com/hqaV0jB.jpg)
Revell's 1/72 scale kit - the one I never got to make

(https://i.imgur.com/zizWkGK.jpg)
Special Hobby 1/48 scale F2A-3

(https://i.imgur.com/vQrcIPg.jpg)
I added some push rods and ignition wires to the engine

(https://i.imgur.com/xnPf8lv.jpg)
The painted engine

(https://i.imgur.com/ZSTgTaM.jpg)
There was PE detail for the cockpit and I added some styrene detail too

(https://i.imgur.com/lcRk2VR.jpg)
Left cockpit side detail

(https://i.imgur.com/DqaPGPE.jpg)
Cockpit floor and engine mount

(https://i.imgur.com/qYwlHF1.jpg)
Because the fuselage is longer than the kit's engine mounts were designed for (previous release, different version) I had to rip out the engine and mount it 4mm further forward. Reading a review (after the fact) told me that. Didn't do my homework  :-[

(https://i.imgur.com/uA3c89E.jpg)
An ugly looking fix, but it's hidden.

(https://i.imgur.com/x7XDWFg.jpg)
F2A-3 of VMF-221 1942

(https://i.imgur.com/NzK8ynM.jpg)
Title: Re: 1/48 Brewster Buffalo F2A-3
Post by: kensar on March 05, 2021, 04:00:45 AM
Excellent, Gary.  Superb weathering and finishing.
Title: Re: 1/48 Brewster Buffalo F2A-3
Post by: Borsos on March 05, 2021, 05:11:14 AM
Fantastiv build of an ugly little plane. I can remember me building the Matchbox kit of the Buffalo in 1:72 scale as a kid. It had yellow and brown colored parts. Where have all the years gone....?
Andreas
Title: Re: 1/48 Brewster Buffalo F2A-3
Post by: RAGIII on March 05, 2021, 05:25:12 AM
Outstanding work Gary! The added details and the exceptional painting and weathering really make this one Shine! Lovely figures also.
RAGIII
Title: Re: 1/48 Brewster Buffalo F2A-3
Post by: PrzemoL on March 05, 2021, 07:52:55 AM
What a lovely Buffalo! Very very fine.
Title: Re: 1/48 Brewster Buffalo F2A-3
Post by: lcarroll on March 05, 2021, 10:49:59 AM
VERY nicely done Gary, and a bit of a trip back in time, I built the Revell version years back! This is your usual spectacular work, however the "extras" you've added and the quality of the finish really jump out on this one. The figures ........Meh! Just Gary's usual, yawn. My good Gawd man, you've brought them alive, that last photo is simply magnificent!
Cheers,
Lance
Title: Re: 1/48 Brewster Buffalo F2A-3
Post by: Edo on March 05, 2021, 04:30:43 PM
hey Gary!
I remember that Revell boxing too!
The Buffalo was one of my favourite: such a chubby plane has to be good and witty!

you did a great work on the plane and the vignete tells a story wery well!
well done!
ciao
edo
Title: Re: 1/48 Brewster Buffalo F2A-3
Post by: Gisbod on March 05, 2021, 07:16:16 PM
Ooh lovely,

Great work Gary.

I used to love those Revell boxings too!

Guy

Ps I’ve got my eye on the Tamiya one at some point, but I guess it’s quite an old tooling now?
Title: Re: 1/48 Brewster Buffalo F2A-3
Post by: rhallinger on March 05, 2021, 10:12:12 PM
Beautiful build of a classic early WWII aircraft, for which I have always had a fondness--maybe rooting for the underdog. ;D  Your detailing and finish are superb, and the tiny 1/48 figures are exceptional.  Very well done Gary!  Thanks for sharing this.

Best,

Bob
Title: Re: 1/48 Brewster Buffalo F2A-3
Post by: gedmundson on March 08, 2021, 12:32:18 AM
Thanks so much to everyone for their very kind words - I really appreciate you taking the time to comment. It's nice to be able to share  few pictures of something that took less than a couple of months to start and finish. But I do have to get at that WnW Hannover paint job, and really don't have any idea of how I'll manage. Wish me luck.
Cheers,
Gary
Title: Re: 1/48 Brewster Buffalo F2A-3
Post by: skeeterbuck on March 08, 2021, 05:50:46 AM
Really sweet Gary! As much as I like the Buffalo, I like the figures even more.  8)

Chuck
Title: Re: 1/48 Brewster Buffalo F2A-3
Post by: lone modeller on March 08, 2021, 06:44:22 AM
I am always blown away by the quality of your paintwork - you make everything look Soooo realistic. The figures are stunning and the delicate shades of colour that you have on the aircraft take it into another dimension towards reality. Wonderful model.

Stephen.
Title: Re: 1/48 Brewster Buffalo F2A-3
Post by: pepperman42 on March 08, 2021, 11:58:46 AM
Another beautiful build and a simple, effective display!!

Steve