Brewster F2A-2 Buffalo (Tamiya 1/48)
Hi everybody! This is my latest build, and this one is something special. First of all, this is an iModeler build, started back in October 2015, and it took 2 years and 7+ months to be completed. And all I can say – thank you everybody, who followed my build, commented and supported me. Without you it will be impossible. That’s an example of how community works.
Another one thing – first comment in a WIP thread was left by Bernard E. Hackett, Jr, and he gave me a lot of advises and references during the build, so this model is a tribute to him.
if you’re interested, a complete WIP thread is here – http://imodeler.com/groups/work-in-progress-aircraft/forum/topic/brewster-buffalo-tamiya-148/ I’ve shared some tips, so it might be useful.
Thank you, the iModeler community.
16 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Craig Abrahamson said on May 19, 2018
Love this one, Dmitry….(even without the lighter) 🙁
Dmitry Stropalov said on May 19, 2018
@craigindaytona Thanks, Craig, and… refresh the page! 😀
Craig Abrahamson said on May 19, 2018
Thanks…..I feel better now (but still jealous) – 🙂
david leigh-smith said on May 19, 2018
Love the Brewster, Dmitry, and really enjoyed the build thread. I think the Buffalo is a great little aircraft.
Well done, and a lovely tribute to Bernard.
Dmitry Stropalov said on May 19, 2018
@dirtylittlefokker Thanks, David!
Paul Barber said on May 19, 2018
Dmitry, I went back and looked through the whole WIP thread this morning and really enjoyed it. You have taught us a lot! Thank you! The outcome is a thing of beauty. The riveting and the work with the serial numbers and insignia really add something special. And I know that the engine and interiors are partly hidden – but the work was sensational and what can be seen only hints at the quality of the job, but shines through. Brilliant! I can’t wait to see what you get up to next!
Dmitry Stropalov said on May 20, 2018
@yellow10 Thank you, Paul! I think, next will be some bear and a super-easy kit, but after that… 🙂
Louis Gardner said on May 19, 2018
Wow this looks fantastic !!! I’ve been following along with your building and it has turned out great. All of the parts you scratch built made all the difference. You would not normally think this model is the ancient Tamiya release, but it is.
Well done my friend. I like it a lot ……… 🙂
Bernie would be proud.
Dmitry Stropalov said on May 20, 2018
@lgardner Thank you, Louis! I like good ancient kits, but only with newly printed decals 🙂
John Healy said on May 19, 2018
Nice work on one of my favorite kits! It’s nice to see one in the all gray scheme, rarely done.
Dmitry Stropalov said on May 20, 2018
@j-healy Thank you, John!
Tom Cleaver said on May 19, 2018
I must say, you went “above and beyond” on this project.
Dmitry Stropalov said on May 20, 2018
@tcinla Thanks, Tom. This is the best I can do for now, very close to my skills limit.
Tom Cleaver said on May 20, 2018
Well it certainly was worth the effort.
Dmitry Stropalov said on May 22, 2018
Absolutely yes, I’m pretty satisfied with the outcome.
Michel Verschuere said on May 20, 2018
A masterpiece Dmitry. Shows off all the patience it took to finish her. I followed this thread with great interest. Thanks.
Dmitry Stropalov said on May 20, 2018
@michel-verschuere Thank you, Michel!
Bogdan Ionete said on May 20, 2018
I really like it.
Good job, mate!
Dmitry Stropalov said on May 20, 2018
@bogdan_ionete Thanks, Bogdan!
Chuck A. Villanueva said on May 20, 2018
Very nice build Dmitry, good to see this rarely seen overall Lt Grey scheme. Same one used on my one and only Buff though a different squadron. It sets it apart from the rest of the Navy/Marine birds I have sharing the same deck. Nice story as well. Thanks for sharing.
Dmitry Stropalov said on May 20, 2018
@uscusn Thank you, Chuck!
Pedro L. Rocha said on May 20, 2018
I also like it a lot. It’s one of those models that just looks right, just looks spot on. 2 years building is plain devotion to the subject, despite adversities. Congratulations Dmitry, you should be proud of this little gem!
Dmitry Stropalov said on May 20, 2018
@holzhamer Thank you, Pedro! I still can’t believe, that I was able to restore the build and finish it.
paul teixeira said on May 20, 2018
stunning, awesome, beautiful, brilliant!!! Best Buffalo I have seen in a while.
Dmitry Stropalov said on May 20, 2018
@jjetmec Thank you, Paul!
paul teixeira said on May 20, 2018
your welcome my friend!
Anthony Conway said on May 20, 2018
Nice one Dmitry.
Dmitry Stropalov said on May 20, 2018
@jacman Thanks, Anthony!
Robert Royes said on May 20, 2018
Wow a great build indeed! Mr. Hackett bailed me out on some decals for an Aussie A-4 Skyhawk awhile back, he was a real gem.
Dmitry Stropalov said on May 21, 2018
@roofrat Thanks, Robert!
Mark Rezac said on May 20, 2018
Fantastic. You turned what is actually a pretty decent kit for its age into a fabulous model.
Dmitry Stropalov said on May 21, 2018
@markrezac Thank you, Mark!
Tony Prince said on May 21, 2018
Just beautiful Dmitry. There’s something about the Buffalo that always appeals to me & yours is just amazing! The Tamiya kit is still great quality, even after all these years, especially so given your skills & patience.
Dmitry Stropalov said on May 21, 2018
@tony-prince Thank you, Tony!
Greg Kittinger said on May 21, 2018
I’ve been looking forward to the final reveal – and it doesn’t not disappoint! A beautiful build, and great WIP thread with some excellent tips. Well done!!
Dmitry Stropalov said on May 21, 2018
@gkittinger Thank you Greg for your support!
Jeff Bailey said on May 21, 2018
Great looking Buffalo, Dmitry! I’ll bet Bernie is smiling down from Heaven at it.
As the window was a big topic of discussion in the WIP, it’s great to see it and the model done. I also really like the lt. gray color, like Chuck said.
Bravo!
Dmitry Stropalov said on May 21, 2018
@mikegolf Thank you, Jeff! Yes, that window was a big deal, and I like that it’s on the model.
George Williams said on May 22, 2018
Terrific model, Dmitry, well worth the wait.
Dmitry Stropalov said on May 22, 2018
@chinesegeorge Thanks, George!