A Pair of Brewster F2A-3 Buffalos
The Hobby 2000 business plan is to re-pop kits from various manufacturers, adding new decals and paint masks. This gives modelers another chance to acquire an out of production kit which already includes two of the most common aftermarket additions, all at a reasonable price. In the case of their Brewster Buffalo offering, the sprues are from the 1996 Hasegawa tools.
“MF-17” is one of the USMC Buffalos which defended Midway. The only U.S. combat use of the Brewster F2A-3 Buffalo was by Marine Fighter Squadron VMF-221 operation from Midway Island. On 10MAY42 they downed an H8K “Emily” flying boat for their first victory. During the Battle of Midway VMF-221 launched 21 Buffalos and 7 Wildcats in defense of the island. The Marines were badly mauled by the Japanese, only 13 VMF-221 aircraft returned and out of those only 2 remained serviceable.
2LT Charles Kunz flew Buffalo MF-17 that day. He was credited with downing a pair of Aichi D3A “Val” dive bombers. He was awarded the Navy Cross and Purple Heart for his actions at Midway. Kunz went on to claim a further 6 victories over Guadalcanal, bringing his total to 8. He retired from the Marine Corps in 1967 as a Colonel.
“White 21” was the subject of a series of aerial photographs while serving as an advanced trainer at NAS Miami. After the Battle of Midway the surviving Brewster F2A Buffalos in U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps units were withdrawn from front line service. The majority of these were assigned to training commands as advanced trainers and operated until they were lost to accidents or worn out. The model depicts one of these aircraft which was flown out of Naval Air Station Miami during 1942. The aircraft soon acquired a very motley appearance, reflecting numerous repairs and hard use.
Construction here: https://inchhighguy.wordpress.com/2024/08/16/hobby-2000-brewster-f2a-buffalo-build-in-1-72-scale-part-i/
Anyone know where re-pop came from? Of course we know what it means…
Nice work, Jeff! I’m a Buffalo fan.
Excellent job on both, Jeff!
Those are two fine looking Buffalos, Jeff @inchhigh
The chosen schemes do look great on them.
Nicely done Jeff, are they a breeding pair !
Well done X2 !
Those look great! Love the paint and weathering.
Great job! I have always had a soft spot for the tubby Buffalo.
Nice work on that pair of Buffalos Jeff
Great looking herd! Love Buffs. Have all 3 Hasegawa doubles and a few singles. Haint built a one yet.
very nice pair of Buffalos!
Thanks for all the kind words everyone!
Excellent pair of Buffalos. Nicely painted and weathered. And if you know anything about Finnish aviation, you know why Finns do like these 😉