Navy Bird Posted February 28, 2015 Share Posted February 28, 2015 Hi mates, here is my latest project, the Brewster B-339E Buffalo Mk.I as seen in November of 1941 at Sembawang, Singapore. This is essentially an out-of-the-box build, but that's because Special Hobby provides a beautiful set of resin detail parts so you really don't need much aftermarket. The only parts that weren't in the kit are the photoetch seat harnesses, photoetch landing lights, aerial wire, and a vacuform sliding canopy. Although I didn't plan it this way, it turns out that the markings for this kit contain "Snifter" - the same patriotic cartoon dog that adorned the Beaufort which was my most recent build. The paint scheme I chose - Dark Earth and Dark Green over Sky/Night with a Sky Blue fuselage band and Dark Green/Sky Blue spinner - is but one interpretation of how these aircraft were painted in Singapore. There are other interpretations that are equally valid. At this point in time, we really don't know for sure what was done. Project: Brewster B-339E Buffalo Mk.I Kit: Special Hobby Brewster Model 339B/E Buffalo Mk.I (kit number 72131) Scale: 1:72 (are there others?) Decals: From the kit (with some corrections) representing W.8209, TD-E, 453 Squadron at Singapore in November of 1941, pilot RAAF Sgt. Mac Read Photoetch: True Details generic British seat harnesses set no. 2504; Marabu Design British landing lights set no. 72002 Vacuform: Falcon Brewster Buffalo Canopy Set no. 9132 Paint: Gunze H38 Steel Red, H72 Dark Earth, H73 Dark Green, H309 FS34079, H90 Clear Red, H94 Clear Green, H314 Israeli Light Blue FS35622, Custom Mix for British Interior Grey Green; Tamiya XF-21 Sky, XF-69 NATO Black; Testors 1149 Flat Black, 1168 Flat White; Floquil 10004 Crystal-Cote; Alclad 101 Aluminum, 102 Duraluminum, 314 Klear Kote Flat Weathering: Some post shading to simulate paint fading, but generally not much weathering as the aircraft was relatively new during this time period. Light pastel work for some subtle panel line accenting. Improvements/Corrections Filled an interesting gap on top of the forward fuselage Used styrene card stock to represent seat and head armour Modified the seat to have square top as used in British Buffaloes Small diameter hypodermic needles used to represent wing machine guns Scratch-built reflector gunsight Replaced kit wing pitot tube with one made from small diameter plastic rod Applied the photoetch parts for the landing lights and seat harnesses Cut open the Falcon canopy and used the sliding portion Removable panel in the sliding canopy (port side, front panel) depicted with decal Camouflage pattern was hand masked (not a template) Build thread here. This is the first Special Hobby Buffalo kit that I've built and the experience will be quite helpful as I've several more in the stash. The build thread explains some of the "nuances" I encountered and how I dealt with them. At the end of the day, this is probably the most detailed Buffalo kit you can buy. The fuselage shapes match the Hasegawa kit nicely, so I don't think there are any shape issues. So, let's have a look at the pictures! Snifter reunion: Some in-progress shots: Cheers, Bill PS. Oh, here's that interesting little gap I had to deal with: 36 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JWM Posted February 28, 2015 Share Posted February 28, 2015 Very nice finish - I've seen it in WIP, I liked your narration... J-W Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edge Posted March 1, 2015 Share Posted March 1, 2015 Cracking job there Bill. What's next?!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed Russell Posted March 1, 2015 Share Posted March 1, 2015 Very nice build - interesting subject, great photos and nice presentation. Right up to your usual standard. Enjoyed the WIP too. I gather you are going on a 'Crusade' next but I'd like to see you at some stage try your magic on an old kit - something by Frog perhaps? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Navy Bird Posted March 1, 2015 Author Share Posted March 1, 2015 Very nice build - interesting subject, great photos and nice presentation. Right up to your usual standard. Enjoyed the WIP too. I gather you are going on a 'Crusade' next but I'd like to see you at some stage try your magic on an old kit - something by Frog perhaps? Did you miss this old kit? I don't know if it was magic, but I think it came out OK: http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234956097-revell-172-consolidated-pb4y-1-liberator/ I think I need more Australian subjects, Ed. What do you think? Cheers, Bill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevehnz Posted March 1, 2015 Share Posted March 1, 2015 That is staggeringly good Bill, probably the best of these tubby little brutes I've seen done. I've been keeping an eye on the build & happily poaching inspiration for the Hasegawa kit that'll be done in a similar scheme one of these days, though mine will be a 488 sqn machine. Steve. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob85 Posted March 1, 2015 Share Posted March 1, 2015 Utterly stunning! Your work is always so crisp and detailed, I just love it. Looking forward to the next one! Rob P.s. my little girl loved the reunion! Very high pitched shout of "cute" and "daddy can I have one in my room!!!"... Just bought a flipping spit so she can get what she is given/I want. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HOUSTON Posted March 1, 2015 Share Posted March 1, 2015 Bill, That is an IMPECCABLY PRISTINE IMMACULATE built BREWSTER BUFFALO.. Both your models look OUTSTANDINGLY GORGEOUS . LOVE it.. KUDOS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Harry Lime Posted March 1, 2015 Share Posted March 1, 2015 Bill, A real cracker you've turned out there! Mark. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevej60 Posted March 1, 2015 Share Posted March 1, 2015 Beautiful build and finish Bill,looking at the WIP thread most of us would have given up! But you,ve shown what patience and determination can achieve. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duncan B Posted March 1, 2015 Share Posted March 1, 2015 Another nice build there Bill, quite a cute little thing. Duncan B Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
batcode Posted March 1, 2015 Share Posted March 1, 2015 Fantastic work. Great job on the paint and finish.. looks great nice work. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MikeR Posted March 1, 2015 Share Posted March 1, 2015 Very nice indeed! Mike. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
woody37 Posted March 1, 2015 Share Posted March 1, 2015 It's been a great follow on to your Beaufort Bill, it's hard to believe the true size of this, looks more like 1/48 until you see a paint jar next to it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beard Posted March 1, 2015 Share Posted March 1, 2015 I followed, and enjoyed, the WiP and it's turned out looking rather splendid. I must have a bash at the Hasegawa one I have (although I doubt it'll turn out as good). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MRMLA Posted March 1, 2015 Share Posted March 1, 2015 Hi Bill!Really nice piece of plastic! SUPERB BUILD! ! I like especially cockpit with canopy but it's overall great. Plane looks like small humming birdie till... I've seen picture with his "bigger brother". I wouldn't never say, it is so robust comparing with! Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spikelhund Posted March 1, 2015 Share Posted March 1, 2015 A real pleasure to see it finished and a most enjoyable WIP too. Lovely pictures. Cheers... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
abat Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 Is there any other scale? Certainly not with the way you build in 1/72. Your work is truely inspiring Bill. I for one would like to see you work up some more Australian aircraft. Andrew Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ed Russell Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 Did you miss this old kit? I don't know if it was magic, but I think it came out OK: Yikes - I saw the RFI and assumed it was the Hase kit. Okay is an understatement. I think I need more Australian subjects, Ed. What do you think? Definitely - there's a Mariner you might like! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vppelt68 Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 Since I´m not a native English speaker I may be excused for not finding any new superlatives to describe your build Bill. I´ll just quote Houston's classic . V-P Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PlaStix Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 Hi Bill, As others have mentioned above; your WIP for this was thoroughly enjoyable and you have produced a stunningly beautiful model. Exceptional modelling on all levels! Kind regards, Stix Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
giemme Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 As I said in your WIP, I can't find any better definition than this: a little gem (and little only refers to the size of it). Ciao Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kev67 Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 Brilliant bit of modelling, all your models have a certain crispness to them Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wolwe82 Posted March 2, 2015 Share Posted March 2, 2015 Beautiful clean work! And the photos are amazing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Val Posted March 3, 2015 Share Posted March 3, 2015 Top model, love it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now