LDSModeller Posted February 12, 2020 Share Posted February 12, 2020 (edited) Hi All, This is my choice of build for this GB This kit has been in my collection for quite some, so an opportunity to build it. The Brewster F2A-2 and 339E Buffalo are favourites of mine, and I have spent many a day researching, both especially the 339E to build a 488 (NZ) Squadron airframe in Singapore circa 1941 and a USN aircraft Hopefully this will turn out as well as I hope Box art Kit Sprues - not a lot of parts Canopy Glass house Kit Instructions Kit Decal Sheet - they haven't weathered very well, which is a pity I plan to use an Aero Master sheet I plan to do an overall Non Specular Light Grey scheme for a VF -3 Bird off the USS Saratoga Actual Decals See you all Saturday - Thanks for looking in Regards Alan Edited June 13, 2020 by LDSModeller 8 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob85 Posted February 12, 2020 Share Posted February 12, 2020 Nice choice Alan, I love the tubby little buffalo! Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modelling minion Posted February 12, 2020 Share Posted February 12, 2020 Great choice of subject and kit Alan. I built one of these for another GB over a year ago and really enjoyed the build, granted it's not super detailed but it is well engineered and went together with very little fuss at all. The over all grey neutrality scheme is not one seen too often so I'm looking forward to seeing how you get on with this one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LDSModeller Posted February 20, 2020 Author Share Posted February 20, 2020 On 2/13/2020 at 1:43 AM, rob85 said: Nice choice Alan, I love the tubby little buffalo! Rob On 2/13/2020 at 7:50 AM, modelling minion said: Great choice of subject and kit Alan. I built one of these for another GB over a year ago and really enjoyed the build, granted it's not super detailed but it is well engineered and went together with very little fuss at all. The over all grey neutrality scheme is not one seen too often so I'm looking forward to seeing how you get on with this one. Hi Rob and Craig, thanks for the welcome and comments Ever since my Dad came home from overseas Deployment when I was just a youngster, he had a crate full of models, and one was the Brewster Buffalo (Revell kit), I have had a soft spot for the Buffalo. Especially since the kit had "Felix the Cat" as an emblem. This is not my first Buffalo build, so some of my previous build photos will help expalin what I hope to show This photo is a screen shot from a Colour 1941 film - which I can't find any more and this from the Movie "Dive Bomber" 1941 a YouTube link to a cool part of the Dive Bomber Movie, in which in the last few seconds the LSO paddles in a F2A-2 on the USS Enterprise So a bit of an update - Plastic has been cut! The Fuselage forward section is a bit hollow - needs some filling in You can see from this Life Photo of a RAF 3339E Buffalo, there is quite a bit of structure/equipment in the hollow The Wing section also is mostly devoid of structure also So I want it to start looking like this (sans the piping only on RAF Buffalo's) So a little bit of measuring and styrene cutting later, I ended up with this - very pleased I added some styrene to the lower wing section to fill in a gap (see through) Nothing is glued yet but the above helps to fill in a void I also added a strip to the front of the engine bulkhead, as it had a gap The actual cockpit is a little void of a few things (flooring etc), so I'll add those shortly Thanks for looking in, more soon Regards Alan 11 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
modelling minion Posted February 20, 2020 Share Posted February 20, 2020 Some good research there Alan and the work you have carried out has made an improvement to the kit, which despite being an old tooling is still a nice model to build. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LDSModeller Posted March 8, 2020 Author Share Posted March 8, 2020 (edited) On 2/21/2020 at 6:49 AM, modelling minion said: Some good research there Alan and the work you have carried out has made an improvement to the kit, which despite being an old tooling is still a nice model to build. Thanks Craig for your comments, it is a nice kit. Something of an update I have added in to the Z Frames some shelving/mounts for the .5 Caliber MG (top mounts) and ammunition canisters (lower mounts) I also added in part of the main wheel retraction mechanism I added in the forward guns spent shell chute (though I omitted the collection housing at the top) I also added in the Oval Oil cooler housing Using an old Resin plug (from my Special Hobby Buffalo build), I manufactured (sort of) the rear section of the P&W R1820 Engine case. Also you can see the beginnings of the forward semi bulkhead and engine mount Engine part sitting on mount Whole assembly completed sans paint and fitting of engine part Sitting inside the forward fuselage with engine for display purposes The rear and forward sections fitted inside to test fitting - I'm really pleased on how it turned out. Note also the spent shell chute ejection slot I have engraved (though doesn't look so good) Finally I have started on the lower wing/fuselage assembly, adding in ribbing and gluing together the parts for the forward cockpit floor section (it's just sitting there at present) Well that's all for today, thanks for looking in, more soon Regards Alan Edited March 8, 2020 by LDSModeller 11 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andwil Posted March 8, 2020 Share Posted March 8, 2020 Wow, remarkable modelling. AW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Col. Posted March 8, 2020 Share Posted March 8, 2020 Impressive work Alan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob85 Posted March 9, 2020 Share Posted March 9, 2020 That’s some nice scratch building your doing there, great work. Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moaning dolphin Posted March 9, 2020 Share Posted March 9, 2020 Great stuff so far, nicely done! Bob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LDSModeller Posted March 15, 2020 Author Share Posted March 15, 2020 On 3/8/2020 at 8:35 PM, Andwil said: Wow, remarkable modelling. AW On 3/8/2020 at 8:45 PM, Col. said: Impressive work Alan On 3/10/2020 at 1:26 AM, rob85 said: That’s some nice scratch building your doing there, great work. Rob On 3/10/2020 at 6:17 AM, moaning dolphin said: Great stuff so far, nicely done! Bob Hi Gents, thank you for your comments, thanks for looking in Something of an update I have cut out the second sub floor (over which pilot sits) I Started to add the various sub section that are located on the Starboard side The first being the Emergency Hydraulic Pump The second being the Under Carriage Up & Down levers The next being the Stand for the Heat Switch and drilling holes for the Gun Charging Handles ( to be added after painting) Added also the stand for the Control column mechanism Photo with control column mechanism sitting in place The sub floor sitting in place with the forward floor sub section I have started painting - the P&W R1820 Engine at least, and given some weathering, with Humbrol Antique Bronze, and a Black wash Lastly, I have marked out an area behind the cockpit, on the rear flat section to be removed, to add in a newer section which will have a "Fluted" front edge, which the kit does not have I'm happy with progress thus far, though looking forward to completing the cockpit, so I can add the interior paint colours. Thanks for looking in, more soon Regards Alan 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Col. Posted March 15, 2020 Share Posted March 15, 2020 Great work again Alan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan P Posted March 15, 2020 Share Posted March 15, 2020 This is going way above and beyond. Excellent scratchbuilding skills in such a tiny, intricate space 👍 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LDSModeller Posted March 20, 2020 Author Share Posted March 20, 2020 On 3/15/2020 at 9:03 PM, Col. said: Great work again Alan On 3/15/2020 at 9:29 PM, Alan P said: This is going way above and beyond. Excellent scratchbuilding skills in such a tiny, intricate space Hi Col and Alan, Thank you for your kind comments A bit of an update. I have added stringers and ribbing to the lower section of the cockpit Though when the Forward and rear floor sections are in place, you really don't see it (But I know it's there) I have added to the Port and Starboard sides, the Quarter Instrument Panels You can see both through the cockpit opening I have added some support styrene under the rear deck section, after cutting out the kit pieces - the deck will go on top On the starboard side there is a "Panel/Box" that has the gun switch covers and various switches. Tamiya would have you position it this way, which is incorrect The actual piece sits this way This is what it looks like (RAF 339E Buffalo had same) - Note Quarter Instrument Panel also For those of you who perhaps wonder where I get this info from, I have photos of both the USN F2A-2 and RAF 339E Buffalo cockpits. So I have added paint I was trying to find a paint that looks close/same, so I studied the Movie "Dive Bomber" filmed in colour circa 1941 which gave me some good visual clues to what USN "Aluminium Lacquer" looks like I chose Humbrol 191 Airframe Silver/Chrome Silver - these are the results I'm very please how it turned out. Last but not least the Wing halves were glued together Well that's all for now, hopefully will get more done today???? Thanks for looking in Regards Alan 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Col. Posted March 21, 2020 Share Posted March 21, 2020 You're pouring an inspiring amount of detail into this one Alan. Although I'm not normally a fan of this particular machine your work makes for compeling viewing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LDSModeller Posted March 22, 2020 Author Share Posted March 22, 2020 On 3/21/2020 at 1:34 PM, Col. said: You're pouring an inspiring amount of detail into this one Alan. Although I'm not normally a fan of this particular machine your work makes for compeling viewing. Thanks Col., Given the Scale, I have left a lot little things out of the build, that would be better suited to say 1/32 scale. But to me it looks the business, so I'm happy A bit of an Update, sorry it wasn't yesterday, had a issue with a Muppet neighbor and his sewage on my property needing to be sorted today, not when ever So I have added some paint to various fixtures, such as a leather colour to the Control column boot (was thinking of green but....) Black handles to the control column and hydraulic pump. The red item is a gun charging handle (supposed to be 2 but one broke) Then glued the assembly and forward sub floor in to the lower section What it looks like when the fuselage is added (not glued) So a little more work on the cockpit Port side I have added a pipe to the side ledge, a fuel on and off switch (can't use the proper word) will go on top I have removed the moulded Instrument faces from the main instrument panel, ready for a sandwich rendering of a correct panel instrument facing Thanks for stopping by, getting closer to completion of the fuselage More soon Regards Alan 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andwil Posted March 22, 2020 Share Posted March 22, 2020 Looking really good. This will be a greater t help for my soon to commence 1/72 build, especially sorting out that framework in the wheel well. AW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LDSModeller Posted March 29, 2020 Author Share Posted March 29, 2020 On 3/22/2020 at 8:40 PM, Andwil said: Looking really good. This will be a greater t help for my soon to commence 1/72 build, especially sorting out that framework in the wheel well. AW Thanks AW - BTW enjoying your Buffalo build too So an Update This week has been absolutely crazy. With our Country going into Lock down, like the rest of the world, my particular vocation is an Essential Service, so........ yeah I'm actually surprised That I manged to get as much done as I did........ Anyway enough self pity...... Modelling to be done and posted So first photo show the rudder pedal and lower instrument panel with a diagram ( I think for braking and undercart) The panel is not correct for an F2A-2 (going by photos I have of an F2A-2) More on this later....... Finished the Starboard shelf, and this is how it looks in sitting place for now I made and added some cockpit sills Note in the above Photo, Tamiya have thoughtfully moulded on the wing attachment bolts, in the correct pattern too I might add (less work for me), you can make them out in the red rectangle. If your building a Buffalo either leave or add on. Obviously at this juncture one has to think about canopies, the kit part does not fit after this addition, so I will elect to go down this route I cut and drilled out the new Instrument panel facing, not that you can see it, but Brewster built in some attractive "Art Deco or Rocketeer" features in the Buffalo design At this juncture, I sprayed the whole forward section "Aluminium Lacquer", then masked off and sprayed the upper cockpit section (from pilots elbow) Black per USN requirements circa 1939/40 (can't remember exact date) As you can see my masking was less than perfect - need to patch up my paint work Anyway on wards and upward Going back to the panel between the rudder pedal structure, I have added the new correct panel with a hand crafted diagram (there's a dial face too at the upper LHS) I painted a small section of foil, then carefully using a sharp point and ruler marked out the desired design (this works way better in 1/32 scale I assure you) Painted Instrument Panel and rudder pedal assembled per kit instruction The red dots are the Instrument panel lights, what is missing are the two plaques for the panel, most noticeably the Red one with white wording warning for the undercart - just didn't work out I added in both Port and Starboard assemblies The rd dots in the upper side panel section are the Fuselage lights, and the reddish/brown item on the Starboard shelf are the covers for the Gun selection switches - The Sun was not in my favour this morning for photography you can get a better view of this 339E Shelf (exactly the same as F2A-2) Well a milestone has been reached, I glued the fuselage together Note in this photo the front framing for the rear section of the R 1820 engine as been glued in to Well that about wraps it up for this post, thanks for looking in and more soon Regards Alan 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rob85 Posted March 29, 2020 Share Posted March 29, 2020 Amazing progress, and so much added detailing! This really is looking brilliant! Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andwil Posted March 29, 2020 Share Posted March 29, 2020 Fantastic detail! AW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LDSModeller Posted April 2, 2020 Author Share Posted April 2, 2020 On 3/29/2020 at 8:04 PM, rob85 said: Amazing progress, and so much added detailing! This really is looking brilliant! On 3/29/2020 at 9:40 PM, Andwil said: Fantastic detail! Hi Rob and AW, Thank you for comments - I'm happy with the whole scratch building bits - the up and coming Paint job though is giving me anxiety fits Something of an update - my little bit of sanity Okay - glued in the engine and attached cowling ring I have scratch built the forward part of the rear deck, including the fluted front piece The F2A-2 like a number of US aircraft of that period, had seat support frames/tubes. The F2A-2 had tubes as depicted in this photo (from US Navy photo of F2A-2 cockpit) The tubes are attached to the "Fluted" pieces I removed the moulded shoulder harness Tamiya supplied with the seat, and the moulded lap belts didn't appeal to me So I added a seat cushion (again from US Navy F2A-2 photo) and new lap belts Pilots seat attached With all the relevant cockpit items in place, time to glue the wings/lower fuselage to the fuselage Looking into the cockpit - quite pleased I've noticed that my filler and sanding are not so great on the rear deck....... I'm quite pleased with how the view from the lower side of the fuselage looks too Well that's it for tonight, a very quick update - more soon. Thanks for looking in. Regards Alan 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LDSModeller Posted April 5, 2020 Author Share Posted April 5, 2020 Hi All, Little more of an update So I have added the tail feathers and tail cone The tail cone is missing the hook end of the arrestor hook - will need to look at that. I redid the upper deck looks much better now Drilled out the locating holes for the Life Raft Container (just sitting there at present) I started on the main wheels, there's a ridge in the centre where the moulding is slightly off set. Using a low speed drill, I shaved down the offending ridges I puttied the seam where the wing/belly joins the fuselage, there's a bit of a ridge Next I started work on the Falcon Canopy - I decided in my infinite wisdom, to mask along the edge to protect the canopy. Problem - the tape (masking) left a residue which would not come off. Whether it was the tape/ canopy material reacting ?? but it would not come off then to add insult to injury the darn thing was too big anyway. Sooo I had to go back to the kit part, remove the cockpit sill I had so loving crafted........, so the kit part could fit. So as per normal I dipped the clear parts in "Klear" , an after drying "a revelation" - the kit part has a mould flaw....... Well it's one of those days. I know comments have been made else where, that the canopy does not fit properly - mine does. It should be noted that the sliding canopy on the 1:1 Buffalo slides onto a rail jutting out from the fuselage side - It looks like Tamiya erroneously moulded the sliding section as an instep (see red line). I'll have a think about this and go from there. Lastly I added the main aerial mast (keep knocking the darn thing) along with the pitot tube - the observant will note the tail mast missing - I've lost count of how many times I have glued that back on........ and knocked it off again Well that's it for now - off to mask the clear parts, so that will take a while...... Thanks for looking in, more soonish Regards Alan 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LDSModeller Posted April 13, 2020 Author Share Posted April 13, 2020 Hi All, Bit of an Update at this Easter Weekend. So I added fillets into the "Moulded Canopy Slide", as well as mounting holes for the Role Over Pylon Life raft container and Pylon sitting in place, though it's a bit proud, and the canopy doesn't sit properly. The observant amongst you will note the main aerial mast snapped Just knew I should have waited So I Started masking the canopy - No masks, so had to do it by hand/sight One thing I noted though is the rear glass house doesn't quite reach the rear decking edges, and since I added the fillet, a little more noticeable - Of Course Well not much to do about it now, just live with it The main canopy and rear glasshouse have angled edges at the base pf the frame, so I had to think of a way to achieve this I have linked a reasonably good shot of this, on this F2A-2 F2A-2 Canopy/rear deck edges Using Tamiya tape, measured the correct width, and cut the corners as in this photo Finished canopy At this juncture, I sprayed the entire airfame with Aluminium, to get ready for the main colour. The metal and fabric effect look quite good, even if I say so myself Lower Glazing - boy that was a chore - if I can't see properly anymore, I'll know why I have forgotten to take a before photo, but here it is with some paint The main canopy done too I have added the Life Raft container, Roll over Pylon - note the pilots head rest now painted, toned to look somewhat worn. Note also the fore deck in front of the Instrument panel painted black The main canopy has now been attached Yay, now ready for the main colour Well that's all for today, thanks for looking in, more soon Regards Alan 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan P Posted April 13, 2020 Share Posted April 13, 2020 Very nice paint job to go with the extraordinary detailing. Looking forward to seeing the next stage! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LDSModeller Posted April 18, 2020 Author Share Posted April 18, 2020 On 4/13/2020 at 6:49 PM, Alan P said: Looking forward to seeing the next stage! Thanks Alan. A bit of an update So I have given the whole model a spray in the Non Specular Light Grey, I used Humbrol 64 as my paint of choice. It was a rather muggy (humid) Autumn day here in Auckland, so the paint didn't go down so well (what's new ) So I did some more today, and it came out some what better - few places need a touch up I sprayed the additional items like landing gear doors, prop nose cone, Main wheel covers The following are some shots of the Model in different poses - Prop Nose cone just sitting in place. The Buffalo Prop Nose Cone had a rubber cover, as can be seen in photo - need to touch up though Main gear and covers together, waiting gluing Engine looks nice (to me at least ) You can see the difference between the main colour and the Aluminium lacquer - you can also see how the belly transparency doesn't sit so well Period Photo of a F2A-2 showing the Aluminium Lacquer wheel well Brewster F2A-2 with Aluminium Wheel well I have started painting the Propeller based on some F2A-2 Photos - the rear appears to be black Brewster F2A-2 Black rear of prop This Life Magazine Colour Photo, sold it for me, Yes I know it's a TBD-1 Seeing this photo, had me dig out My Monogram TBD-1 with thoughts of staring another build. We'll wait and see Forward edge of prop, the cuff is coloured Silver, and started with blue for tip colours, still to do Yellow and Red Well next step is to add a Glossy varnish, to seal the paint, and prep for decaling. Thanks for stopping by, nearly there More soon Regards Alan 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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