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Post by ZacYates on Apr 2, 2012 18:16:56 GMT 12
Hi all,
After my pair of Skyhawks are finished I'd like to do a Singapore-based Buffalo as flown by a Kiwi. I'm currently enjoying the book Buffalos Over Singapore and would love to build a small tribute to them.
What, of all the kits you've seen and built over the years, is the most accurate to one of these in 1:72? So far I have seen mention of: Airfix, Hasegawa and Matchbox.
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Post by dewobz on Apr 3, 2012 12:36:49 GMT 12
Hasegawa absolutely, if indeed they make a model B339, and, if so, it will probably be pretty hard to find. Their B239 version (of which I think there are [or were] US Navy and Finnish versions, might be easily adaptable. Airfix, despite being a shade rivet-happy, is the next best. The Matchbox one is very simplified, though (from memory) it does have recessed panel lines. I recommend Tamiya's 1/48th scale 'Pacific Theatre' version which comes with RNZAF decals. My 2 cents worth. Cheers, Wally.
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Post by alanw on Apr 3, 2012 14:23:12 GMT 12
Hi Zac
The Hasegawa kit would be the best kit, owing to
the fact that it has the "necessary" parts you need to
build an RAF 339E version.
It's modelled on the F2A-2 which the 339E was also,
has the pointed tail cone and un-cuffed 10 foot diameter
propellers as found on the RAF 339E, as well as the larger
pneumatic tyre also found on the RAF 339E.
Down side, as far as I know kit doesn't have RAF decals.
Airfix and Matchbox kit would have to have the prop replaced
as it's only has the type used by the USN (cuffed prop), and
has does not have the pointed tail cone so some remedial work
there.
Airfix has decals for RAF version (453 Squadron), which there
were some Kiwi pilots including Geoff Fisken (not in the kit).
Matchbox has decals for 488 Squadron (RNZAF), but the code
and serial are bogus.
If you need any info on the RAF 339E Buffalo, just let me know.
Regards
Alan
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Post by ZacYates on Apr 3, 2012 17:44:21 GMT 12
Thanks gents. Hasegawa did do a -339, however as dewobz points out it will be quite hard to find. Going by previews/inbox reviews I've seen online the Hasegawa kits get unanimous praise.
I'll keep an eye on TradeMe and eBay and let you know what I think of it when I get one!
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Post by Dave Homewood on Apr 4, 2012 1:12:12 GMT 12
Zac, are you leaning towards No. 488 Squadron RNZAF or No. 243 Squadron RAF? Both had mostly kiwi pilots, but No. 243 Squadron saw much more action and claims.
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Post by ZacYates on Apr 4, 2012 11:31:56 GMT 12
I'm not too sure as this point as I'm still early in the book.
I see Modelcrafts And Hobbies in Wellington have the Hasegawa Finnish AF boxing for $39.99 on their website.
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Post by dewobz on Apr 4, 2012 15:56:46 GMT 12
I believe the Finns used model 239 but as far as I know there is no external difference to 339. I'd say $39.99 is a pretty fair price. If you can find one on eBay it will likely be that much or more once you land it in NZ. AeroMaster make a 'Buffalos Over SE Asia' decal set in 1/48th which might exist in 1/72nd including 488 & 453 (or 243?) Sqn RAF aircraft on the same sheet and Red Roo make a 1/72 set for 453 Sqn's W8209 FT-D 'Snifter' - that's about $5 AU and you'd only need different code letters & serial numbers. I see on eBay that Special Hobby also make 1/72nd Buffalos and these may well be the ultimate kitset? They are likely to involve resin. There are 2 x B339C/D Dutch & Japanese (captured) on there at the moment. Best of luck. Look forward to seeing pics of the model. Alan sounds like an awesome resource person for ultimate accuracy. Cheers, Wally.
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Post by alanw on Apr 4, 2012 16:16:18 GMT 12
Hi Zac The following link shows Colorado Decals in 1/72 for RAF 339E's in Singapore/Malaysia www.bnamodelworld.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2836Starting from the top of the page AN196 (WP-W) 67 Squadron AN210 (TD-J) 453 (RAAF) Squadron W8209 (TD-F) 453 (RAAF) Squadron W8138 (NF-O) 488 (RNZAF) squadron - Noel Sharp's aircraft 3 kills 2 probables W8198 (NF-N) 488 (RNZAF) Squadron (not sure who pilot was at this time) Unfortunately Geoff Fiskens aircraft WP-O is not on there. The only issue with these decals, is that the 488 squadron codes should be in Sky, and Noel Sharp's aircraft had only 1 dragon (Portside) Regards Alan |
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Post by alanw on Apr 4, 2012 16:33:54 GMT 12
I believe the Finns used model 239 but as far as I know there is no external difference to 339. Hi Wally/Zac The 239 the Finns flew, was modelled after the USN F2A-1, and externally there are differences to the F2A-2. 1) Different engines 2) F2A-2 had shorter fuselage (5 inches worth) due to the new engine (CoG issues) 3) The F2A-1/239 had it's exhausts located in the cowling, while the F2A-2 had it's exhausts relocated to just in front of the wing leading edge 4) Gunports were different on cowling also Most noticable issue is the pointed tail cone on the 339E which neither the F2A-1/239 or F2A-2 had. How do I know this  I chose the insane path of building a RAF 339E out of a F2A-2 in 1/32 scale  Regards Alan |
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Post by kb on Apr 4, 2012 17:26:36 GMT 12
Zac, Special Hobby have issued a 1/72 scale Buffalo with 488 Sqdn markings. Kit 72131.
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Post by alanw on Apr 4, 2012 21:52:59 GMT 12
Zac, Special Hobby have issued a 1/72 scale Buffalo with 488 Sqdn markings. Kit 72131. Here is an on line review, Special Hobby kits are multi media (Styrene/Resin /Photo Etch) modelingmadness.com/scotts/preww2/previews/mpm-sh-az/72131.htmThe reviewer gives a decent review, except he is wrong on the underside transparency, they were not painted over. Again the 488 Squadron Codes, have been printed in Medium Sea Grey, and not Sky as they should be (we Kiwi's always have to be different don't we ;D). You will have to cut out the USN tail cone and replace with the pointed tail cone provided in the kit My model posted above is the 1/32 scale version Special Hobby kit and, really no major issues that a little modelling technique can't handle Regards Alan |
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