Brewster Buffalo - Battle of Britain

[Hman]

This is going to be a simple build (Airfix 1/72).  Nothing too fancy, just build, paint and a back story.  I am going to 'plate' over the belly window though.

I have started the assembly, I will post some pictures when it is finished.

[Tophe]

Battle of Britain for a Buffalo?? On which side? Germany or UK?

[Hman]

...funny...

It will be RAF, but I am sure that Fighter Command will live to regret it!

[Martin H]

best use for em would be bait for the 109's, leaving the way to the bombers clear for the spits and Hurricanes

[GeorgeC]

The diverted Belgian Air Force order was the first batch to reach the RAF.  Apparently, only one made it as far as France to captured, but a slightly earlier delivery could have been used by the Luftwaffe or Italians; poor performance but the aircraft's range could have been useful in the BoB.  Alternatively, give it to a FAA squadron to defend Scapa Flow as Dark Sea Gray/ Dark Slate Gray / and Sky would cause a few double takes.     

[kitbasher]

Sky Grey not Sky, like the early Roc/Skua finishes perhaps?

Like https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwp.scn.ru%2Fen%2Fww2%2Ff%2F577%2F9%2F0&ei=YVDNVJSPCcjnapHwgvAH&bvm=bv.85076809,d.d2s&psig=AFQjCNHDoRsKCazuIBd7bLnoQb6zuSOTOA&ust=1422827999164710

[dadlamassu]

Alternatively, give it to a FAA squadron to defend Scapa Flow as Dark Sea Gray/ Dark Slate Gray / and Sky would cause a few double takes.     

Some B339s were sent to Crete for 805 Sqn FAA and this one was captured damaged by the Germans.


So the idea of the Navy having them is sound and the sea colour scheme would be feasible for defending Scapa Flow or the Naval Base at Rosyth.

[Captain Canada]

Nice. Don't see too many Brewsters on here !

[Librarian]

Saw this http://hyperscale.com/2007/features/f2a1barclayjv_1.htm a couple of weeks ago and have been dreaming of doing it but..... ....I'm just not good enough.

[Hman]

Buffalos in the UK - 1940

It appears that 71 (Eagle Sqn) RAF was equipped with Buffalos in September 1940 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No._71_Squadron_RAF)

"At the start of the Second World War before the US entered the war, there were a large number of American volunteers offering their services. . No. 71 was formed at RAF Church Fenton on 19 September 1940 with Brewster Buffalos. Appraisal by Royal Air Force acceptance personnel criticised the Brewster Buffalo on numerous points including lack of armament and pilot armour, poor high-altitude performance, engine overheating, maintenance issues, and cockpit controls, while it was praised for its handling, roomy cockpit, and visibility.[3] The aircraft were deemed unsuitable for European conditions and Hawker Hurricanes replaced them from November 1940. The squadron became operational at RAF Kirton-in-Lindsey on 5 February 1941 but moved in April to RAF Martlesham Heath. The squadron's first confirmed victory came on 21 July 1941 during a bomber escort mission when Pilot Officer Dunn destroyed a Bf 109Fover Lille.[4] On 29 September 1942 the squadron, together with the other two Eagle squadrons, was transferred to the US Army Air Forces becoming the 334th Fighter Squadron of the 4th Fighter Group."

Three crash reports for Buffalos in Yorkshire – September / October 1940 (http://www.yorkshire-aircraft.co.uk/aircraft/yorkshire/york40/oct40.html)

Buffalos were assembled at RAF Burton Wood (http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/RAF_Burtonwood)

Image of RAF Buffalo in the UK - 1940 (http://www.airteamimages.com/brewster-f2a-buffalo-_AS426_united-kingdom---royal-air-force_193678.html)

Index of Buffalo individual Aircraft History's (http://www.warbirdforum.com/buffaloconstnumbers.pdf)

[kitbasher]

Saw this http://hyperscale.com/2007/features/f2a1barclayjv_1.htm a couple of weeks ago and have been dreaming of doing it but..... ....I'm just not good enough.

More on the Barclay schemes and my own stab at a Devastator at http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,28935.msg438083.html#msg438083