Classic Airframes' new 1/48 scale
Brewster F2A-1

by Kevin Martin
 

  

Classic Airframes' 1/48 scale F2A-1 and Model 239 kits may be ordered online from Squadron
 

For a detailed examination of the kit contents, see Jim Maas' in-box review here on HyperScale.

I have long awaited the release of this kit, and I wasn't disappointed. Finally a Buffalo with recessed panel lines, nicely detailed wheel wells, with an actual nicely molded resin engine accessory section visible when viewed from outside, and associated engine mountings.

What puts this example above the aged Tamiya is the crystal clear canopy with definition in the framing that makes masking so much easier. Honestly, the canopy sections look as if Monogram has produced them.

I built and painted mine in the neutrality gray scheme of overall gull gray.(FS36440) of an aircraft operating out of NAS Norfolk,circa 1941.

Model Master paints were used throughout the build.

I made a few adjustments to my model whilst building. I added pushrods to the engine from Evergreen rod stock. The kit has a very extensive photo etch sheet that gives you a multitude of parts. Some the human eye can barely see, let alone actually use. Unfortunately a photo etch wire harness for the engine isn't included. Even I would have used that! Inclusion of that part would have taken a "Oh, there's the engine" to "Wow! What an engine!"

This kit suffers the same as the Tamiya in that the life raft holder, headrest, and rollover bar prevent the rear canopy section from sitting where it should, if built using the instructions. I ended up sanding the bottom of the life raft holder flat, cutting the curved section of the headrest shorter, and mounting it a little further forward then the instructions will have you mount it. When done the rollover bar assembly will fit onto the rear deck.

Best advice for building this kit? Test fit, test fit test fit!

Overall this is a great little kit and advanced my modeling skills up another notch.

Thanks to Classic Airframes for the sample

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

Model, Images and Text Copyright © 2005 by Kevin Martin
Page Created 17 June, 2005
Last Updated 17 June, 2005

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