ML-KNIL Brewster B339

How far off is the old (B339 was still a prototype when the kit came out) Tamiya kit from the Dutch aircraft? I know some were delivered “stock” (RAF spec.?) and a later batch had a different engine. (thought they arrived too late and ended up with the Aussies.) Don’t have the details handy and am not well enough versed in the type.

From the IPMS I mentioned earlier:
INFORMATION: Fighter by Brewster USA developed for the US Navy, the prototype flew in 1937; Brewster was a relatively unknown factory. The first production version was the F2A-1 which flew in early 1938 and this type was also known as the B-239. It had a Wright Cyclone R-1820-22 engine of 950 hp. The engine turned out to be too weak and the F2A-2 was therefore given an R-1820-40 of 1200 hp. The “export version” became known as the B-339 but without an arrestor hook. The B-339 had a heavier engine and different cowling than the original B-239. The Belgians bought the type B-339B (Belgium). Only one arrived in Europe in time in May 1940 and the rest went to the still free France and later to the English RAF. Furthermore, in early 1940 the English bought 170 B-339E (England) for the various squadrons in the far east, including Singapore, and called it the Buffalo. However, the engine remained a problem because it simply did not provide enough power for a fighter aircraft. Finland also purchased the F2A-1 Brewster. Brewster made another F2A-3 variant for the US Navy that was slightly longer for the wing, the export version was known as the B-439. Total production was about 500 pieces.
Data: B-339D (“Dutch”)
Wright Cyclone R1820-G105A engine of 1100 hp or -G205A of 1200 hp
Curtiss electric propeller
wingspan: 10.68 m
length: 8.21 m
empty weight: approximately 2000 kg
maximum take-off weight: 2830 kg
maximum speed approximately 520 km

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Some more info

https://thejavagoldblog.wordpress.com/background-info-book-1/airplanes-2/the-brewster-f2a-buffalo/

Looks like both B-339C and B-339D variants were operationnally used by the Dutch…

H.P.

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And the Tamiya kit ??? Accurate? Franken - fighter? They do tend to try and get as many versions out of the molds as possible, usually at the expense of accuracy.) Correct engine /cowl?

I understand that the Tamiya kit also contains parts and decals for a Dutch kite.
The details of the planes varied though, specially the gun sights and armor plates behind the pilot.
As for the markings, this might help:
1-Vl.G.V (Brewster):

1st patrol - unknown, probably like 3rd but white
2nd patrol - none
3rd patrol - wide yellow band (in front of the tail); spinner unknown,
but possibly yellow); its patrol leader (B-3132) had a white line
along the back of the yellow band

2-Vl.G.V (Brewster):

1st patrol - wide, white band (in front of the tail); red spinner
and pilot cap
2nd patrol - none, possibly white spinner and cap
3rd patrol - wide yellow band (in front of the tail); probably blue spinner
and cap

3- and 4-Vl.G.IV and 3-Vl.G.V (Brewsters):
unknown, but probably using the same scheme as 1-Vl.G.V’s Brewsters.

2-Vl.G.V’s pilots had individualized their planes the most,
including the (privately purchased) colored pilot caps. This was Deibel’s
squadron, the one with the rhino-emblem.

A few of the British Buffalo’s seem to have ended up with Dutch
markings. Their camo and bands would be British-styled.
Also, those Dutch planes operating with the British in Singapore’s
defense had triangles on the top surface of the wings.

Btw, during the fighting, 1-Vl.G.IV and 1-Vl.G.V had the yellow
leading edges as seen on many other fighters of the day. It’s
unknown if this was also done with the other NEI fighters, but it can be
assumed so.

Another detail:

The wide yellow band on B3132 was actually light grey (the Glenn
martin underside colour) and was applied during the stay of the ac at
Singkawang II on orders from Singapore. The thin white band behind
the fighter ident. was the patrouille colour (info from the late col.
ret. A.A.M. van Rest, the former CO of 1-Vl.G.V).

As for accuracy: it seems pretty well. Only the wheel wells need a side wall and the white band around the tail is too long and not opaque enough. Better spray paint it yourself…

Come on, Frenchy. Spit it out! :slight_smile:

Cool. I have a wild hare and am thinking about trying to do the B339 at Tachikawa, and CW22 used by 57th Sentai (or Tachikawa also) and a P-40E at Akeno … Strangers in a Strange Land. (I have the 2 Squadron books on Allied planes operated by the Germans (and Neutrals). Any books on Japanese use of Allied aircraft? )

OK, OK :wink:…It was just a build review of the Tamiya Brewster, but you probably know it already…
https://modelingmadness.com/review/allies/us/usn/michaelsbuffalo.htm

H.P.

Actually hadn’t seen it. Saw one build review but not this one. Thanks.