Short, fat and slow - Matchbox's Brewster Buffalo (OOB)

[Faust]

It’s not just loser cars that I like. I also like loser airplanes. For all the great aircraft that have served the US Navy over the course of its lifetime, there have also been a few… well… flops. The word “flop” really seems appropriate when you consider the Brewster F2A Buffalo. Sure, it was the first USN monoplane, so you have to cut it some slack… but still.



I have several 1/72 Buffalos, like the Farpro Japan and ancient Revell. However, it will come as no surprise if you’ve ever visited my site, that I’ve always wanted the Matchbox. It’s been hard to find, and the first time I’ve seen one since I was a kid was this year at the HeritageCon show in Hamilton, Ontario. Of course I got it, and it won a poll I ran to see which was the kit most people wanted to see reviewed.



So, check out this classic bit of Matchbox engineering, and remember, it doesn’t get any better than this!



adamrehorn.wordpress.com/matchbox-1-72-brewster-buffalo-oob/

[harron68]

Your review is well detailed and (seems to me) fair. I remember the small models and how the companies were more interested in cost to produce, knowing details weren't of great interest to the kids who mostly were the "buying public" back then.
As the the portly body of the Buffalo, correct that most early pre-war designs were outmoded by WWII anyway. The dimensions remind me of one of my childhood un-liked planes, the P-47. The "jug" as it was aptly nicknamed had a chubby look, but was one of the war's best fighters. it could sustain an unbelievable amount of damage, fly home with a pilot unharmed. Great engine power and deadly fire power gave it more than sleek looks could do. Looks can be deceiving!
Thanx for your review.

[Faust]

Thanks, man!

You're right that some of the most potent fighters of the war weren't the prettiest. I have always loved the Jug, especially the bubbletop (I do love bubbletop anythings, though), but lately I'm feeling the Razorback vibe too. Of course, the F4F and F6F weren't exactly models of aerodynamic refinement, and even the FW-190 (Radial Engine types like A and F) were "stumpy".

Sadly, the Buffalo was not in the league of any of those greats. Still, I'm sure the Finns would disagree!