Brewster F2A BuffaloBy Andre R. Zbiegniewski
|
 |
If you haven't noticed, Kagero has turned into a prolific publishing house that produces some outstanding historical and modeling monographs for both aviation and armor enthusiasts. In many of these monographs, they even provide a set of decals for many of the aircraft or vehicles that they profile. This title is no exception.
Printed
with Polish and English text, the author does an outstanding job of covering
the development and operations of the F2A. In addition, they take the
story beyond common knowledge to highlight that the deficiencies experienced
by US pilots at the beginning of the war had less to do with the aircraft
and more to do with pilot training and experience.
Many will recall that the F4F also did not fare well at the outbreak of hostilities, but as pilots learned the strengths and weaknesses of their aircraft and those of their opponents, the F4F was able to hold its own against the A6M Zero. Such was the case with the F2A, but the Buffalo had been exported to allied countries before those lessons were learned. In fact, the Buffalo achieved an impressive combat record in operations against the Soviets from Finland, as well as in RAF, RAAF and RNZAF service.
The first 3/4 of the book provides a detailed account of the aircraft's history, illustrated with numerous B&W photographs. The author then provides an outstanding set of 1/48 scale three view drawings depicting the standard configuration F2A-1, F2A-2 and F2A-3 Buffalo as well as illustrating some of the ski modifications used by the Finnish Air Force.
These
drawings are followed by detailed scrap drawings of interior details and
sets of 1/72 drawings depicting model variant differences, detail by detail.
The title concludes with ten pages of color profiles depicting the aircraft as it appeared in operations around the world.
Last, but certainly not least, a set of decals are included in 1/72 and 1/48 for several of the aircraft depicted in the color profiles.
This title follows the high standards for detail and accuracy that Kagero has become known for and should be a must-have for the aviation historian and modeler alike. While the english translation is a little awkward in places, I found that the details in the aircraft's history quickly outweighed the grammar and I couldn't put the bloody thing down.
My sincere thanks to Squadron Mail Order for this review sample!
