Probably Brewster's only really successful aircraft was the model 339. In addition to enjoying some export success (much of it having to do with little else being available), the model 339 entered the US Navy as the F2A Buffalo. It was really the Navy's first high speed monoplane ship board fighter so gave the service a good introduction on how to handle the type. It wasn't as maneuverable as the Grumman F3F fighters that had been used prior to that, but the additional speed was much appreciated. 

The model 339 was sold to Finland who enjoyed much success with the aircraft against the Russians. Frankly much of this success goes to Finnish pilots and the way that the aircraft were used more than to any sterling quality of the 339. The Belgians also ordered model 339 as did the Dutch. The Belgian order was taken over by the British who used them in Singapore and Malaya. The Dutch used theirs in the Netherlands East Indies (NEI). Unfortunately, without the results obtained in Finland.

First USN version was the F2A-1 which entered service in 1939. It provided the Navy with valuable experience in handling monoplane fighters, but was a bit underpowered. The next version was the F2A-2 which featured a larger and more powerful engine. These entered fleet service in late 1940 as priority was placed on overseas orders. They were soon replaced by Wildcats and the Buffalos were given to the Marines. The only action Marine or USN Buffalos participated in was the defense of Midway where the Marine's F2As were cut to pieces by the Japanese A6M2 Zero. After this they were hurriedly replaced and spent their remaining years as trainers. The last one was gone in 1943 and none exist. (For those saying there is one in Finland, that is not a Brewster but a Finnish built 'Humu' which is only based on the 339 airframe.)

This is probably the first modern 1/48 kit that Tamiya designed. This was done about 20 years ago and that issue was more than just an F2A, including parts for a model 339 as well. There are differences between the two. When this kit was reissued around 8 - 10 years ago, gone were the additional bits to make a model 339, and now only an F2A-2 can be built with the existing kit.

The kit is molded in a silver plastic with nicely engraved panel lines. The molds have held up nicely over the years and there is only a tiny trace of flash, most noticeable on the prop. Also noticeable are the blank areas where the model 339 bits used to be. Some smaller parts are marred by ejector pin marks, most notably the inner gear doors and landing gear struts, however most can be cleaned up without too much trouble. 

The interior is quite well detailed and complete. There is also good detailing on the cockpit side walls and the wheel wells. The only option on the kit is the installation of bomb racks and bombs. In fact, if you want your kit without them, you'll have to fill the holes already drilled into the wings! The canopy is a single piece and cannot be displayed open unless you cut it.

The instructions are superb as one would expect from Tamiya. Colors are given for Tamiya paints. There are two different aircraft provided for on the decal sheet. One is from VF-2 on the Lexington, and the other is VF-3 on the Saratoga. VF-2 removed the large radio mast and relocated the end of the antenna wire on the port wing. The decals look to be quite usable, albeit a bit thick.

Overall it seems like another easy to build, no hassle Tamiya kit. I just wish they had included the model 339 parts.

Review kit courtesy of me and my wallet!

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