ML-KNIL Brewster and Curtiss

[Second Air Force]

Since building the 1/72 Curtiss/Wright CW-21B Interceptor in Netherlands East Indies colors I've been planning other ML-KNIL projects. The first to get a chance on the workbench is this 1/48 Tamiya Brewster Buffalo.

ML-KNIL Brewster and Curtiss

The kit I found was of the F2A-2 version, essentially similar to the B-339C and D that the Dutch purchased new from Brewster. There are a few differences, the main ones being the propeller, spinner, tailwheel, and tailcone. The particular kit I have didn't have the optional parts I needed. Fortunately I had all of the bits I needed in my spares boxes from a Buffalo I built in the 1980s. I also bought an Eduard PE set for the Buffalo, then realized that much of this set was going to be useful for my SAAB B 17 project. I ended up using the Eduard instrument panel for this kit and saved the other bits for the SAAB.

ML-KNIL Brewster and Curtiss

More later.......

[Nico Braas]

Tamiya Buffalo kit was excellent! Assume you are going to build U.S. Navy version rather than Dutch MK-KNIL version? Dutch Buffalo had reflex gunsight instead of telescope sight and a 1200 hp engine.

[Second Air Force]

I've got the pieces to convert the U.S. version to the B-339, Nico. The original Tamiya I built had optional parts, this one doesn't. My spares provided most of the "export" parts. The only thing I was missing was the non-slotted windscreen for the modern gunsight but I'll fix that problem as I go along. I have the gunsight, propeller, and long tailcone on hand, as well as two different decal sheets.

An interesting tidbit I found was that at least one of the ML-KNIL Brewsters carried the national insignia triangle on the upper wings, something I hadn't seen until researching this project.

[Sall]

Cockpit is very nice!
Go ahead!

[Second Air Force]

Yes, the cockpit set from Eduard is really beautiful, Sall. I'm using very little of the PE here and using the Tamiya kit parts for the sidewalls and other pieces. Actually, Tamiya didn't do that bad a job on the cockpit detailing even though this is a pretty old kit. The main thing that could be considered missing is the accessory section of the engine and motor mount parts. These are visible through the wheelwell openings like on a Wildcat.

Here's the fuselage after joining.

ML-KNIL Brewster and Curtiss

Notice the lighter color tailcone. This is from an earlier issue kit that gave the option to build a U.S. (short tailcone) or Export (this longer cone) airplane. Next will be to fill the tailwheel opening to prepare for the fixed pneumatic tailwheel assembly.

[No.1]

Right build in right time

[draken35]

You give me the envy to start my 1/32 Special Hobby Buffalo in Belgian version...

[Second Air Force]

Ooohhhh.....the Belgian version is on my "to do list" also! Whenever you do yours I'll be watching intently!

Here's a little update on this one. I filled the tailwheel well with styrene and faired it with putty. The tire and strut will come from the spares bin as I can't find the actual one from my first Tamiya kit. Then the wing was joined to the fuselage and a small amount (very small, actually--good fit on this one) of filler applied. After sanding and priming the engine was painted and installed followed by the ring cowl.

ML-KNIL Brewster and Curtiss

ML-KNIL Brewster and Curtiss

ML-KNIL Brewster and Curtiss

After getting this all ready I had to take on the task of masking the transparencies. I've added a new entry on the "Some Modeling Techniques" sticky thread for the method I used here. This is the belly panel after painting.

ML-KNIL Brewster and Curtiss

[No.1]

Progress is perfect!!!

[draken35]

...And for the Belgian Buffalo, I will add it on my "builds to do this year"...

[Sall]

Nice job mate!!

[Second Air Force]

...And for the Belgian Buffalo, I will add it on my "builds to do this year"...

[Second Air Force]

I'm still casting about on which markings to apply to this. Regardless, the New Leaf color has been sprayed on and the next step will be the Old Leaf, then the aluminum lacquer undersides.

ML-KNIL Brewster and Curtiss

[No.1]

Fast and nice

[Sall]

I agree,fast and nice.