[jim]

Originally Posted by Cruver Collecter

My respect for the detailing and attention to detail that Hobby Master puts into their Buffalo series just went up by more than a notch or two, Now I know that some folks my not consider this is to significant, but if you have them compare the RNZAF 488 Sqn or Netherlands East Indies Army Air Corps Buffalo propellers against the American versions. The American variants have a Cuffed Curtiss Electric propeller were the Model B 339 of the RNZAF and the lace variant have an Uncuffed Hamilton Standard Propeller. I did not notice it until I was comparing the new Buffalos with the original four that Hobby Master made a separate mold to differentiate between the Buffalo F2A and the export Model B 339 type propellers. Small details like this really make for an exceptional model. Hawk if you read this thread, please pass on my compliments to the folks at Hobby Master for a job well done.

HM made a fine job of the Buff. I have only one (Netherlands because the panel lines are nice and subdued) but I am sorely tempted to add more to my collection.
JP ,you must have at least one of these, I think they are HMs best offering yet. ( be warned that once you have one you will be looking to get all of them).

I had some difficulty with the undercart, after pulling down the wheels I really had to force the locking strut (the cross piece that holds the wheels apart and locks them in position) into place .

[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by Ara1

Hey CC,

Your models look great! You are the Brewster King and the prewar ones look especially collectable.

SO how does the gear work? Can you walk us thru it?

Ara the pre war Buffalo versions are going to look great next to your Wildcat. I have never had an issue with landing gear, and to be honest have never had to use the small tool to put the gear in the down position. Model comes with some easy to follow instructions, but to be honest, you should have no problems putting the gear in the down position. (If you do, just give me a shout). Now that I have seen your pre war Carousel Wildcat more than a few times on this forum and the UK forum, well I do believe this will be the next one I will pick up. The HM Buffalo may be one of the finest looking die cast I have seen to date, but then again, I am slightly prejudiced to the Buffalo.

[Elmer]

Originally Posted by Cruver Collecter

You know I would like to say yes about the metal prop

Then say it, please. I thought I read in Hawk's review that it is metal. Maybe I was dreaming.

Originally Posted by Cruver Collecter

hey how about that plug covering the most evil screw hole (Not so subtle attempt at distraction).

Yes, the most evil screw hole needs to be covered!

[Ara1]

Cruver Collector, you have really enhanced this forum with your research and dilligent posts. Your interest in the underdog planes of the pre and early WWII period has also been an education for many of us.

Nice observation on the prop hubs! It must be great holding those planes and experiencing the quality and feel.

[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by Ara1

Cruver Collector, you have really enhanced this forum with your research and dilligent posts. Your interest in the underdog planes of the pre and early WWII period has also been an education for many of us.

Nice observation on the prop hubs! It must be great holding those planes and experiencing the quality and feel.

Thank you for the positive feedback, and these latest additions sure do look nice sitting next to the Saratoga version. I do like the underdogs, and if Hobby Master would put out the I-16 with the attention to detail they did with their Buffalo, I would be in hog heaven.

[Cruver Collecter]

After noticing the differences in the propeller types on the Hobby Master Brewster Buffalo models last night, I had to see if there were any other surprises to be found. The obvious ones I had previously noticed were the differences in tail wheel, Pitot tube (Netherlands version), antenna mast configuration and cockpit interior between the United States Navy versions and the export versions. Last night after a couple of Harp beers I sat down to have a nice long look at these models and found a couple more bits of detail I had glossed over earlier. Well, I did find a couple of neat surprises while going over my Buffalos last night. The first is in regards to the RNZAF Buffalo in regards to the sliding portion of the canopy. On the RAF Buffalos or more correctly the Model B339E, the port side of the canopy has a movable oval panel, and that is exactly how Hobby Master did the canopy on this model (Oval yes, moveable no). So for this one model they did a separate injection molded cockpit section. The next surprise was even a bit more impressive. The end of the fuselage on the F2A and the Model B339 is different. The U.S. Navy version has setup for tail hook were the export version has tail cone. Hobby Master did a really nice job on this and to be honest I am kind of embarrassed I did not pick up on this earlier. Some might consider this a little picky, but attention to detail like this is quite impressive. My hat off again to the folks at Hobby Master for the job they did on the Brewster Buffalo.

[Ara1]

Great tailcone observation! Is it a separate piece? How did they do that? There is definite hope for an F2A3 now!

[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by Ara1

Great tailcone observation! Is it a separate piece? How did they do that? There is definite hope for an F2A2 now!

It is a separate piece, but you do have to look pretty close to see this. Still holding out hope for second series of Buffalos.

[Ara1]

Cruver Collector,

I am the proud owner of 4 F2A's, and have an observation. I also checked with 1250ships's thread and from his photos it appears his models have the same characteristic. I note that on 2-F-1 (red cowling) the underwing yellow overspray wraps nicely around the leading edge and underside wingtip. My 2-F-16 (yellow cowling) has no such wrapping; the underside is all silver. My Saratoga F2A is at home and I cannot make a comment on it now.

Here are my serial numbers:
HA7005 (yellow cowling) 0388 out of 1,000 produced
HA7006 (red cowling) 0287 out of 1,000 produced.

Perhaps this issue was caught during the HA7006 paint run? Or the tail end of the HA7005 run? Does anyone have a later edition number HA7005? Can anyone compare notes?

[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by Ara1

Cruver Collector,

I am the proud owner of 4 F2A's, and have an observation. I also checked with 1250ships's thread and from his photos it appears his models have the same characteristic. I note that on 2-F-1 (red cowling) the underwing yellow overspray wraps nicely around the leading edge and underside wingtip. My 2-F-16 (yellow cowling) has no such wrapping; the underside is all silver. My Saratoga F2A is at home and I cannot make a comment on it now.

Here are my serial numbers:
HA7005 (yellow cowling) 0388 out of 1,000 produced
HA7006 (red cowling) 0287 out of 1,000 produced.

Perhaps this issue was caught during the HA7006 paint run? Or the tail end of the HA7005 run? Does anyone have a later edition number HA7005? Can anyone compare notes?

Your description matches mine.