Hobby Master 1:48 Air Power Series HA7007
F2A Buffalo Diecast Model
USMC VMF-221 Fighting Falcons, Willam Humbert, Battle of Midway, June 1942
Limited Edition
| 1:48 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Brewster F2A Buffalo | | 6.5" | | 8.75" |
Brewster & Company started out as a manufacturer of horse-drawn wagons and carriages. In 1920 they moved up to supplying aircraft floats to the Naval Aircraft Factory. The next step was producing sub-assemblies to Chance-Vought and Grumman. The Brewster Engineers wanted bigger and better things so they designed the SBN-1 low-wing, two-seater, all-metal torpedo/bomber/reconnaissance plane for the USN. The next big break came when their Brewster F2A was chosen over the Grumman F4F. What should have been a great opportunity for the company turned into a night-mare. They sold far more planes than they could produce which meant the US orders weren’t being filled as almost all planes were shipped overseas. Next they were caught up in an arms scandal during the Spanish Civil War and this forced the US Government to step in and take control of the company and production of the Brewster planes. The Brewster Aircraft Company finally closed its doors in 1944.
Though not highly regarded the Brewster F2A was a capable aircraft when in the hands of a skilled pilot. The Finnish Air Force flew them against Stalin’s aircraft and achieved a 3:1 kill ratio. In the Pacific at Midway the F2As and F4Fs were decimated by the superior numbers of Japanese planes and their veteran pilots but the Brewster proved it was capable when mated with the right pilot. On June 4 1942, while attacking a Japanese bomber that was approaching Midway VMF-221 F2A-3 pilot Captain William Humberd, USMC, was jumped by some Zeroes. He quickly put the Brewster into a dive to sea level and with the dive speed he out distanced his attackers. When Humberd had enough of a lead he turned the aircraft around and went head on with a single Zero. He opened fire with his guns and as he went flying past the Zero he saw it crash into the ocean. VMF-221 “the Fighting Falcons” had 13 of their 26 F2A-3s completely destroyed and 11 of the surviving planes were too damaged to fly. In 1943 they transitioned to the F4U Corsair and in December of the same year they were sent State-side for re-organization.
Limited Edition of 1500 pieces worldwide.
The Hobby Master "1:48 Air Power Series" presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft. Hobby Master offer the more price-sensitive collector a cheaper alternative to models from leading manufacturers like Corgi and Century Wings. Hobby Master "1:48 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
- Hinged extending/retracting landing gear.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
Designed to meet a 1936 US Navy requirement for a new carrier-based fighter, the F2A was first flown in December, 1937. 
