Reviews : Tamiya Brewster B-339 Buffalo Pacific Theater Fighter

Even though this kit originally dates to 1974, the molding and design have held up well. You get a mixture of raised and engraved panel lines (I'd estimate 25% raised, 75% engraved) with some nice ribbing on the control surfaces. You also get some nice options: choices for propeller, windscreen/canopy, seat, head rest, common-wealth/U.S. pilots, and 4 paint/decal schemes (British, New Zealand, Dutch, U.S. Navy). The kit builds up without much fuss. The only small problem I encountered was the windscreen/canopy (one piece - no option for open) did not fit well in my copy and required a bit of sanding and putty to make it acceptable. Tamiya also provides masks for the canopy and the ventral glass, although these are not die-cut so you have to cut them out yourself. The decals performed well. I used a bit of solvaset solution to get them to conform perfectly to the surface. I had to fill a handful of mold knock-out marks, but they were easy to access and correct. As always, Tamiya's instructions were nice and clear for construction, painting and decal placement. Overall, this was a very fun build that beginner or expert can turn into a nice replica of this early war fighter.

Awesome kit. Several build options. I went with the overall gray, USN. No USN collection is complete without this little guy. She now stands on my shelf, between a F-3F1 and F-3F2, and a Wildcat. Next in line is the Hellcat, and it gives a nice representation of how US Naval aircraft grew in size, as did all aircraft, from the '30s and into WWII. The fit was excellent, as always with Tamiya, and the kit includes a mask for, not only the canopy, but also the ventral window on the underside of the aircraft. The decals can't be beat. The only problem with this kit is deciding which version to build. The pre-war yellow wing paint scheme is not included in the options, but you could easily pull it off with a little research. I intend to buy another, and paint in that scheme.

Timaya probably built this kit to get even for the war It has been a very nice build; very good cockpit detail that actually comes together beautifully when enclosing it in the fuselage; (something I don't often see great engine or cockpit detail usually mean wresting with closing in the fuselage). Nice details o three different countries use of it,( with VERY mixed results) but I chose the USS Long island version; online this is a picture of a Buffalo that caved in its landing on the Long island ( a problem he aircraft had), and I've been thinking of reproducing the crashed aircraft, since I wonder if the kit was modeled after that aircraft. Too nice a kit to do that to, though; too good a build.

Just about finished with this build, it's the first in my line of all U.S. fighters from WW II to present and though it's an older kit I've still been enjoying the build. A bit of sanding was needed on the seams but other than that the parts fit perfectly. I'm replicating one of the aircraft from VMF-221 on Midway Island. This came with Tamiya canopy masks but they aren't precut so I ordered some precut ones from Eduard. I tried cutting out pre-printed masks and it was an effort in futility for me and unless you are good at cutting those I'd order precut, it's a booger of a canopy to mask. Directions are simple and easy to follow.

First let me say I almost past this model up. Glad I did not. First and foremost the kit is very well made very good fit of all pieces, good parts count and very good detail for the price. there are very clear directions, very good decals and excellent painting suggestions to build a very good representation of a Brewster. This is a good starter model for someone new to model building. Tamiya makes excellent aircraft kits. Don't pass this one up, you will not be disappointed. This kit went together trouble free. Parts are clean with very little to no over flash. Good decals. clear directions. I found no cons in the build or the finished model.

Once this kit was so scarce, and so ahead of the class in 1/48 prop fighters, if you owned one, you hesitated to mar its perfection by actually gluing it together. In recent times, happily, Tamiya Buffaloes are plentiful, and when you've built your first one, you'll probably find yourself planning another project to finish it as a Dutchman, a Finn, or one of those hapless Singapore defenders. Open the box and even by today's standards, it's everything you could hope for in a plastic kit. Comes with alternate windshields, propellers and markings.

If you're looking for an easy build either because you're a beginner or because you just suffered through a horrible build from another manufacturer then this is the kit for you. It goes together (as typical with Tamiya) without issue. The detail is good and the parts count is low. My only complaint is that (as typical with Tamiya) the decals are thick and it does take some work to get them to settle down into the lines.

This kit is truly representative of Tamiya quality and attention to detail. The detail is world class, especially the cockpit. No over flash on the sprues and parts come of cleanly with minimal cleanly. The build is smooth and enjoyable with parts that fit together tightly and easy o follow instructions. With careful painting a life like result evolves.

great , kit !!!!!!! i love this one , tamiya does it again this fighter was replaced rather quickly , it could not out fly the zero , but did well in the pacfic theater in the early months of ww2 a must have for anyone wanting a varitey of pacfic theater fighters

I chose this kit to build next as the Navy is using Roswell Airport for training and that's a great incentive to build another Navy aircraft. Knowing that Tamiya makes great kits I won't relate details because anyone that knows Tamiya quality is great.

Just returning to the hobby after several decades and decided to go with this kit for one of my first builds. Great design, and perfect for a beginner or younger modeler. I decided to go with the Dutch paint scheme since you don't often see too many of those.

This review was better than the original aircraft. Model had great detail. Especially in the trademark landing gear. Multiple options. All parts fit nicely. Have read a lot about this fighter and enjoyed getting to know it up close.

received order from hobbylink very quickly,the model itself is a nice little build great weekend project, have become a big fan of Tamiya products a pleasure to build

Another great little kit from Tamiya of a not so common aircraft. Looks simple to build and has decal options.

Nice kit the best part is there are masks for clear parts the kit . The kit Ihave has no need for any filler.

Straightforward build. They miised out on not including decals for the USMC Buffalo squadron at Midway.

great kit if you like ww 2 aircraft this is a great addition to any ww 2 collection