Hobby Master HA7014 1:48 Brewster Model 239 "Buffalo" (winter scheme) BW364, 3/LeLv 24, flown by WO Ilmari Juutilainen, March 1942

The Brewster F2A Buffalo was USN's first mono-wing fighter. The status of the “Buffalo” is somewhat controversial in the history of aviation. It was designed by US but saw its real success only in Finland, a co-belligerent of Germany during WWII. It was designed as a carrier based fighter but only saw combat from land bases.

The most distinctive feature of the Buffalo was the retractable landing gear. With the right pilot the plane was quite capable in combat. Some historians believe that some units of the Commonwealth squadrons may have achieved a 2 to 1 kill ratio in the Far East.

Ilmari Juutilainen was Finland's top fighter ace during World War II, credited with 94 confirmed aerial victories, making him one of the highest-scoring aces in history. Serving in the Finnish Air Force, Juutilainen flew primarily Brewster Buffalo and Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighters in the Winter War and the Continuation War against the Soviet Union. Known for his exceptional flying skill and keen eyesight, he remarkably survived the war without ever being shot down or wounded. Juutilainen's legacy endures in Finland as a symbol of bravery, and his impressive combat record remains celebrated in the annals of aerial warfare history.

Key Features:

• 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.
• Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
• Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
• Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
• Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.