LDSModeller Posted January 9, 2013 Share Posted January 9, 2013 (edited) Carmel's 339 Buffalo looks quite good (both models do actually), his use of Olive green came out quite well. Just some FYI's for modellers out there (no criticism of Carmel's build). Depending on whether you want to just build OOB or be historically and technically accurate. The Matchbox rendition of 488 Squadron serial number W1842 is incorrect, and not sure NF-N existed either. W1842 actually served with both 243 as WP-N and with 453 Squadron (both RAAF). Matchbox has the cuffed propeller when the RAF machines used a 10' "uncuffed" propeller. Just as another FYI the likes of 453 and 488 sqaudrons were known as Article XV Squadrons see link for further info http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Article_XV_squadrons Just to add some corrections/additional information to Carmals comments on Belgian/RAF Buffaloes please note Belgian Buffaloes ended up in a variety of places, especially after the fall of Belgium. Some went to Britain and served with various squadrons (RAF/FAA) Some went to Finland via Sweden. Others were enroute to Belgium on the French Aircraft carrier Bearn, when it was diverted to the island of Martinque (after fall of France) fate unknown. Of the RAF 339E's 3 were shipped to Britain, and ended up as Instructional Airframes. The remaining 170 odd 339E's, were shipped directly to the Far East and assembled there. As to the Buffaloes abilities, one needs to remember that Britain in 1940 was facing more than one front, and with no aircraft to spare (certainly during Battle of Britain) other aircraft had to be sourced, to make up the shortfall. Could the Buffalo fight? Geoff Fisken (RNZAF)became "Ace" in a Brewster Buffalo and went on to become the Commonwealths (Pacific South West) highest scorer in kills Other RAF/Commonwealth Pilots scored decent tallies also. RAF Buffaloes flew in defence of Malaya/Singapore areas from December 8 1941 (December 7 1941 for the US) until the fall of Singapore andthe Dutch East Indies (March 1942). RAF 67 Squadron flew their remaining Buffaloes to India prior to the fall of Singapore (which is where 146 Squadron eventually received them). 488 Squadron and 453 Squadrons flew alongside AVG units and also Dutch NEI AF Buffaloes right up to the fall of Singapore.As the Japanese began to take over Singapore all remaining Buffaloes/Hurricanes etc flew to the Dutch East Indies, to continue the fight. The remaning 488 and 453 Squadrons combined to make RAF 605 Squadron which incidently, Noel Sharpe, (Pilot of Buffalo NF-O (Green Dragon) 488 Squadron) flew his last sorties flying a Hawker Hurricane. Barring 605 personell, all remaining Commonwealth/RAF service personell either escaped or became POW's. Any remaining 339E's were handed over to the Dutch NEI Air Force, who flew them in defence of the Dutch NEI until it's capitualtion. Regards Alan Edited January 9, 2013 by LDSModeller Quote Link to post Share on other sites
HOLMES Posted January 11, 2013 Share Posted January 11, 2013 (edited) Carmel Attard's builds are really lovely. And Alan ,thank you for the informative post..interesting .. Edited January 11, 2013 by HOLMES Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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