Special Hobby early war Buffalo available?

[Anders_Isaksson]

I see that Special Hobby recently re-released their pre-war F2A-1 Buffalo.

 

https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/SH32064

 

Does anyone know if any early war versions (I am thinking F2A-3) will be available again, or where I can find one of those kits nowadays? 

 

Thanks!

 

[MikeMaben]

I don't think so Anders, originally Special Hobby, later Czech Model,

nothing re-released. Ebay or swap meets might turn up.

[Anders_Isaksson]

That's bad news but thanks for the info.

Will have to hope for a kit to turn up somewhere...

[Zero77]

In fact it has not been re-released. The F2A-1 has never been released yet. It was the F2A-2.

The F2A-1 is a brand new kit (though i think the only difference with the F2A-2 is a pair of guns and the engine).

[Anders_Isaksson]

In fact it has not been re-released. The F2A-1 has never been released yet. It was the F2A-2.

The F2A-1 is a brand new kit (though i think the only difference with the F2A-2 is a pair of guns and the engine).

 

Thanks for clearing that up!

I wonder if the F2A-1 easily will let itself be converted to a later version such as the -3?

Will have to do some research, although anyone can feel free to chime in.

[Zero77]

Thanks for clearing that up!

I wonder if the F2A-1 easily will let itself be converted to a later version such as the -3?

Will have to do some research, although anyone can feel free to chime in.

 

Not sure. The -1 and -2 are very similar, but the -3 has a slightly longer fuselage just aft the engine cowling.

That's a shame the Czech model kit is not available anymore. I was lucky enough to get one, and the navy blue-grey and seablue-intermediate blue-white scheme are very nice on a Buffalo. The kit also included decals to build australian buffalos. Unfortunately i missed a second one a few weeks ago on a french shop (it was gone before i made my mind...)

 

 

The lenght difference :

 

 

 

 

However, the mains parts are the same. If i remember correclty the longer fuselage is just an insert or a longer engine cowling assembly, so it may not be impossible to do from scratch.

I just looked for review pictures, and could not find any. But the longer fuselage seems to be 1 piece, so i have to look at my kit to be sure.

Edited July 19, 2016 by Zero77

[gee]

I found one on ebay, paid a lot for it, but they pop up now and then.

Gee,

[Troy Molitor]

I recall the Finnish version had two sets of fuselage halves in it? Not sure if this is the right Mark for you Anders? (A-2/3) If you find a kit and the wings will work but the fuselage is wrong and the RAF version fuselage will work, let me know I think this is the extra fuselage set in the kit I have.

 

Troy

[Anders_Isaksson]

Wooops!

I totally missed to see the last series of replies from you all.

Many thanks Troy and Jennings for the generous offers, I will ponder this and do a little more research before deciding which path to follow...