Brewster Buffalo (oz1707)

About this Plan

Brewster Buffalo. Control line scale model fighter, for 3.5 - 5cc power. Model Aircraft, June 1962.

Quote: "A super-scale control-line model for 3.5 - 5 cc engines. Brewster Buffalo, by Peter Wheldon.

THE Brewster F2A-1 Buffalo had the distinction of being the first monoplane shipboard single-seat fighter to enter service with the US Navy. Flying for the first time in January 1938, it was not a had aeroplane but, due to the accelerated design development that was taking place at this period, it proved no match for the Japanese fighters it was eventually to meet in combat in the Pacific.

The Buffalo entered service in 1939 and was allocated to VF.3 based on the USS Saratoga (replacing the Grumman F3F-1s) and was painted in accordance with orders then prevailing. These colours are indicated on the plan and, for the builder who desires an out-of-the-rut scale model, with a splash of colour, this is it.

The model, although not suitable for the novice, is fairly easy to build, but requires patience and quite a hit of accurate work with the cowling, wheel wells, and undercarriage. The original is also fitted with motor control, operated by a third line, controlling an exhaust restrictor on the Veco 19.

Since the Buffalo is a very tubby design with rather a short nose, it is important to carefully select the wood used in the construction. Failure to do this will certainly result in the model requiring a large amount of ballast in the nose. All wood should, therefore, except where otherwise specified, be of a firm but light grade and particular care should be taken to save weight aft of the wing trailing edge.

The construction of the model falls logically into four stages: (1) the fuselage and tail assembly; (2) the wings; (3) the engine cowling and landing gear, and (4) the final finishing.

Fuselage Commence construction by cutting out the parts for the laminated formers A, C and D. Note that the wing spars are not cut at this time and that when formers C and D are assembled, a slot is left in which the spar ends can be fitted later. Carefully cement the former parts together, using PVA adhesive and clamp while drying.

Cut former B from 1/4 in ply, bend the 10 swg landing gear and fasten in place using five 'J' bolts. Cut the keel parts and cement them together over the plan, then cut out the remaining formers E to K.

Commence assembly of the fuselage by cementing formers C and D in position on the bearers. Bind the centre of the fuel tank with silk..."

Supplementary file notes

Planfile includes article.

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