If imitation is
a form of compliment, then the Finnish Air Force was complimenting the Brewster
Model 239 “Buffalo”, long after every other user condemned it to the scrap
heap. In 1942, the Finnish State aircraft Factory undertook the production of a
locally built copy of the Model 239 called the “Humu”. While only one was
produced, and was a bit of a failure due to an inadequate engine and weight
issue, the project was not formally cancelled until September 1944.
This is just one
of the gems of information contained within the second part of the Suomen
Ilmavoimien Historia monograph on the Brewster Model 239 in the Finnish Air
Force. The information about the “Humu” is not only a gem for those with a
historical interest, but also a gem for modelers. There are a couple of color
pictures of the restored “Humu” and a picture of the original aircraft. It
would appear that with some basic kit-bashing skills, one could add the Humu to
one’s collection.
But as I noted,
the “Humu” is not the only gem in this book. On pages 17 and 20 there are
pictures of BW-363 and BW-365, which if modeled would cause a few comments about
an inaccurate Brewster Model 239. It seems that both of these aircraft had
their engines replaced with the Russian M-63, a copy of the Cyclone. As a
result, these aircraft were fitted with a two bladed propeller.
Other great
modeling subjects are spread throughout this volume. For example, for those who
enjoy doing winter white camouflage, there is an excellent overhead picture of a
Model 239 with white blotches all over. They appear to have been brush applied,
and would be a great way to work on brushing skills; airbrush not needed.
Of course for
those whose interest is the continued narrative of the Model 239 in FAF service,
Part 1B picks up where Part 1A left off in 1942 with LeLV 26, and continues on
with HLeLv26 when LeLv 24’s Brewsters were handed over in May 1944.
It is worth
noting that when LeLv24 traded in their Brewsters for Bf 109Gs, the unit had
used the Model 239 from June of 1941 to May 1944 and claimed 459 Russian
aircraft shot down with a loss of only 15 Brewsters in combat.
This volume
concludes with the Lapland War where the Model 239 was used against the
Germans. While its role appears to be primarily one of reconnaissance, this did
not stop the pilots from using their aircraft from attacking targets of
opportunity, whether it was a group of Ju 87Ds or strafing ground troops.
The book
includes a list of the individual aerial combat victories of the Finnish pilots
in their Brewster Model 239s. There are also individual aircraft histories; but
like the first part, sadly, they are only in Finnish.
The excellent
pictures throughout this volume provide a wealth of information. There are a
number of pictures of the Model 239 with the roundel markings and six that are
in color, two of which are of the restored “Humu”.
Finally, there
is a map of Finland and surrounding areas with the locations of the FAF’s
airfield; thus providing a geographic grounding for the narrative.
As I noted in my
review of Part I, for anyone interested in the Brewster Model 239 / Buffalo,
this two part monograph is a must. Part 1B, in particular, is a great source of
modeling inspiration.
Highly
Recommended.
A selection
of pictures and color profiles in this book may be seen
on the Kari Stenman Publishing web site.
Thanks to
Kari Stenman
for the sample.
All Keri Stenman
Publishing books are available
direct from the publishers,
who now accept credit cards (Visa, Mastercard).
Review Copyright © 2005 by
Steven "Modeldad" Eisenman
Page Created 06 December, 2005
Last updated 05 December, 2005
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