Brewster F2A Buffalo and Export Variants (Naval Fighters, 104)

The 104th book in the very long running Naval Fighters series from Ginter Books is a square bound, 176 page, 8-1/2" x 11" square bound card cover. Color is restricted to the front and rear covers which is unfortunate as aircraft colors frequently have to be described. Even if color photos of this aircraft are rare it would still have been nice to get color photos of unit insignia, museum replicas and displays, model kit covers, and of course, model kits themselves.But within the rather rigid Ginter format is a five star book on an aircraft that has received scant attention, most of it derogatory, over the years. The book is organized logically enough and begins with the background and development of the F2A for the US Navy. This section is supported by many black and white photographs, three view drawings of the three major variants (to no standard scale), brief service histories of each example, and tables of characteristics. The 68 pages of this section end with one page devoted to the high altitude XF2A-4.The next 36 pages are devoted to a unit by unit US service history with pride of place going to the actions of VMF-221 at the Battle of Midway. 52 pages are devoted to the Brewster's career with the Belgium, the Royal Navy, Finland, the Dutch East Indies, and the RAF. The success the Finns had with the aircraft against the Soviets contrast sharply with the dismal record of the latter two services against the Japanese. The RAF bestowed the name "Buffalo" on the aircraft and few aircraft were as appropriately named.The last 20 pages are devoted to descriptions and examples of the model kits of the Buffalo. There are a surprising number of them in four different scales.Highly recommended. This isn't a "rehabilitation" effort, trying to make an aircraft with a poor reputation better than it actually was. It stays firmly grounded in fact at all times and if the authors are grinding any axes they disguise it well.

Captain Dann is to be congratulated on a great step forward from Squadron Signal Profiles to an in-depth and comprehensive aircraft history. This book along with a few others published by Mr. Ginter are becoming aircraft books instead of the typical Naval Fighters monograph. And this has been accomplished using the typical Naval Fighters (NF) format. About the only thing missing was the typical large quantity of pen and ink drawings of major details that are usually found within the NF series. Of course, the one time I want one showing the landing gear and it's operation.....it's missing from the book! (Mr. Ginter, fix that in the 2nd edition, and I'll buy it!)This is undoubtedly the finest available work on the F2A. There is plenty for the history buffs, the train spotters (S/N freaks.), and the modelers. For those looking for combat history, you will not be disappointed. In fact, I believe Captain Dann may have fleshed out the unit/export operators history section a little more than is the norm for NF to include excerpts from the after action reports.I highly suggest that readers pay particular attention the requirements laid on by BuAer and the other customers and track the corresponding increase in weight. This book illustrates why the F2A was doomed to failure and overall paints a very fair and balanced picture. I am very pleased with this purchase. (I daresay at a discounted Amazon price, this book represents a true bargain from NF.)Unequivocally and strongly recommended for history buffs, and modelers without reservation.

When I build a model tank, ship, or airplane, I like to research its background. While this book had lots of info on the history & development of various models of the F2A, and lots of pictures, it is handicapped by the lack of color photos; the front and back covers are all there are. Even photos that I've seen in color elsewhere are only black and white in this book. I realize color pictures add much to the printing price, but even having one page of color drawings like what Squadron Publications have in their books would have made a difference.The book is good, but it could be better with some more color pictures.

This account of the Navy's first monoplane fighter is a great addition to the enthusiast's library. Well researched and containing many new photographs, as well as detailed information on U.S. Navy individual aircraft, this book goes into development of the aircraft, little-known experimental versions (such as use of the prototype to make high-speed dives to measure trans-sonic wing flow), squadron service use by the Navy and Marines, and the eventual employment of the Buffalo as a fighter trainer, to prepare new pilots for action in the Pacific. The authors also cover the use of the Brewster by other nations, ranging from the British and Dutch in South-East Asia to the Finns in Northern Europe. There is additional coverage of the many model kits that have been available over the years. If you are interested in this era of aviation, this book will be of interest to you.

A really well done and thorough book on Brewster's stubby little fighter. Lots of tech photos which should keep every modeler really happy. This should be the only Buffalo reference book you should ever need. It also details British, Dutch, and Finnish models. it even details the service and fate of EVERY USN Buffalo. Quite interesting.

This is the best source yet that I have found on this topic with information not found elsewhere

Good, detailed history and construction text. Many photos.Mostly about Navy versions.Export ones are less covered.

Good