TopNotch 48-M196 1/48 Buffalo – RNZAF 448 sqn Camo Masks

In December 1941, Buffalo’s operated by both British Commonwealth, U.S. and Dutch air forces in South East Asia suffered sever losses in combat against the Japanese Navy’s Mitsubishi A6M Zero and the Japanese Army’s Nakajima Ki-43 “Oscar”. The British attempted to lighten their Buffalo’s by removing ammunition and fuel and installing lighter guns to improve performance, but it made little difference. After the first few engagements, the Dutch halved the fuel and ammunition load in the wings, which allowed their Buffalo’s (and their Hurricanes) to stay with the Oscars in turns.
The modeller is strongly advised to check their references.