Finnish Brewster to be displayed in US

JTGEN · Post by **JTGEN** » Tue Aug 14, 2001 6:35 pm

Finnish WW2 Brewster Buffalo BW372 that was lifted from a lake in Russia is sold to National Museom of Naval Aviation in Florida, according to Finnish newspaper.

Unfortunately no Finnish institution could afford to pay for the sole Brewster in this planet. Now I fear that the plane will be given US markings, allthough it is suggested it may be with Finnish markings, due to its historical value. I'am just a bit sceptic about this. This specific plane was flown by Lauri Pekuri one of our best aces. http://www.elknet.pl/acestory/pekuri/pekuri.htm

Here is some from the company http://www.historic-flying.com/aircraft/sale/buffalo.htm

Grumble · Post by **Grumble** » Tue Aug 14, 2001 7:45 pm

For those concerned about the threat of this unique and historic aircraft being altered to suit the sensabilities of NAS Pensacola, here's the email to write to:

naval.museum@smtp.cnet.navy.mil

Gen. Maczek · Post by **Gen. Maczek** » Tue Aug 14, 2001 7:56 pm

It would be idiotic if it was painted in Yank colours, when there were so many great Finnish aces that flew these (I've always loved the paintwork on LeLv 24 Brewsters)...
We know who to write to, so lets tell 'em to get their fingers out and make sure to paint it properly. If that doesnt work, perhaps the Finish government should make a claim that the Brewster is their property <img src="biggrin.gif" border="0">
Regards.
Gen. Maczek

[ August 14, 2001: Message edited by: Gen. Maczek ]</p>

Kluckenbill · Post by **Kluckenbill** » Tue Aug 14, 2001 8:31 pm

Some rich Nokia billionaire needs to step to the line and bring this plane home.

Seriously, it would be unfortunate if the history of the plane were diluted by improper markings, but ultimately, the new owner will make that choice.

Supervisor · Post by **Supervisor** » Tue Aug 14, 2001 9:16 pm

Not that I agree with this, but one has to think that whoever restores it would have to keep in mind the "swastika-like" national markings used by the Finnish Air Force in WWII. To the historically uninformed (of which, unfortunately, there are far too many) it would look like the plane was of German Nazi origin. Don't know if the use of the blue & white roundels would be historically accurate. Just something to think about.

Grumble · Post by **Grumble** » Tue Aug 14, 2001 9:22 pm

Probably wouldn't hurt for our Finnish friends to beat up their local news media about this. If the Naval Air Museum is bombarded with media requests about the ultimate resolution of the paint scheme, maybe it'll remain Finnish.

Nikademus · Post by **Nikademus** » Tue Aug 14, 2001 10:52 pm

Given how detested the Brewster was in the States i dont think many would have a problem with the plane being in Finnish colors. <img src="tongue.gif" border="0">

Seriously though, since the plane was given to Finland it should retain those colors as part of it's historical accuracy. I'm just thrilled that a unique piece of military hardware is being restored.

Grumble · Post by **Grumble** » Thu Aug 16, 2001 1:25 am

Mr. Collins: The National Museum of Naval Aviation has not acquired the
Brewster Buffalo you referred to; however negotiations are ongoing that
could possibly see this acquisition come to fruition. No firm plans have
been made regarding restoration or preservation and will not be unless the
aircraft becomes part of our collection. In any event, you can be sure that
the history of this specific aircraft will play a large part in any decision
that is made.

This is the reply I got from the Director of the Naval Air Museum. Apparently, nothing's in concrete yet.

Sultan · Post by **Sultan** » Thu Aug 16, 2001 3:04 am

Originally posted by Al:
To the historically uninformed (of which, unfortunately, there are far too many) it would look like the plane was of German Nazi origin. Don't know if the use of the blue & white roundels would be historically accurate. Just something to think about.

Well hopefully it would cause them to become informed. The unknowing shouldnt be sheltered from the truth, they should be beat over the head with it at every chance <img src="wink.gif" border="0">

panda124c · Post by **panda124c** » Thu Aug 16, 2001 5:43 pm

Originally posted by Sultan:

Well hopefully it would cause them to become informed. The unknowing shouldnt be sheltered from the truth, they should be beat over the head with it at every chance <img src="wink.gif" border="0">

Unfortunatly beating is usually the only way to get them informed.

Supervisor · Post by **Supervisor** » Thu Aug 16, 2001 5:56 pm

Sultan said...

"Well hopefully it would cause them to become informed. The unknowing shouldnt be sheltered from the truth, they should be beat over the head with it at every chance..."

Agreed! However, it's been my unfortunate experience that some people don't let the truth get in the way of their opinions. BTW, nice to see someone else from Nebraska here. Thought I was the only one here. I'm 50 miles down I-80 from you.

[ August 16, 2001: Message edited by: Al ]</p>