Author Topic: BW-372 going to the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Florida (Read 1860 times)

Staga · « **on:** August 14, 2001, 12:46:00 AM »

Brewster 239 "Buffalo", which were rised from lake in Russian Carelia, is going to get herself a new home from Florida.

BW-372 was flown in its last flight piloted by finnish ace, Lauri Pekuri in midsummer 1942.
In fight against russian planes pekuri shot first one down (Hurricane) but other (Maybe MiG-3) surprised Pekuri and shot Brewster to pieces. Hurricane came in with speed and after it passed Pekuri's Brewster he was able to lay some mg fire on it and Hurri cought fire and crashed in woods.
Pekuri landed his plane in a little lake and walked back to other side of border.
Pekuri flied 109s later in war.

I hope, If this plane really is going to States, That it will be restored as it was before it sunk in that lake.
Heh what else could they do? Paint it blue? I sure hope not. That one is a "Real Thing" and I hope it will got the respect it deserves.

Take good care of it Yanks

[ 08-14-2001: Message edited by: Staga ]

Staga · « **Reply #1 on:** August 14, 2001, 12:50:00 AM »

some links:
http://heninen.net/brewster/english.htm http://www.danford.net/found.htm http://members.tripod.com/~manchurianhitchcock/buffalo.html http://www.hkkk.fi/~yrjola/war/faf/brewkills.html http://www.elknet.pl/acestory/pekuri/pekuri.htm

[ 08-14-2001: Message edited by: Staga ]

Ozark · « **Reply #2 on:** August 14, 2001, 01:10:00 AM »

Quote

Originally posted by Staga:

Heh what else could they do? Paint it blue? I sure hope not. That one is a "Real Thing" and I hope it will got the respect it deserves.

Take good care of it Yanks

[ 08-14-2001: Message edited by: Staga ]

Wow...what a find! I'm sure it would be well cared for.... A true treasure.

BlauK · « **Reply #3 on:** August 14, 2001, 01:49:00 AM »

Really sad that they could not get it back to Finland

But in any case much better that it will get some proper home instead of rusting in Ireland

I wonder if those dubious sellers became rich with this wreck.

Staga · « **Reply #4 on:** August 14, 2001, 02:59:00 AM »

Independent organization, American Society of Appraisers, gave a value of 5.600.000$ for that unique plane.

Dnil · « **Reply #5 on:** August 14, 2001, 08:00:00 AM »

Probably gonna be blue, but should have the true story of the plane's history on the name plate in front of it. The musuem in Pensacola is first class, some truly amazing aircraft there and lots of one of kinds to. Only known midway survivor there, still has the patches from flak damage. The Dauntless happened to be at Pearl Harbor to, yep I ran my hands across that glorious piece of history.

Westy MOL · « **Reply #6 on:** August 14, 2001, 08:23:00 AM »

What BlauK said. About it staying in Finland. That is where it truly belongs imo and at the very least I do hope they keep the original markings.
Thanks for the news. I'd not read anything for the last two years on this plane.

Westy

Staga · « **Reply #7 on:** August 14, 2001, 08:29:00 AM »

If they paint it blue then its nothing but fake.
AFAIK that type was made for export and never saw use in U.S.Navy.

Fighter with so glorious history should be restored to its original colors in war or just leave it like it was in that lake and put it in aquarium.

Urchin · « **Reply #8 on:** August 14, 2001, 10:11:00 AM »

Dang, thats pretty cool. That going to the NAS museum? Thats a Navy plane musuem, so that lil gal is going to be painted BLUUUEEE hehe. Seriously though, Brewster Buffaloes are goofy looking little planes! Kinda like a compact (lol) Jug. Wonder how the Finns had success in it whereas it failed the Americans and British?

Nifty · « **Reply #9 on:** August 14, 2001, 01:47:00 PM »

It's possible they won't restore it at all. There is an exhibit at the NAS museum of 2 planes that were taken out of Lake Michigan (they ditched during training I think) that were left "as found." They are displayed on a sand bed, in a darkened room with lights that make it look like they are "underwater." They also have the pilot's personal effects on display.

Link to the exhibit

I'm not sure if they'll do the same thing with the Brewster or not.

Grimm · « **Reply #10 on:** August 14, 2001, 02:19:00 PM »

Of those Grummans taken from Lake Michigan, At least one is fly today, and If my memory is correct, So is another.

In fact I believe it was one of those wildcats that I saw for sale at oshkosh a few weeks ago for $950,000.

I Think the ones that went to pensicola were in the worst shape and deemed not worth restoring, at least at this time.

I do remember seeing a display the summer after they were raised at oshkosh, They had the Battery, Flushed and recharged, Working after 50 years under water

Anyway, The Buffalo is probably a bit more worthly of restoration, if it can be done.

pdog_109 · « **Reply #11 on:** August 14, 2001, 02:40:00 PM »

The Finns used it very well. Much better than the US or Brits.
Check this out http://www.il2center.com/Axis/Finland/01/Index.html

Hope they do not paint it blue, the bastards.