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In the 1950s the Royal Navy was looking for a fast low-level bomber, capable of delivering a free-fall nuclear weapon, for its Fleet Air Arm squadrons. Blackburn’s had traditionally been a supplier of naval/maritime aircraft since World War One (e.g. the Blackburn R.T.1 Kangaroo maritime patrol aircraft) and they jumped at the chance to build a fast, carrier-borne jet. The N.A 39 design which emerged from the design process was rather disappointing in some ways. The angle at which the aircraft was launched from the steam catapults on the British fleet carriers was critical at certain gross weights, and the 7,100 lb st de Havilland DGJ.1 Gyron Junior engines were both underpowered and ‘thirsty’. For these reasons, the Buccaneer S.1 got mixed reviews. Whilst all this was going on, the RAF had shown absolutely no interest in the Buccaneer. They were going to have the superb BAC TSR.2 (an aircraft so advanced that it would still be in service today as an ELINT or photographic platform). Unfortunately, the politics that killed the TSR.2 also killed the RAF’s American replacement for it, the General Dynamics F-111K. Suddenly, the RAF needed a fast bomber – fast – and there was the Buccaneer! The Royal Navy was retiring their fleet carriers, and the RAF ‘inherited’ their McDonell Phantom FG.1 (F4K) aircraft, as well as the ‘Buccs’. A new version of the Buccaneer, the S.2B, was developed specifically for the RAF, with the superb Rolls-Royce Spey 101 turbofan engine of 11,100 lb st (Speys were also in the Phantom FG.1) and this gave a massive boost to the Blackburn design. The RAF inherited an aircraft with very useful characteristics; a heavy-duty undercarriage (designed for carrier landings), folding wings (easy on hangar space), split speed brake in the tail, arrestor gear (useful for battlefield short-field ops.), and buddy-buddy refuelling capability. More importantly, the ‘Bucc’ could go places – in a hurry – like 540 knots at 100 feet a.g.l. or LESS! Its ride – on the deck – was nothing short of superb. I have seen film of a pair of Buccaneers ‘attacking’ a US-manned ‘threat site’, at 500 knots plus, in a Thatch weave, at below 100 feet. The site operators were unable to maintain lock on the incoming pair and just gave up! The first time the RAF sent Buccaneers to Exercise Red Flag in Nevada, the F-15 pilots and AWACS crews were gleeful at what they assumed were easy kills ahead. At the end of two weeks there were red faces at Red Flag – not one single ‘Bucc’ kill, and lots of targets eliminated. The Buccaneer’s last hurrah came with the 1991 Gulf War. A detachment was hastily refinished in ARTF (Alkali Removable Temporary Finish) Desert Pink and flown out to Bahrain. Providing laser targeting facilities (via their ‘Pave Spike’ pods) for the RAF’s Tornado GR.1 strike aircraft, they also joined in bombing raids, carrying their share of 1,000 lb TI Paveway II laser guided bombs. Sadly, the end came due to metal fatigue. Two aircraft (and their crews) were lost due to structural failures in flight, and many were found to have cracked main spars, at the end of a long and hard life. There were those who say that the Buccaneer should have been re-spared (not just repaired), ‘zero-timed’ and updated, but it was not to be. It was replaced by the Panavia Tornado GR.1 – which could not carry as much, or as far, or as fast at low level, and was just not as manoeuverable as a ‘Bucc’. The former Thunder City (South Africa) Buccaneers, which used to be available for display flying were forced to be sold when the company was wound up, following a fatal English Electric Lightning crash. You've just gotta love the 'Banana'!! For this GB I have an old Frog S2 kit (I know not the best but has the S2 flat belly), hoping to get some extras by way of a C Scale White metal set with slipper tanks etc (martels not in service I think?). I will use the Model alliance MA-72177 sheet to build an HS Buccaneer S.2 XN980/233 of 801 Naval Air Squadron, Royal Navy, operating from HMS Victorious in 1966. Sprue shots: Now I do have a 1/72 older RAF Airfix boxing, tempted to do an S2B as well....I also have an Airfix 1/48 boxing. again an S2B, to be done as per the Gulf War...tempted! Some great tips on modelling any Buccaneer and plenty of info: http://www.blackburn-buccaneer.co.uk/Pages3_files/Model_Directory_Index.html?

Scale Resin (ex Resin Art) - http://www.cmrmodels.com/modely-scale-resin - has just released a 1/72nd Blackburn NA.39 [pre-production] resin kit - ref.A7202 Sources: http://www.aviationmegastore.com/blackburn-na39-pre-production-buccaneer-a7202-scale-resin-a7202-scale-modelling/product/?action=prodinfo&art=136080 https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/RAKA7202 V.P.

Scale Resin (ex Resin Art) - http://www.cmrmodels.com/modely-scale-resin - has just released a 1/72nd Blackburn Buccaneer S.Mk.1 resin kit - ref.A7201 Sources: http://www.aviationmegastore.com/blackburn-buccaneer-s-mk1-a7201-scale-resin-a7201-scale-modelling/product/?action=prodinfo&art=136079 https://www.hannants.co.uk/product/RAKA7201 V.P.

So the New Year; time for a new resolution - to finish something! With my 50:50 performance in last year's GBs, I thought I would start with a real challenge for the Made in GB GB - the old Airfix 1/48th HS Buccaneer. At this stage I'm undecided whether to finish the kit as a Fleet Air Arm jet or a South African Air Force jet. But to start off with the usual box and kit photos.

XW530 now at The Buccaneer Service Station, Elgin, Grampian, Scotland. Pics thanks to Nigel Heath.

Blackburn Buccaneer S.2B XV864, Aircraft at the Defence Fire Training School Manston, pics thanks to Alex.

Hi, I am in the final stages of constructing an Airfix Buccaneer, however I decided in retrospect to buy the 1/48 Eduard 48132 interior kit, mainly for the canopy rails and seals. However, the instruction sheets provided only cover the cockpit and not any of the other ancillary details. I have a pretty good idea where some things go and I could guess where some parts go. Can anyone shed any light on this? Am I the only one to ask this? Regards Andy

Blackburn Buccaneer XX894. Preserved in taxiable condition by The Buccaneer Aviation Group based at Bruntingthorpe. Even though delivered to the RAF in 1975 the aircraft has been restored in Fleet Air Arm colours. Pics thanks to Alan Brown

Here are the photos of my completed Buccaneer build. WIP http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234961480-hs-buccaneer-s2b-148-airfix-finished/ Thanks for looking....

Pitot Probes and Refuelling Probes 1:48 Master[/size] We've received another batch of these superb items for Master Models. Their reputation continues to grow with some of the best turned components you can buy. They are all packaged in the standard small flat packs with card headers which help protect the components. Inside the parts are all in separate bags with an overturned flap to keep them from falling out, although the probe ends are so fine they could easily have pierced the bags. Once fitted the modeller really needs to be careful when handling as they will take someone’s eye out, and we wouldn’t want that. The quality is well up to their usual standards and I would love to see the lathes they’re turned on. All items are in 1:48 scale. [AM-48-098] - This set contains two pitot probes designed for the Airfix Gloster Javelin as direct replacements, although the modeller will have to drill the holes out to 1.0mm. [AM-48-099] – Similar to the Javelin set, in that it contains two pitot probes, but these are for the Airfix DeHavilland Sea Vixen so are in fact smaller and even finer than the Javelin items. The location holes will need to be drilled out to 0.5mm. [AM-48-100] – This set is slightly different in that it contains not only a pitot probe, but also the refuelling probe tip and is designed for use with the Airfix Hawker Siddeley Buccaneer both of which require having the location holes opened up to 0.5mm. [AM-48-101] Designed for the Heller Dassault Mirage IV, this set is the only one that doesn’t include a pitot probe. Instead it contains a beautifully turned refuelling probe and like the other sets the location hole will need to be opened up, this time to 1.0mm. Conclusion You really can’t fault the way these parts are designed and produced. They make excellent replacement for the styrene kit parts which can rarely match the finesse of these items, to produce a much closer scale look. Very highly recommended. Review sample courtesy of Piotr at

I finally got everything together to be able to produce a number of 1/24th Buccaneers. This thread will be a thoroughly documented WIP so that anybody who wants a set of parts can see exactly what they'd be getting, and the work involved. It will also be the instruction manual! Please bear in mind that this wasn't originally intended as a commercial offering. For those who may want one, I'll post a price once I'm substantially into this build. That way people will be able to see exactly what I'm offering. General Melchett has also agreed to do a review and a set of parts, just as anybody else would receive, is on it's way to him tomorrow. So, on with the build. First of all, Here is a complete parts list: Left Side Nose Right Side Nose Cockpit Tub Seat x 2 Canopy Windscreen Cockpit interior Nose Leg Front Wheel Tyre Refuelling Probe Left Intake Right Intake Compressor x 2 Mid Fuselage Top Mid Fuselage Underside Left Undercarriage Well Right Undercarriage Well Main Undercarriage leg x 2 Right Undercarriage Door Left Undercarriage Door Main Wheel Tyre x 2 Fuselage Rear Section Jet Pipe Fairing x 2 Hook Recess Hook Tailskid Airbrake Drag Link x 2 Airbrake Structure Airbrake Petal x 2 Fin Tailplane x 2 Tailplane Centre Pre RWR Tailplane Centre Post RWR Left Wing Right Wing Right wing RWR Left wing RWR Flap x 2 Chaff Dispenser Cockpit Coaming Weapons Bay Door Stb side teardrop vent 1/4" Al. rod Brasswork Cockpit Decals And a couple of pics of said parts: That's the whole thing, in the raw...

Hi I have this Modeldecal sheet and intend to use the RN Buccaneer section first. All looks good from the front On the back though, some of the colour from the decal ink appears to have seeped into the backing paper Typically on the bit I intend to use first Advice needed, anyone reckon they will be fine for use, will the decal separate from the backing??? Has this happened to anyone, my other Modeldecal sheets are all as they should be and the ones I have used have worked fine, I've just never come across this seepage of colour before All advice greatly appreciated Ta Chris

Was up delivering at the "buccaneer " service station today and the blackburn buccaneer is still there a bit faded but in great nick . So it was a nice day so grabbed some picts dont know if any use to anyone ?? think its went to the top of my list ,

Just came across this which might also be useful to others: http://www.blackburn-buccaneer.co.uk/0_Contents.html credits to the authors for all the effort here!

Hi everybody as I'm new here I thought I'd show some of the models I am particularlly pleased with from my 100+ collection. The Jaguar I just finished tho still cant get a straight yellow band around the bombs! And the A319 before the Jag (lesson learned with the A319 dont use aircraft paint on plastic it peels off) Anyway please look and comment, my next Build is the Airfix 1/48 Lynx HMA8 Roundals and fin flash on the Mustang had to be painted by hand due to decal disintigrating. And now my personal favourite

Hi guys, New year new kit... almost. I have wanted this kit for a long time, in fact I've wanted a large scale Buccaneer for years. I've decided to make a go of it along side my other 'large' kits, The Hudson, Il-76/82VKP etc so it gives me a huge variation in what I'm doing. Huge thanks to Andy and Stuart for this kit, it's brilliant and it's going to give me hours (years) of fun! I won't bore you with everything you get in the box, as no doubt you've seen it on Andys brilliant thread. If you do want to see, check out my Flickr here! Here it is placed on my kitchen floor against the tape measure Resin 1/24th scale Buccaneer by Totallyrad.co.uk, on Flickr Resin 1/24th scale Buccaneer by Totallyrad.co.uk, on Flickr I'm starting off with the seats, Resin 1/24th scale Martin Baker Mk.6MSB Ejection Seat by Totallyrad.co.uk, on Flickr Resin 1/24th scale Martin Baker Mk.6MSB Ejection Seat by Totallyrad.co.uk, on Flickr Resin 1/24th scale Martin Baker Mk.6MSB Ejection Seat by Totallyrad.co.uk, on Flickr Photos vary now with the light as I was kindly donated some lights from a photographer friend who was going to put them in the bin!! (still getting used to them to) Resin 1/24th scale Martin Baker Mk.6MSB Ejection Seat by Totallyrad.co.uk, on Flickr Rear has had the resin ground away for an insert to neaten things up. Resin 1/24th scale Martin Baker Mk.6MSB Ejection Seat by Totallyrad.co.uk, on Flickr Resin 1/24th scale Martin Baker Mk.6MSB Ejection Seat by Totallyrad.co.uk, on Flickr It'll be trimmed to fit properly too, it's just pushed in at the moment. Resin 1/24th scale Martin Baker Mk.6MSB Ejection Seat by Totallyrad.co.uk, on Flickr Thanks for looking in..

Hi, Was the Sea Vixen and Buccaneer able to land on US Navy carriers ? Robert

I'd like to have go at constructing this 1:144 scale vacform Blackburn Buccaneer S.2 I haven't decided on the markings for it yet but it could possibly be an aircraft from HMS Eagle or HMS Ark Royal 1970's era. cheers Mike

Hi all, Long time no post! Just starting to bet back into the fray after an extended break. Thought I'd ease my way back into things with the relatively easy and pain free Airfix 1/48 Bucc with HA's resin intakes. Here's the question, the replacement intakes have come without instructions. So how and where have people attached the compressor face parts. The rear of the part has a very thin continuation of the inner part of the intake (one of mine is damaged) how much of this needs to be removed. Just interested in any fitting tips if there are any. Cheers, Mark.

Evening all I would like some help to find some in depth build articles for the S2B RAF.I have looked at Teds and that is good,but tthere was a photographic article done which showed all the tricks with the seams etc. Many thanks in advance. James