Popular Post general melchett Posted October 3, 2019 Popular Post Share Posted October 3, 2019 Hi everyone, another new release Airfix build, this time it's the much anticipated 1/72nd Buccaneer S.2C. This is an early test shot that I built back in June and appeared in last months issue of Airfix Model World. A great little kit with excellent fit, good detail, easy assembly and an accurate overall shape, thanks mainly to LIDAR. Having said that there is a slight issue with the shape of the rear tailplane fairing which should be a smooth cone on the S.2C. The Buccaneer was fitted with three styles of rear tailcone fairing during it's life and unfortunately the kit part depicts the later 'stepped' version, fitted following the ARI 18228 RWR upgrade program (a simple matter of reshaping). Also, with regard to the decals, if you look at yellow hatching that runs around the canopy, there are way too many segments...there should be only five along the canopy sides (plus two 'L' shaped end pieces), four at the front and three at the rear. I just applied them and then carefully painted those out that weren't required. Minor issues. As no kit decals were available at the time of building I was sent Xtradecals sheet 'Buccaneer Collection Part 2' which, while excellent, didn't include any stencils. Fortunately Airfix managed to send me a test sheet just after I'd finished painting and decalling so I was able to add said stencils in time. Just as well as many of them, particularly the highly visible white ones, are unique to the Bucc. The model was painted using a mixture of Mr.Hobby H333 Extra Dark Sea Grey and MRP-113 Dark Sea Grey and highlighted using MRP-112 Medium Sea Grey. While Abteilung 502 oil washes, AK leaks and stains and AMMO MIG pastel powders were applied during the weathering process, everything was kept to a minimum as the Senior Service tended to keep these aircraft in tip top condition even in the rough conditions suffered aboard ship. Personally, I don't particularly like the look of the wing slipper tanks, so I modified the war load a little by replacing them with an extra pair of 2in rocket pods and moved the two 1,000 pounders into the weapons bay. Along with reshaping the rear RWR tailcone fairing I also drilled out the lightening holes on the faces of the airbrake petals, which adds a lot more to the look of the finished model. To me the only real disappointment was the cockpit which is really very basic, relying on decals, (though thankfully the seat off set is included. I did what I could with the seats and added seat-belts from Aizu tape and ejection seat firing handles from lead wire. I chose to use Mike Grant's British jet dial decals for the instrument panels and Airscale items for the side consoles. Just an aside, to get me in the mood (as if I needed any encouragement) and prepare for the kit I was lucky enough to be offered another back-seat ride in the real thing at this year's May Cold War Jets event, courtesy of the hard working folks of the The Buccaneer Aviation Group at Bruntingthorpe, (Thanks Colin and Mike!). This time in XX894, and although actually an S.2B, (the pregnant belly and nosegear light gives the game away) she's been appropriately repainted as an FAA machine...now this is what I call inspiration. If you're a fan of this great aircraft (and what decent upright British aviation nut isn't) then this is a must have purchase........now come on Airfix, you know you can reissue it in the proper scale! Hope you like it and thanks for looking. (now where's that 1/24th blighter hiding?) Cheers Melchie 93 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wadeocu Posted October 3, 2019 Share Posted October 3, 2019 Lovely build Melchie! It is nice to see a few more pictures of it here. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alan P Posted October 3, 2019 Share Posted October 3, 2019 That came out very well, lovely job. It just looks so much better in RN service. [ducks] Alan 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The_Lancaster Posted October 3, 2019 Share Posted October 3, 2019 Lovely looking Buccaneer there! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James G Posted October 3, 2019 Share Posted October 3, 2019 Great Bucc General! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thepureness Posted October 3, 2019 Share Posted October 3, 2019 Looks awesome But how did you get your hands on the test shots? I'm curious how some modellers are lucky enough to grab test shots of models before the general public 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
general melchett Posted October 3, 2019 Author Share Posted October 3, 2019 Thanks chaps, I'm glad you like it, hopefully it'll prove to be a good seller for the company and pave the way for other variants. Quote But how did you get your hands on the test shots? I'm curious how some modellers are lucky enough to grab test shots of models before the general public Thanks thepureness, I write/build for Airfix Model World magazine and we get the test shots and pre-production kits sent through as soon as they become available from Airfix. That way we can publish a review and build article just prior to the kit going on sale to the general public, hopefully, giving folks some idea of what to expect out of the box. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy350 Posted October 3, 2019 Share Posted October 3, 2019 Superb. I build this 30 years ago, yours is excellent. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peterlepold Posted October 3, 2019 Share Posted October 3, 2019 I do not know why ... but I like those old English aircraft. They were never the most beautiful, but still great to look at. Your model shows this British style superbly, very well done model. Best regards Peter 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
robgizlu Posted October 3, 2019 Share Posted October 3, 2019 Thrice Wow Rob 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMCS Posted October 3, 2019 Share Posted October 3, 2019 Excellent 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry1954 Posted October 3, 2019 Share Posted October 3, 2019 Superb build of a superb aircraft! Mine should arrive any day now. Terry 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew1974 Posted October 3, 2019 Share Posted October 3, 2019 Excellent to see it finally out and you have done her proud! Among the top ten of my favorite aircraft. Can't wait to get my hand on three kits to model FAA, RAF, and SAAF examples. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rabbit Leader Posted October 3, 2019 Share Posted October 3, 2019 Well done Andy, another great build that’ll sell many kits for Airfix, keeping them in business to eventually retool many more great models like this. Thanks for the unbiased opinion which overall looks like they have done a great job here. Just one question, do the bombs attach themselves inside the bomb bay easily as from what I’ve seen they are designed for the underwing pylons? Cheers and well done to both yourself and the lads at Airfix.. Dave 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maverick231 Posted October 3, 2019 Share Posted October 3, 2019 I've read the whole article and I've had mine on order since Jadlam first listed them! Very inspiring mate fantastic job on a fantastic kit! I do plan on having mine with Wings folded, canopy open, airbrakes open and bomb bay open. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retired Bob Posted October 3, 2019 Share Posted October 3, 2019 Lovely looking Bucc, well done Andy, I can almost smell the sea salt. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nimrod54 Posted October 3, 2019 Share Posted October 3, 2019 Superb build Andy and a great article too. I am looking forward to the next one. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
72modeler Posted October 3, 2019 Share Posted October 3, 2019 That is one beautiful Buc, Andy! Your usual impeccable work and honest critique and points to ponder when building. Guessing we will have to wait for a proper Operation Granby Pink Lady? Have one of these on pre-order- can't wait to see it. Glad to see you back on the forum, too! Mike 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevej60 Posted October 3, 2019 Share Posted October 3, 2019 Another superb build Andy,beautifully painted and photographed too. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corsairfoxfouruncle Posted October 4, 2019 Share Posted October 4, 2019 Now that is a Buccaneer ! ... Well done on this one. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Pearcy Posted October 4, 2019 Share Posted October 4, 2019 I've got the kit winging it's way to me as we speak. I can only dream of it turning out as good. Superbly done. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crobinsonh Posted October 4, 2019 Share Posted October 4, 2019 Great build Andy with a top notch finish. Now lets see your 1/24th scale Buccaneer side by side... 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kev67 Posted October 4, 2019 Share Posted October 4, 2019 Hi Andy, the Buccaneer looks brilliant, and one I will definitely be buying, I would imagine this model will be on the Airfix stand at Telford this year. I was going to Bruningthorpe this year as a friend I know also helps out on the Buccaneer, but sadly I was away lol, anyway hopefully will see you at Telford 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adam Poultney Posted October 4, 2019 Share Posted October 4, 2019 Amazing! Saw one irl last weekend at Hendon; they're deceptively big. I was looking at stuff about buccaneers yesterday, I didn't realise that there are 4 of them within a half hour drive of me at Brunty. I'd love to see one fly, aparently one was under restoration and has permission to fly once the restoration is complete, however Hunters took priority. 17 minutes ago, crobinsonh said: Great build Andy with a top notch finish. Now lets see your 1/24th scale Buccaneer side by side... Seconded! With the 24th scale one 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Meatbox8 Posted October 4, 2019 Share Posted October 4, 2019 I went out and bought the Airfix rag as soon as I saw your creation on the front cover. Looks fab. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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