1/48 Airfix Blackburn Buccaneer RN

by Derek Derks

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The Royal Navy Buccaneer, bombarding the supertanker "TORREY  CANYON" on the 29th of March 1967, after this vessel was snagged on the rocks between Land´s End and the Scilly Isles.  With tossing the 1000 LBS bombs on it,  the authorities tried to set it on fire to prevent an oil disaster on the shores. Then, 24 years later the Buccaneer is again in the news as laser designators for the Tornado force, during the Allied Operation "Desert Storm".  This interesting history made me decide to construct the Navy and Air Force model.  I start with the "H 320 / XT277 from the Royal Navy.

"H 320 / XT277"  (H320 registration during tour on board HMS Hermes)

25-08-1965 delivered from the factory to the Royal Navy

19-04-1973 handed over to the Royal Air Force

1986  shredded.

Much has been told about the construction of this scale model.  It is a challenge for the average modeler.  My personal opinion is that if you can turn this into a beautiful scale model,  you can class yourself  "advanced modeler" The price / quality on this model is superb. Try it and you will like it.

I decided to separate the nose cone to show the "Blue Parrot" radar and scanner.  I learned the hard way, (via  Andy White) that the nose is not on a sliding rail, but is taken off manually by the crew members and placed on the deck next to the aircraft.

Click on images below to see larger images

This scale model was improved with:

  • Air waves Wingfold                  (AC 48-101)
  • Air Waves Interior Set              (AC-48-73)
  • Air Waves Brake Detail Set     (AC-48-072)
  • XTRA Decal Set                      (X024-48)
  • XTRA Color Paints

Resources:

Reviews on ARC

Personal contact with Master Modeler Ted Taylor

Website from Andy White: 

www.blackburn-buccaneer.co.uk

This site is the "bible" for the Buccaneer.  From personal history of every aircraft to the their tactical use, you can find it all here. For the military aviation enthousiast, a must to visit.  If you study this site, you will find out the superb qualities of this aircraft. (It was even better than the Tornado)!!!!

Derek

Click on images below to see larger images

Photos and text © by Derek Derks