This
is my first contribution to ARC, where I have found a great deal of inspiration
and many useful techniques and tips. I built models as a boy and started again a
few years ago with my own son. While I have used the Internet daily for my work
for many years it only occurred to me recently to see what was available for
scale modeling enthusiasts. As a result of finding ARC my modeling standards
have been raised exponentially, even if my skills are still lacking.
The
South African Air Force was the only sole user of these magnificent aircraft
apart from the RAF and Royal Navy. The SAAF Buccaneers were operated by 24
Squadron and saw action during the Angolan conflict. Various modifications were
made during their service life including the removal of the wing folding
mechanisms and the installation of a fuel tank in the bomb bay. They were
finally retired in 1991. A number of ex-RAF examples are currently still flown
in Cape Town, South Africa, by the Thunder City Test Flying School.
The
Airfix 1/48 Buccaneer appears to have been improved somewhat when compared to
earlier reviews I found on the web. My example was free of warped parts, for
example. The model is still no walk in the park for a developing modeler and
some components such as the rear airbrake were impossible for me to perfect. The
cockpit is basic and I completed it with with the canopy closed. I added two
scratchbuilt details, the white antenna rail under the cockpit and the VHF
aerials on the vertical stabiliser.
Click on
images below to see larger images
The
camouflage scheme was rather challenging as the SAAF did not use FS colors at
the time. I remember these planes as always looking rather dark and ominous and
I think my representation of the PRU Blue and Dark Sea Grey colors using Humbrol
enamels went reasonably well. The later version of the Buccaneer I chose had
very little in the way of markings, national or otherwise and I was able to use
some of the decals provided in the box, which are for the more colorful early
delivery scheme. My example carried only the 24 Squadron badge, serial
number and a few warning stencils. The ejection seat triangles for the earlier
variant were too large though and I'll have to keep an eye out for spares. I
struggled with the panel lines and matt finish, and I probably won't use Humbrol
enamels for the gloss and clear coats again. The look is still too shiny and
I'll try a few coats of Tamiya Acrylic Matt varnish when I'm in the mood.
My
Buccaneer was armed with four 1000 lb bombs. I hope you like it.
Arthur Karas
|