You just have to love some of these British aircraft from the 60s and 70s. They are, well, unique looking and while one could scarcely call this on a beauty, it does have a rugged purposefulness about it that is quite appealing. This sheet is designed to compliment the On Target: Spotlinght #2 book on the aircraft.

There are a total of 14 different aircraft in all the schemes the plane wore in additional to a special scheme and the usual test and RAE schemes. Also as part of the set, two SAAF schemes are provided from its initial introduction to that which was worn when it was removed from service. In fact, South Africa is the only place where the plane still flies, though as a war bird. So without an additional ado, here are the markings options:

• Buccaneer S.1, XN965/636 of 809 Squadron, RNAS Lossiemouth 1965 in overall White scheme.
• Buccaneer S.2, XN980/233 of 801 Squadron, HMS Victorious during 1966.
• Buccaneer S.2, XV346/656 of 736 Squadron, RNAS Lossiemouth in 1968
• Buccaneer S.2A, XT284/611 of 803 Squadron, RNAS Lossiemouth in 1969.
• Buccaneer S.2B, XW986, A&AEE, Boscombe Down 1974. (Yellow and Green Scheme).
• Buccaneer S.2A, XT272, RAE Farnborough 1991. (Tornado Nose and in Raspberry Ripple scheme).
• Buccaneer S.2C, XV344, DERA, Boscombe Down 1993-94. (Revised nose and TIALD Trials markings).
• Buccaneer S.2B, XN976 of 208 Squadron, RAF Lossiemouth 1991. (Black aircraft with 75th Anniversary markings)
• Buccaneer S.2, XT283/283 of Strike and Fighter Test Squadron, A&AEE Boscombe Down, 1987.
• Buccaneer S.2B, XV160 of 208 Squadron, RAF Honnington in 1977. (Arctic Camouflage Scheme for ACE Mobile Force 'Arctic Express 77 in Norway).
• Buccaneer S.2B, XV352 of 208 Squadron, RAF Honnington in 1977. (Red Flag 77-9 Sand Camouflage scheme).
• Buccaneer S.2B, XW547 of 216 Squadron, RAF Honnington 1979.
• Buccaneer S.50, 425 of 24 Squadron, South African Air Force, AFB Waterkloof, 1966.
• Buccaneer S.50, 416 of 24 Squadron, South African Air Force, AFB Waterkloof, 1979. (Low-viz scheme)

As you'd expect, the two sheets are superbly printed by Cartograf and in vibrant colors. Not shown, for lack of space on the platen, is a set of light blue serials for XV346.  In line with some of the other more recent sheets, the instruction booklet has a page devoted to each scheme, each with a four-view and complete color and markings placement information.

June 2009

Review sample courtesy of Model Alliance. This sheet can be found at www.theaviationworkshop.co.uk and at quality hobby shops worldwide.

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.