A reworking of the RAF Buccaneer kit into the naval variant, the main sprues are unchanged but with the addition of new parts for the flush bomb bay, bullet ECM pods for the wings and tailplane, long range SAAF style slipper tanks, bombs, MATRA pods and a bumper decal sheet.

Most of the major cosmetic changes are there, though enthusiasts who want a truly accurate navy Bucc will ant to change a few of the cockpit fittings and look out for things like the fairing between the intakes and the fuselage, which was absent on early S.2Cs

The fuselage halves may give first time Bucc builders a few nervous moments, but having built a couple now all it takes is patience and the right approach. I start by fixing the wing section together and then moving stage by stage to the back and fishing with the forward fuselage. It can be done and anyone who saw the 16 finished Buccaneer kits on the Humbrol at the 1994 IPMS Nationals will know that this kit can be put together with the minimum of fuss.

The RAF slipper tanks have been partially retooled for this kit, now comprising of upper and lower sections with a separate pylon halves, it a marginal improvement over the old ones, but I still needed filler to blend everything together.

The decal sheet is spectacular, with full airframe and weapons marking for four aircraft, Two are from 809 NAS HMS Ark Royal, an S.2C in the old 'D' type roundels and an S.2D in the later red/blue tactical markings, both finished overall extra dark sea grey. Going back in time, there is an S.2 of 800 NAS from HMS Eagle which features white undersides with extra dark sea grey on top. The final option is for a Mk.50 of 24 Sqn, South African Air Force in the seductive two-tone scheme of azure blue and grey.

A big kit of a big and well loved aeroplane, - I wonder if people will be misty-eyed about the Tornado in 30 years time?