It’s finally arrived. All
I can say is, WOW! It’s been worth the wait. I understand from CMR
that they have consulted with modelers who are most expert in the Buccaneer, and
have worked closely with them to get the kit as perfect as possible.
Where shall I start? Well,
first the part count: there are a lot of them. The big picture above has
the parts for the S.MK.2A, while the big picture below has the parts for the
S.MK.2B. The canopy bits are shown in a separate photo. As you can
see there are a lot of parts. The ordnance load in particular is
spectacular. You’ll probably have a fair number of bombs or rocket
launchers or missiles left over to stick on other kits. The fins on these
parts is virtually paper thin.
There are a plethora of small
parts for both the inside and outside of the aircraft; with masses of options;
mainly with under wing stores. Parts like pitot tubes are thinner than
fine pins, while fins and strakes and blade aerials are, I would say, scale
thickness.
Here are the
canopies (yes they are vacu-formed, but lovely and clear); a fret
containing amongst other things the canopy detonation cords; and canopy
masks!
|
Click on
image below to see larger image
|
|
|
Decals are up to the fine
standard we have come to expect from CMR, with each version six camouflage
options. I am going to be sorely tested between the desert and arctic
options for the S.MK.2B.
Click on
images below to see larger images
|
|
|
The
following images show some of the cockpit details. CMR have gone to town
with the detailing. The pilot and navigator feature separate forward
instrument panels, while both have full side instrument panels, while the
ejection seats have optional parts! I shall have to brush up on my
painting skills to pick out all the details on the ejection seats to do them any
justice.
The massive
airbrakes can be posed open or closed. Though this might be considered
criminal with the amount of detail CMR have worked into them. This also
includes the wing folding mechanism. It’s all there and done for you.
The hardier members will probably want to add the odd bit of cabling.
And so the show goes on with the
detailed undercarriage bays, the rotary bomb bay, and other parts like the
wheels and undercarriage. As you can image there is a great commonality of
parts between the two kits. The differences appear mainly restricted to
the ordnance and pylons. The S.MK.2B only has the bulged bomb bay, two
types of airbrakes (I think) and one set of slipper tanks. While the
S.MK.2A has both types of bomb day, one type of airbrake and two sets of slipper
tanks.
I regret to say I am not an
expert on the H.S. Buccaneer.
As much as I was somewhat blown
away by the sheer number of parts (all beautifully moulded in CMR’s medium
hard, cream resin) it was the instructions that did it. They go on for pages and
pages. There are a couple of sheets reserved for picturing all the
different options for under wing store and pylons; supported by a table
cross-referencing the stores.
The painting guide is a massive
table, covering about three sheets, giving the colours of the parts in BS 381C
and plain English e.g. dark sea grey. It is mind blowing the care and
attention given to this kit.
If this wasn’t enough there are
the usual photographs that CMR supply of the actual aircraft.
Normally I find CMR kits
relatively quick to build. Partly due to the low part count and partly due
to the excellent fittings (after trimming the fuselage of the S.MK.2B, a dry fit
revealed a wonderful fit), however this kit is going to take time and patience
to build as there are so many parts and options.
Finally, do not throw any piece
of resin away until either you have finished the model or you are certain it is
not a kit part. Some of the parts are so thin they look like waste
resin.
Angus
|