CMR - Czech Master Resin

1/72 H.S. Buccaneer S.MK.2A and S.MK.2B model kit

Product Article by Angus McDonald on July 28 2006

 

 

 

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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

 

Photos and text © by Angus McDonald