1:72 Hawker Siddeley Buccaneer Part 2

Hawker Siddeley Buccaneer, part two - decals 1:72 (Print Scale)

This decal sheet in 1:72 scale is the second part of the range devoted to the British Buccaneer strike aircraft. It is a separate product with a set of markings of its own, not a supplement to the first sheet and not a reprint of it. It contains no plastic or resin parts, so you cannot build a model from it. How many schemes and which particular aircraft the sheet offers are given on the packaging of the sheet.

The real subject

The Buccaneer was built around a single task, which was penetration to the target just above the terrain or above the sea. From that came its rugged structure, dimensioned both for the buffeting of flight in the turbulence of low levels and for a hard touchdown on deck. Characteristic of it are the rotating bomb bay door, the folding nose and the folding wing for the hangars below deck. It entered service first with the Fleet Air Arm in the S.1 version, later in the reworked S.2 version with more economical and more powerful turbofans. After the aircraft carriers were withdrawn the machines passed to the Royal Air Force, where they served in the strike role against both land and sea targets until the 1990s. Besides Britain, South Africa also operated Buccaneers.

Tips for using the decals

Before applying them, check that the finish is fully cured and sealed with gloss varnish. The Buccaneer tends to be darkly finished, and on a dark surface every silvery haze around a decal shows at once. Cut as close as you can, so that the carrier film does not extend far beyond the print. Transfer larger markings in sections and prick large areas of film with the point of a scalpel; the softener then gets under it and no bubble forms. Once dry, wipe the adhesive residue away carefully with a cotton bud moistened with water, otherwise it will stay visible as glossy patches after the matting. Only after it is completely dry does the final matte or satin coat come, and only then any weathering.

Who the sheet is for

• Builders of British aircraft in 1:72 scale
• Owners of the first part of the series who want further markings
• Modelers building a particular machine outside what a kit offers
• More experienced builders who work with decal softeners

The package contains decals only. A kit, paints and varnishes are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.