Gulf War Buccaneers

Model Alliance

Reviewed by Brett Green

HyperScale is proudly sponsored by Squadron.com

After almost 30 years of service, Operation Granby in 1991 was the last active deployment of the Blackburn Buccaneer.13 modernised RAF Buccaneer S Mk.2B aircraft conducted operations from Bahrain for the duration of the Gulf War.

Model Alliance has commemorated this last hurrah by releasing markings for all 13 Gulf War Buccaneers.

The large number of subjects are possible as the markings are fairly sparse, but certainly very interesting. Every aircraft sports a Jolly Roger flag on the port side nose with the words "Sky Pirate", plus various additional names and (mostly) girlie-style nose art. Model Alliance have carefully researched the subjects, providing subtly different Jolly Rogers flags for each individual subject. Low-visibility national markings and white serials, codes and ejection seat warning triangles complete the simple but distinctive decoration.

The decals are beautifully printed and in perfect register. They are produced by Fantasy Workshop in the UK.

The instructions maintain the same high standard. They are presented on two double-sided A4 sheets, and include colour starboard side profiles for all 13 aircraft. Scrap views of the port-side nose are also included for each aircraft. One of the sheets has top and bottom views of the colour scheme (oevrall Desert Pink) and a brief description of Buccaneers in Operation Granby.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

This is an excellent debut production from the Northern Hemisphere office of Model Alliance.

The Airfix kit is the only choice for a 1/48 scale Buccaneer. It is a challenging project but looks good when finished. These decals will provide a worthy finish for your Gulf War Buccaneer.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Jon Freeman or the preview images.

Review Copyright © 2003 by Brett Green
Page Created 28 April, 2003
Last updated 14 August, 2003

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