Building the Buccaneer S. Mk. 50  in Scale.

Info supplied by P. Cater, C. Hugo, S. Hahn, S. Bouwer, additional A. Dyason.

Colour Schemes

Delivery colour scheme

A variant of the intermediate colour scheme

Originally the Buccaneers were delivered in a two tone semi gloss colour scheme. This scheme had the full set of National markings. An interim scheme was adopted soon afterwards of a two tone matt finish, with smaller National markings. The final scheme was similar than the intermediate scheme with the same two tone matt finish of dark sea grey (upper surfaces) and PRU blue (lower surfaces). National markings were removed from the last scheme and only a serial number and Sqdn badge were applied. The final scheme of the Buccaneer let to similar schemes on other SAAF aircraft. All the colour schemes are fairly easy for the modeller - see the galleries.

Final toned down colour scheme - note absence of National markings

Ordnance

The best source of information is the book: "The SAAF at War", by S. Bouwer, M. Louw - contains photos of all weapon configurations. The most common configuration was four Matra 155 rocket packs under the wings or four 1000lb bombs in the internal bay or up to four Nord AS 30 missiles under the wings.  The Buccaneer was the first SAAF aircraft type to deliver smart weapons in the Border War.

S. Mk. 50 Buccaneer in 1/48 scale. General observations.

Only kit in 1/48 scale was released by Airfix (kit no. 08101) - includes markings for the SAAF's original semi-gloss scheme (aircraft no. 426). The pilot figures are best discarded as they resemble baboons. The biggest problem is to remove the explosive cord on the canopy as the SAAF aircraft were not fitted with this device. This kit is now discontinued.

1/48 Aftermarket parts.

Airwaves AC48073 Cockpit set

NeoMega Cockpit set 

S. Mk. 50 Buccaneer in 1/72 scale.

Airfix Buccaneer S. Mk.50 by P. Cater

The slipper tanks and AS30 are scratchbuilt, decals part FROG and part SAAF generic sheet. The canopy, under carriage and other details were replaced by Aeroclub and other aftermarket parts. FROG also released a 1/72 kit with SAAF decals (slightly incorrect - all same size). Still available in the UK from collector type dealers. Matchbox's Buccaneer kit require, as usual a lot of putty ;-)