Chuck - eagerly following along, as I intend at some point the exact same build! I had a friend give me this old Matchbox kit, that contained some resin slipper tanks in it. I bought some aftermarket decals for a Op Granby scheme, and then realized that most of the pics I have of bucs in Op Granby show them without the tanks - not sure what I'm going to do yet with that. I've still got the desert pink paint I mixed up for the Jag I recently finished for the Cat build, and hope to get to the Buc before it dries up too much...

Thanks Greg, this is actually a build that is coming along quite well. I expected the challenge it would present, especially the seats. But once getting past that the rest is just some elbow grease and patience. The slipper tanks normally were used when configured with one on the port wing and a Pave Spike AN/AVQ-23E pod on the opposite inner pylon, on the port outer pylon was an AN/ALQ-101 ECM pod, while an AIM-9L Sidewinder on the starboard outer pylon. This configuration is when tasked on a target designator mission for the Tornado's they were paired with.

Nice to see those seats worked out! I've always been amazed at how many excellent kits I've built include such lousy seats with little or no detail. Of course if you intend to place a pilot in it how cares, except the provided pilots usually have little detail as well. I discovered what difference a decent seat makes when used with an otherwise lackluster model.

Agreed Louis, those seats are sensational - actually transformational. I hadn't thought of it like that Louis - but I can follow the logic - it is good for motivation too to build a great interior - sets a standard that you feel duty bound to follow. And chuck, you have certainly done that here!

I had already built some of the sub assy's while searching for the seats. Now with the main fuselage mated together it's time to attach those items. Starting with the engine/exhaust section.

First a test fit of the exhaust outlets, the fit is not good here and the outlets are molded filled in.

Contemplating opening these up down the road. On the intake side, I paint the engine fan blades Aluminum.

Then interior of the intakes are White. I attach the fan blades to the forward part of the engine side section.

With the intake installed. Next is to install the side section to the main fuselage. Now you can see the Buccaneer taking it's unique shape.

Next to repeat the steps and complete the LH side.

Work will need to be done to clean up the seams. Good thing I have some practice working over those Lanc engines. Sheesh! more to follow.

Well David, I think Chuck could contract out his 'firefighting' services for many of us - there are certainly some difficult enough looking kits to conquer in Chuck's extensive RAF100 line-up!

Chuck, I have a few old kits in the cupboard and a couple more that, by looking at reviews, I know won't exactly fall together - these builds are just so helpful in that light. I will certainly refer back to these WIPs when the time comes! Your 'seam-line' odyssey is a great tutorial!

Hi Chuck. The photo didn't load on my last post...missed the Trojan horse.