Jadsf Buccaneer

[lancer]

By the mid 70's the Japanese high command realised that there was a huge gap in thier order of battle when it came to maritime operations, especially with the MSDF having no fixed wing offensive capability. Something that the Japanese found extremely embaressing. Plans were put in place to rectify this, but in the meantime a stop gap was needed. So, in additioon to looking for a dedicated strike aircraft it was decided that the ASDF would take on the role of maritime strike for the time being. To cut a long story short (hey I'm at work and don't have the time) a fly off was held between various types including the Grumman A6 and the Blackburn Buccaneer, with the finakl fly off being between these two types.  The Buccaneer was found to be the most suitable for this role, as JASDF observers to RAF 'brick' operatoes would attest and the Japanese placed an order for 100 with Blackburn with an option to license buikld a further 100. The result of this order is was the Nakajima S2J Shuriken.
One of the Phantom squadrons was converted to fly the new type, much to the initial dismay of the pilots. But, after a short time, the aircraft became much loved by her crews. And, to reflect the maritime role, a more appropriate camouflage scheme was also chosen and applied.

Right, waffle over and on to the kit. This is the Matrchbox Buccaneer, typical matchbox, simple and easy to build. The anit ship missiles are ASM1's from the Hasegawa Japanese weapons set, the sidewinders are from the spares box and the squadron markings are from a set of decals  I kept from a Fujimi F4EJ kit.
Not exactly up to the standard of some of the examples shown, but I hope you like it.

[Howard of Effingham]

works well for me lance.  ^_^  

[ysi_maniac]

... but I hope you like it.

Of course, it is a nice concept/plane/model
       

[Brian da Basher]

Wow that's just killer, lancer!

Brian da Basher

[Glenn Gilbertson]

Who could dislike a Buccaneer - but this one looks really good, Lancer.
 

[elmayerle]

Truly a gorgeous model and a great back story.  I definitely love it.

[Maverick]

Beautiful Brick there Lancer.  The loadout looks more than plausible

Regards,

Mav

[GTX]

Nice - subdued, but nice.  Can you imagine the Bucc in some of the fancy Japanese markings/colour schemes one occasionally sees?

Regards,

Greg

[elmayerle]

Nice - subdued, but nice.  Can you imagine the Bucc in some of the fancy Japanese markings/colour schemes one occasionally sees?

Or in some of their Agressor schemes?