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James Kelley
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Accurate Miniatures' 1/48 scale Vought SB2U-1 Vindicator

May 18, 2013 · in Aviation · · 11 · 3K

Here's the Vought SB2U-1 "".

I started it in 2005, and when I laid down the natural metal finish (Alclad II) to replicate the silver-colored lacquer "dope" used on the fabric, it reacted with the primer I used (Mr. Surfacer) and the whole model was covered in "pox". Disgusted, I threw it in it's box and thought I'd never finish it. For no good reason, I took it out again in late 2006, sanded it completely bare, and re-did the finish with a different primer (Tamiya rattle-can), and metal product (SnJ). Then I finished it all together in pre-war colors from 1939. Close enough! Enjoy...

Reader reactions:
4  Awesome

17 additional images. Click to enlarge.


11 responses

  1. Beautiful recovery, James...excellent work - it turned out spectacularly. I especially like the photographic effects achieved with the ocean backdrop.

  2. Modeling can be like golf, a good save can make your day. Can't see enough "between the wars" builds.

  3. Great job on this kit, James. Very attractive model, I always liked the bright combination of yellow wings and willow green- and your carrier deck and rolling seas background looks very authentic. Nice work!

  4. Nice job on a tough paint job. You got the look just right.

  5. Nice work on that and a cool save. I'll bet you were as surprised as I was when I tried to match that decal stripe, to find out how much frickin' yellow there is in "willow green." I never could get a mix - went from Interior Green to yellow chromate and back again. I wish some paint mfr would make that color.

  6. Well done James. Great images.

  7. beautiful...i've seen that before maybe FSM...don't give up on alclad it's sweet stuff

  8. Magnificent work, James, and your photography is superb, too!

  9. said on May 19, 2013

    James .. the ONLY thing "missing" in the 1st photo is wheel chocks , as Tom can attest to, on deck ... seriously though-the BEAUTIFUL model details,, especially the cock-pit, ARE beyond belief .. so EXPERTLY made .. one can almost visualize the instruments move as the engine starts, and runs, and the pilot moving the "stick" to make sure all moves OK !

  10. very nice save James alclad are very tempernmental but can make a great nmf the snj you used is very authentic and your pics are fantastic I have this kit in my stash any words of wisdom doing this buid

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