1/18 French SBD-5 Dauntless, Indochina 1947
Hi guys - as I haven't really been on this site since I made a thread about my 1/32 B -17 Diorama 'An Inglorious End' a couple of years ago, here's my latest project!
1/18 French SBD-5 Dauntless Indochina 1947.
Total construction time just under two years. From Merit SBD-3/4 kit with extensive modifications. New windshield, scratchbuilt flaps and actuating mechanism, scratchbuilt interior, twin 0.30 cals, engine, engine accessory compartment, bomb racks and fuselage interior. Skinned with pewter sheet. Airbrushed with Sovereign Hobbies Colour Coats enamels. All national and unit markings hand painted.
You can see the entire build thread (with numerous interior shots) here: http://forum.largescaleplanes.com/index.php?showtopic=53741
Hope it passes muster!
Rich
Richard, welcome back !, and what a nice re-introduction. This is a real beauty. I didn't know the French flew these, or anybody else after WWII.
Thanks Terry
yes, the French flew a wide range of former US / German / British / Japanese aircraft in Indochina. The Dauntlesses operated from the carrier Arromanches (formerly HMS Colossus)
She's gorgeous Richard! Love the detail and the worn look. Great job.
Absolutely beautiful work, Richard...stunning craftsmanship indeed.
Richard, museum quality work! Jaw dropping stuff!
Wow!
Man this is really impressive ! If I didn't know better I would think we were looking at photos of the real thing... Thanks for sharing.
Very impressive, you can see where the two years' work has gone.
Breathtaking work Richard!
many thanks guys 🙂
Who makes that kit in 1/18th scale, and where do find room to display it?!
And they were as clapped-out and war-weary as you have recreated. Really nice work on this.