Accurate Miniatures 1/48 SBD-5 Dauntless
AM 1/48 SBD-5. VMSB-331, Marshall Islands, Spring 1944.
I built this kit for a family friend whose late husband was a Marine Radio Operator/Gunner on SBD’s on Guadalcanal. She asked me one day after church how my new adventures in modeling were going, so I decided to give her a surprise. I was unable to determine her husband’s actual unit during the war so I chose this kit and used decals from the Eduard limited edition kit so I could portray a Marine aircraft.
The detail in this kit is amazing. There is really no need to get any aftermarket parts because everything is there. The cockpit is a work of art. The fit and finish are superb. I used almost no filler…just a bit at the bottom aft wing join. That said, I would say that you had best follow the instructions, step by step. If not, you will most likely run into some problems.
Vallejo Air paints and varnishes were used. I didn’t want to “dirty” it up too much since it is a gift…just a little oil panel line wash for some detail.
Lastly, I want to thank Tom Cleaver for his help in answering numerous detail questions during the build. He is THE go to guy for answers dealing with Naval Aviation and also Army Air corps ops in the Pacific.
I hope Miss Billy and her kids like this tribute to Roy.
11 additional images. Click to enlarge.
Craig Abrahamson said on November 4, 2017
VERY nice build, sir...those AM kits are pretty sweet kits to start with and this only proves the point...well done!
Gary Brantley said on November 4, 2017
Yes, I agree! Very nice indeed sir. That has to be the best kit in that scale.
Morne Meyer said on November 5, 2017
I have to agree as well with the assessment on Accurate Miniature kits. I have the Dauntless and Avenger in the stash. You did an amazing job on this one and serves as a fine tribute!
Terry Schuler said on November 5, 2017
Tom, Looks great, I really like the paint scheme, I'm also very impressed with the color and overall paint finish you did here. If this was a ship based aircraft it wouldn't have gotten very dirty any way, maybe a little sun baked after awhile. Therefore they all probably looked clean like this at some time. Well done.
Tom Rodgers said on November 5, 2017
I like the Vallejo Air paints. I think the oil panel line wash is what really did it. It adds so much subtle toning.
Robert Royes said on November 5, 2017
Great looking Dauntless! and a nice tribute.
David A. Thomas said on November 5, 2017
Got that one in the stash, and really looking forward to it. Excellent finish, Tom.
Tom Cleaver said on November 5, 2017
Nice work Tom. Glad to help.
Tom Rodgers said on November 5, 2017
Thanks for graciously helping. Trust me, I’ll be “bugging you again in the future, haha.
Greg Kittinger said on November 5, 2017
Very nice! Love the SBD, and you did this one justice.
Bernard E. Hackett, Jr. said on November 5, 2017
Tom, beautiful Dauntless!
Louis Gardner said on November 5, 2017
Your AM Dauntless looks fantastic ! I really like it, and agree there's really no need to add anything aftermarket to it. It's a gem right out of the box. I built one for the Midway GB and it was much fun. Two thumbs up Sir ! Some day I plan on building one from Deland NAS, since they trained Dauntless pilots here at our local airport during WW2.
Tom Rodgers said on November 5, 2017
Thanks. The only thing I had to do was change out the kit tail wheel. The Marine birds has larger pneumatic tires for land Ops. I kit-bashed the tail wheel from an old Spitfire kit.
Drew Tarter said on November 7, 2017
Beautifully done Dauntless, Tom! Your fit, finish and weathering are just spot-on.
George Henderson said on November 10, 2017
Great looking aircraft
Jeff Bailey said on January 1, 2019
VERY well done, Tom. I have a soft spot in my heart for the SBD. My Dad flew them in the war and got his 1/2 credited "kill" of a Betty bomber while flying in one.
I'd say that Miss Billie is VERY proud of it in remembrance of her Roy.
Bravo !
Tom Rodgers said on January 1, 2019
Thanks a bunch, Jeff. It was truly a "labor of Love". Billie and Roy are/were such nice folks. I'm surprised you found this so far back in the "archives". Happy New Year!
walt samardak said on September 3, 2020
Awesome build, just picked up the AM SBD-5 Dauntless, looking for info on the kit, I'm glad you mentioned the "follow the assembly Instructions" once again sharp build on an amazing airplane.