1/48 SDB-1 Dauntless
Finally got this one finished after some stops and restarts since January 2021. I used the Accurate Miniatures SDB-3 kit for two reasons, one it's the one I had in my stash, and secondly most of the changes between the -1 and -3 were internal and wouldn't affect the final look. This is my first AM Dauntless and I must say for a kit released in the 90's it's overall fit as well as the cockpit detail is very good. It has quite a few small parts which instructions mention and advises you to take your time building her. Good advise some of which I ignored and it came back to bite me, i.e. those dive flaps.
Not a show stopper but she's finished and in the display cabinet. Build pretty much OOB, however, I did add some Ultracast seats in the cockpit as they look better than the decal belts supplied with the kit. Model Master and Tamiya paints were used,and the decals were a combination of the kits, Yellow Wing , and most from Hasegawa's Yellow Wing Dauntless kit. Nylon thread was used for the antenna wire and a Pitt Pen highlighted some of the panel lines. This Dauntless represents VMB-2 U.S. Marines 1940.
Very, very nice SBD, the NMF- yellow wings is fantastic, excellent paint work Tom! Same for the cockpit, thumbs up
Classic profile dressed up as a lollipop. Love the colours and all details. This is one of those aircraft looking almost like a perfect aircraft should look like.
Wow Tom, great build! That thing is a proper beauty and sure looks the part of the real thing. Fantastic interior, and beautiful painting. Well done!
Very sharp early Dauntless. Paint and weathering are outstanding.
A beautifully done "Yellow wings" Dauntless. I can't imagine being the rear gunner while the SBD kicks over into a dive.
Wonderful job, Tom, on the great A/M Dauntless. You did it proud with your Yellow Wings finish.
Real nice, Tom. All those nice colors will stand out on the shelf.
Looks very handsome in that scheme. Hard to imagine this kit being surpassed at this scale, although it would be fun if Eduard gave it a try.
Well done, Tom! I don't do contests anymore, but I think this is still a show-stopper.
She's a real beauty Tom ! @tom-bebout
These "Yellow Wings" planes are my favorite US Navy era.
Great work, Tom. My favorite colors!
Yes. Extremely good looking and well done. Nothing like yellow wings!
Great build and choice of colour scheme. The AM kits although a bit fiddly sometimes are really good kits as you have just proved.
Beautiful job on this great pre-war airplane, Tom. You gave an awesome subject the treatment it deserves. Well done!
Beautifully finished, and really like the photography. I've often wondered how often the rear seat guy got to actually use his set of flying controls...
Outstanding, Tom! This would look great in my cabinet. Congratulations on a fine job.
Amazing build, Tom!
Awesome Dauntless, Tom.
I think she would definitely do well on a show.
Beautiful colour scheme brilliantly applied, plus all the detail work make this a wonderful Dauntless, definitely liked.
Lovely model Tom!. I've yet to build one of these kits. You certainly did a really nice job on it.
Well done Tom, my compliments to you on an excellent build.
Great looking "ship killer," Tom! As I'm sure you remember, I'm pretty partial to Naval aircraft from WWII and this one is my 2nd favorite ... after the F6F. (Which WILL be finished, eventually.)
@tom-bebout
Really nice looking build Tom, @tom-bebout, that cockpit sure does have a lot of detail packed into it. Yellow wings always look good, and yours is no exception. Great work overall and a nice addition to the display case for sure!
Sorry to disagree @tom-bebout - she IS a show-stopper! Rich colours and beautifully put together!
Amazing build, looks great in this scheme!
What's not to like! Lovely build - those bright colors bring a little life to the Dauntless.