1/72 SBD-5 Dauntless – VB-16, April 1944.
“White 35” was a SBD-5 assigned to VB-16 on the USS Lexington (CV-16) in April 1944. It was flown by LTJG George Blacken & RM Leo Boulanger.
I used a 1996 boxing of the Hasegawa SBD-5, which came with decals for White 45 of the same squadron the previous summer. I used the Print Scale 72-412 decals for White 21. Additions to my prior SBD builds were the Eduard 72 469 PE set for the dive brakes, and the Rob-Taurus 72088 canopy so I could cut the canopy into an open configuration. Paints for the tricolor scheme were Vallejo 71.295, 71.299 and 71.279. Scratch building was limited to enhancing the kit's YAGI antennae.
VB-16 was one of the last two carrier bombing squadrons equipped with the SBD, and I modeled it on the Lexington back in 1993. I'm glad to have a bigger version to display next to it.
Excellent job, Michael!
Beautiful result, Michael @mcsmith1964
Micheal, that is neat to have a compliment of 1/72 examples for your display, showing off the Lex's airborne compliments. A fine idea, excellent execution, and well crafted display.
Nice looking build and display, Michael.
Great work in this scale,Michael.
Great build! Di You have kit with PE Flaps?
Yes! I did a 1942 SBD with flaps two years ago, but no internal detail. This one had a "lot" of internal detail - it took me months to get the courage to build them for this one. But it just makes the model with those red perforated flaps hanging out.
Lovely build! Always adds more interest to see the dive flaps opened!
Nice SBD, Michael.
Absolutely! I hate the work, but those red flaps just make it.
Nicely done Michael.