Trumpeter 1/32 SBD-3 Dauntless
By Peter White
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After watching the new "Midway" movie last year I decided to build USN Lt Richard Best's SBD-3, which he flew twice from USS Enterprise on the 4th of June, 1942, to sink the IJN carriers Kaga and Hiryu.
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It is a really nice kit, but I didn't particularly like the clear fuselage. Nothing wrong with it but just hard to see if seams are covered until undercoat applied.
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For aftermarket, I used a Yahu instrument panel, EZE line antenna, MasterCasters wheels and Master gun barrels.
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I painted it with a combination of SMS, MRP and Mr Hobby acrylic lacquers and then weathered with oils and hard pastels.
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I recreated some light fading on the upper surfaces, but these aircraft were new when they boarded Enterprise immediately before the Battle of Midway so not too much to do.
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My model depicts what the aircraft may have looked like after returning from the first attack and ready for the second sortie. The rear guns would have been stowed but I wanted to be able to see them.
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Enjoy!
© Peter White 2021
This article was published on Saturday, December 18 2021; Last modified on Sunday, December 19 2021