1:32 SBD-4 Dauntles

Glazing for the pilot and the gunner

The Douglas SBD dive bomber decided the Battle of Midway in the space of a few minutes, and its crew consisted of a pilot with a gunner seated back to back with him. The shape of the glazing matches that: a long greenhouse made up of several adjoining sections runs above the cockpit, starting with a fixed windscreen, continuing with a sliding section above the pilot and ending at the rear station, whose cover folded forward when the gun was in use.

Several sections, each of which moves differently

This is exactly what makes a two-seater a different task from a fighter. The frames are not of uniform width, because every stretch served a different function and was braced differently. The modeler also chooses whether to build the cockpit closed or with the rear cover folded down and the machine gun raised. In the second case the inner layer of masks pays off twice over, because the frames come directly into view. Four national insignia masks cover the American markings, whose shape changed several times during the war.

• A cut for long two-seat glazing in 1:32 scale
• A pair of layers, one for the outside and one for the inside
• Four parts for spraying the American markings
• Usable for a build with the rear station open as well
• A kabuki paper carrier that leaves no adhesive behind

We suggest working out in advance which stretches will stay closed and choosing the order of application accordingly. Apply the paint in several passes and direct the last of them perpendicular to the frames, so that the edge does not bleed.