1:72 Douglas SBD-3 Dauntless

The real subject

The Douglas SBD-3 Dauntless is an American carrier dive bomber of the Second World War with a crew of two: the pilot sat at the front and the radio operator and gunner sat behind him, facing aft. On the leading and trailing edges of the wing it carried perforated dive flaps that kept the speed within limits in a steep dive and let the aircraft aim for a long time and accurately. That is exactly what made it a feared type in the fighting in the Pacific. Also characteristic are the cranked wing and the long glazed canopy with sliding sections over both crew members.

What the set contains

Photo-etched parts in thin sheet metal in 1:72 scale. At this scale photo-etch is worth most where the plastic part is thicker than it should be, that is on the instrument panel, the harness, the canopy frames, the grilles and the perforated surfaces. The extent of the set, and the kit it is cut for, is stated in the manufacturer's instructions, so check the match beforehand.

Building and painting tips

The elements at this scale really are tiny, so work over a tray with a raised edge and keep fine-tipped tweezers to hand. Separate the parts with a cut of a sharp blade on a hard surface, never by tearing. Make the bends along the scored line over a sharp edge. They are bonded with super glue in minute drops; polystyrene cement does not hold on metal. Degrease the surface before painting and apply a base coat intended for metal, otherwise the finish will come off while you handle the parts.

• 1:72 scale, photo-etched parts in thin sheet metal
• the subject is the SBD-3 Dauntless carrier dive bomber
• replaces plastic parts wherever the plastic is too thick
• bonded with super glue, not with polystyrene cement
• the extent of the set and the kit it is for are stated in the manufacturer's instructions

Terms of supply

The kit, paints, primer and glue are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.