SPA Modeler

Yes, I fell down another rabbit hole gentlemen. Always wanted a SBD in my collection. Eventually want to have all WW2 USN A/C in 1/72. So I saw this on the shelf at LHS yesterday and had to have it. Told my self "I will just throw it together!" Will see how that goes. Already found myself searching eBay for cockpit details

This is an a/c I really want to have done. I can never seem to pull it off, though. I had the 1/32 "Midway" edition with the clear fuselage half and sold it. Not sure why this one freaks me out so much. Looking forward to the build. Off to a good start.

Well this looks to be off to a rapid start! The SBD has always been a favorite subject since my first build of the old Monogram kit with the dropping bomb. Seeing the 76 movie Midway and the decisive role that they played in that momentous battle cemented its’ place in my heart and mind.

Are you going to drill out the holes in the dive brakes?

I did the Revell Dauntless and I have the Accurate Miniatures kit in the stash.

Nice. I too am a dauntless fan and yet don't have one on the shelf. Following along.

Stikpusher wrote: ↑Tue Oct 28, 2025 9:53 am Well this looks to be off to a rapid start! The SBD has always been a favorite subject since my first build of the old Monogram kit with the dropping bomb. Seeing the 76 movie Midway and the decisive role that they played in that momentous battle cemented its’ place in my heart and mind.

Are you going to drill out the holes in the dive brakes?

No sir—just going to give them a good wash. Only way to make them realistic IMO would be to replace the flaps with photo etch. Even if I perfectly drilled them out without screwing one of them up, they wouldn’t look right due to the thickness of the wing.

I am with you on affection for the Dauntless—such a consequential aircraft. Doesn’t look half bad either and could double as a fighter! I have a thing for F4F as well, but I digress…

LyleW wrote: ↑Tue Oct 28, 2025 6:56 am This is an a/c I really want to have done. I can never seem to pull it off, though. I had the 1/32 "Midway" edition with the clear fuselage half and sold it. Not sure why this one freaks me out so much. Looking forward to the build. Off to a good start.

I think you and I are in the same boat Lyle. I hope to build a 32nd scale version one day…

Medicman71 wrote: ↑Tue Oct 28, 2025 10:05 am I did the Revell Dauntless and I have the Accurate Miniatures kit in the stash.

Roger that. I had the AM kit but it fell victim to my stash reduction operation a few years ago…

keavdog wrote: ↑Tue Oct 28, 2025 10:23 am Nice. I too am a dauntless fan and yet don't have one on the shelf. Following along.

There is no time like the present

I have 2 Dauntless kits (Academy and Accurate Miniatures), an Avenger (Academy) and a PBY Catalina (also Academy).

I still need to get a Devastator - early yellow wings and Midway versions.