1/48 SBD-3

[Robert Porter]

Ensign John Leppla and Radio/Gunner ARM3c John Liska flew with VS-2 from the USS Lexington CV-2 on May 8, 1942 for what became known as the Battle of the Coral Sea. During the Battle of the Coral Sea in May 1942, pilot Ensign John Leppla got four kills and his gunner, John Liska, three. They acquired these kills on their return to the Lexington from an attack on Japanese carriers. Their arrival co-incided with the Japanese attack on US carriers.

The aircraft flown by them and the one I am modeling is the Douglas SBD-3 Dauntless Dive Bomber BuNo 4647 aircraft number 12. I will be attempting to replicate its paint scheme and markings as they were on that date. Note at that time the older "red ball" markings were still in use.

 

[Robert Porter]

I do not yet know as I have not examined my kit in detail, but I have read that some of the SBD-3 kits contained a sprue from the SBD-5 which resulted in the wrong cowl configuration. As the manufacturer is out of business I cannot obtain another replacement so may need to make some modifications.

At the time of the battle these were equipped with single not double guns and a quick review of the sprue shows I have both options. The decals look correct for the version I am building, now working on locating an potential aftermarket components mostly tires that may still be available.

 

[Jeff Hunt]

Excellent sir!

Jeff

 

[Wurger]

 

[Robert Porter]

I do not think I will be at this level anytime soon, but something to aspire too!

 

[Crimea_River]

Good one Robert.

 

[Robert Porter]

Decal Sheet looks great, the red balls are overlays for the early war national insignia. Lots of little ones as usual. But the quality looks good and the markings look great. If anyone sees anything that could be an issue for the specific aircraft I am building please let me know.

 

[fubar57]

I'll send some stuff tomorrow Robert. Any thing in specific or should I over load your email?

 

[Robert Porter]

I'll send some stuff tomorrow Robert. Any thing in specific or should I over load your email?

Go for it! The more the better please, and thank you!

 

[Capt. Vick]

That George is a damn fine Canadian ain't he?

 

[Robert Porter]

That George is a damn fine Canadian ain't he?

He is indeed, it's no wonder so many Americans want to move to Canada!

 

[Wayne Little]

Look forward to your build Robert....Go for it..!

 

[Robert Porter]

I also want to build the SBD successor the Helldiver as well as a TBM Avenger. My step Grandfather was on the Yorktown and managed to survive both Midway and Coral Sea, I honestly don't know what he did in the Navy he never talked about it much, but he was a pilot of some kind. He had a unique name so I always figured I could search him out some day. Hiram Sharpe.

 

[JKim]

Great subject! Haven't decided on one yet but maybe I'll do a Japanese Val since Wayne mentioned a Kate.

 

[fubar57]

email sent

 

[Robert Porter]

Got it! And thank you! Kept me up past my bedtime but well worth it!

 

[T Bolt]

Nice choice Robert. Somewhere on my hard drive I have a lot of detailed pictures I took of the restored Dauntless at the Air Zoo. I'll see if I can dig them up.

 

[Robert Porter]

Thanks! This months Finescale Model mag has an article about painting an SBD-5 and while mine will not be the same it was a good read! All the pics I can get are certainly helpful!

 

[T Bolt]

I'm sure it's on my home computer. I'll dig them out tonight.

 

[Robert Porter]

I'm sure it's on my home computer. I'll dig them out tonight.

Thanks! George sent me a bunch as well and they really do help!