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| Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series (Propeller Powered) HA0126 - SBD-3 VS-41 “Operation Torch” USS Ranger CV-4, North Africa, Nov. 1942 |
HA0126 - SBD-3 Operation
Torch
Like the previous three
Dauntless, Hobby Master has
done it again, created a nicely
detailed and finished model.
From the canopy that can be
displayed in various
configurations, to the dive
brakes that are open on this
model, every part has been
carefully crafted. The National
insignia with the yellow circle
around it was found only on
“Operation Torch” aircraft as a
means of identification, it has
been expertly applied, as are all
the markings. Prop to tail, you’ll
be amazed by all the smallest
points of interest to be
discovered each and every time
you inspect this treasure.
Torch
Like the previous three
Dauntless, Hobby Master has
done it again, created a nicely
detailed and finished model.
From the canopy that can be
displayed in various
configurations, to the dive
brakes that are open on this
model, every part has been
carefully crafted. The National
insignia with the yellow circle
around it was found only on
“Operation Torch” aircraft as a
means of identification, it has
been expertly applied, as are all
the markings. Prop to tail, you’ll
be amazed by all the smallest
points of interest to be
discovered each and every time
you inspect this treasure.
SBD-3 spec:
Dimensions:
Length: 32 ft., 8 in.
Height: 13 ft., 7 in.
Wingspan: 41ft., 6 in.
Weight:
Empty: 6,345 lb.
Gross: 10,400 lb.
Power Plant:
One 1,000 horsepower Wright
R-1820-52 engine
Performance:
Maximum Speed: 250 M.P.H.
Maximum Range with Bomb Load:
1,345 miles
Service Ceiling: 27,100 ft.
Crew:
Pilot and gunner/radio operator
Armament:
Two fixed forward-firing .50-in. guns,
two flexible-mounted rear-firing .30-in.
guns, 1,200 lb. of ordnance
Dimensions:
Length: 32 ft., 8 in.
Height: 13 ft., 7 in.
Wingspan: 41ft., 6 in.
Weight:
Empty: 6,345 lb.
Gross: 10,400 lb.
Power Plant:
One 1,000 horsepower Wright
R-1820-52 engine
Performance:
Maximum Speed: 250 M.P.H.
Maximum Range with Bomb Load:
1,345 miles
Service Ceiling: 27,100 ft.
Crew:
Pilot and gunner/radio operator
Armament:
Two fixed forward-firing .50-in. guns,
two flexible-mounted rear-firing .30-in.
guns, 1,200 lb. of ordnance
Operation Torch SBD history:
At 0000 GMT on November 8, 1942 “Operation Torch” began. It was the most ambitious naval operation in the
European-African theater. It was a combined effort by British and U.S. forces to dislodge the French Vichy forces
from Morocco and Algeria. Also with Operation Torch taking place it means that the British under Montgomery aren’t
the only opposition for Rommel. The Vichy government was formed by German sympathizers after France
surrendered to Germany. It basically was a puppet government for the Nazis. With the Vichy out of the way this would
clear the path for the Allies to rid North Africa of Rommel’s Afrika Corps and become a gateway to Italy and open
another front for the Germans to have to contend with.
Negotiations to have the Vichy forces not resist had begun but by the time the operation had started there was no
agreement reached. This meant that there would be bloodshed and loss of life on both sides.
There were 5 U.S. carriers involved in the attacks on Morocco with VS-41 “Top Hatters” aboard the USS Ranger (CV-
4) being part of the group. They took part in the bombing missions
that either destroyed or crippled several French Naval vessels. One being a submarine while it was still tied up at its
berth. A large portion of the French Air Force was destroyed in the air and on the ground. The SBD’s were a fairly
new plane to VS-41 as it was only in September 1942 that the very inadequate SB2U Vindicators were replaced by
them. On November 10th, just when the U.S. forces had prepared to attack Casablanca the French stopped fighting
in that area. The attacks further east along the Algerian coast met with heavy Resistance as they didn’t have the
same amount of air cover. The attacks from German planes take a toll but Allied forces manage to establish a
beachhead and begin their assault. Eventually the Germans are able to stop the offensive and Ike calls off the
mission but not before it has cost the Germans a great deal of its means of supply and support. This devastating loss
would eventually end up costing Germany the war in North Africa.
Designed as a light bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, various versions of the Dauntless served during the war
with the US Marine Corps, Army and Navy.
The Dauntless not only served well in the Pacific but is quite often overlooked for the major role it played in the
Atlantic. It was used in attacks on German shipping off the coast of Norway, participated in Operation Torch in
Morocco, and some even flew sub patrols. Not having the greatest of speed the SBD-3 was dubbed “Speedy 3”.
At 0000 GMT on November 8, 1942 “Operation Torch” began. It was the most ambitious naval operation in the
European-African theater. It was a combined effort by British and U.S. forces to dislodge the French Vichy forces
from Morocco and Algeria. Also with Operation Torch taking place it means that the British under Montgomery aren’t
the only opposition for Rommel. The Vichy government was formed by German sympathizers after France
surrendered to Germany. It basically was a puppet government for the Nazis. With the Vichy out of the way this would
clear the path for the Allies to rid North Africa of Rommel’s Afrika Corps and become a gateway to Italy and open
another front for the Germans to have to contend with.
Negotiations to have the Vichy forces not resist had begun but by the time the operation had started there was no
agreement reached. This meant that there would be bloodshed and loss of life on both sides.
There were 5 U.S. carriers involved in the attacks on Morocco with VS-41 “Top Hatters” aboard the USS Ranger (CV-
4) being part of the group. They took part in the bombing missions
that either destroyed or crippled several French Naval vessels. One being a submarine while it was still tied up at its
berth. A large portion of the French Air Force was destroyed in the air and on the ground. The SBD’s were a fairly
new plane to VS-41 as it was only in September 1942 that the very inadequate SB2U Vindicators were replaced by
them. On November 10th, just when the U.S. forces had prepared to attack Casablanca the French stopped fighting
in that area. The attacks further east along the Algerian coast met with heavy Resistance as they didn’t have the
same amount of air cover. The attacks from German planes take a toll but Allied forces manage to establish a
beachhead and begin their assault. Eventually the Germans are able to stop the offensive and Ike calls off the
mission but not before it has cost the Germans a great deal of its means of supply and support. This devastating loss
would eventually end up costing Germany the war in North Africa.
Designed as a light bomber and reconnaissance aircraft, various versions of the Dauntless served during the war
with the US Marine Corps, Army and Navy.
The Dauntless not only served well in the Pacific but is quite often overlooked for the major role it played in the
Atlantic. It was used in attacks on German shipping off the coast of Norway, participated in Operation Torch in
Morocco, and some even flew sub patrols. Not having the greatest of speed the SBD-3 was dubbed “Speedy 3”.
