| Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series (Propeller Powered) HA0160 - SBD-5, VMS-3, US Virgin Islands 1944, “Major Christian Lee” |
| THESE ARE PRE-PRODUCTION PICTURES NOT THE RETAIL VERSION |
Die-cast metal.
Fully assembled.
Superb detailing in 1/72scale.
Pre-painted with pad applied markings.
Weapons are not permanently attached.
Display stand included.
Option to display model with wheels up or down.
Minimum use of plastic.
Very collectable
Fully assembled.
Superb detailing in 1/72scale.
Pre-painted with pad applied markings.
Weapons are not permanently attached.
Display stand included.
Option to display model with wheels up or down.
Minimum use of plastic.
Very collectable
| SBD-5 Specifications Manufacturer: Douglas Aircraft Company Crew: 2 (pilot, observer/gunner) Dimensions Length: 33’ 1” (10.0m) Height: 13’ 7” (4.1m) Wingspan: 41’ 6” (12.6m) Wing area: 325.0 sq. ft. (30.0 sq. m) Weights Empty weight: 6,404 lb (2,905 kg) Gross weight: 10, 676 lb (4,853 kg Performance Powerplant: 1 X Wright R-1820-60 1,200 hp Range: 1,115 miles (1,795 km) Cruising speed: 185 mph (298 km/h) (161 kt) Maximum speed: 255 mph (410 km/h) (221 kt) Climb rate: 1,700 ft/min (518 m/min) Ceiling: 25,530 ft (7,780 m) Armament 2 X 0.50 inch MGs in upper nose 2 X 0.30 inch movable MGs rearward firing from rear cockpit up to 2,250 lb of bombs – 1 X 1,600 lb or 1,000 center-line bomb – 2 X 325 lb under wing |
Prior to WWII the USMC had three Marine Scouting Squadrons with only one stationed
east of the USA. VMS-3 known as the “Devilbirds” were located in St. Thomas, Virgin
Islands where their task was to deploy on anti-submarine patrols over the Atlantic during
1943-44. The last aircraft type used by VMS-3 prior to the end of WWII was the Douglas
SBD Dauntless. The S-1 of Major Christian Lee is a fine example of an Atlantic color
scheme of insignia white and blue-grey.
east of the USA. VMS-3 known as the “Devilbirds” were located in St. Thomas, Virgin
Islands where their task was to deploy on anti-submarine patrols over the Atlantic during
1943-44. The last aircraft type used by VMS-3 prior to the end of WWII was the Douglas
SBD Dauntless. The S-1 of Major Christian Lee is a fine example of an Atlantic color
scheme of insignia white and blue-grey.
General information about the SBD-5
The SBD-5 Dauntless was the best variant built with 2,965 aircraft being built. Even with
its upgrades there was one major stumbling block for this plane and that was its lack of
folding wings. As the USN built more and more carriers for their offensive against Japan
this problem became even larger. So after the invasion of the Marianna’s the USN SBDs
were assigned to secondary land based operations where they spent the rest of WWII.
The SBD-5 Dauntless was the best variant built with 2,965 aircraft being built. Even with
its upgrades there was one major stumbling block for this plane and that was its lack of
folding wings. As the USN built more and more carriers for their offensive against Japan
this problem became even larger. So after the invasion of the Marianna’s the USN SBDs
were assigned to secondary land based operations where they spent the rest of WWII.
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