Yellow Wings 48-014: SBD-1/2 Dauntless

Units: Quite a few. See review

Price

$13.95

Reviewer:

Scott Van Aken

 

Here is another sheet repeat, but this one is much better than the previous as it has double the number of aircraft options in it. The previous sheet was also for the SBD-1/2, but only for the USMC versions. This one adds in the Navy planes. There are two full sheets with this one and like all of Yellow Wings' sheets, this one is superbly printed by Microscale. You are provided with both wing and fuselage bands as well as a full set of insignia, prop tip decals and wing walk areas.

So what is on this one?

Well, let us start with the Marines. First up is a VMB-2 plane as based in San Diego during 1940. This one has the black markings and one does need to paint the forward half of the engine cowling.

Next is from VMB-1 based at Pearl Harbor in 1940. It also will need to have the forward cowling painted red to match the bands. As with the first option, this one is an SBD-2

For the  navy, then get SBD-2s. First up is a VS-2 plane from the USS Lexington in early 1941. Lexington air wings had a Lemon Yellow empennage and once again, you'll need to match the fuselage and wing bands when painting the forward cowling.

Finally, from VS-6 aboard the USS Enterprise in early 1941 is this SBD-2 with a True Blue empennage. The red forward cowling is painted red to match the rest of the banding. For all the options, the LSO stripes for the fin will need to come from the kit or another stripe sheet. 

The instructions are first rate and give a step by step application sequence in case you are new to aftermarket sheets. The sheet indicates that the colors are matched to ModelMaster enamels and gives the pertinent information so that one has no problems when it comes to painting the tail surfaces and cowlings.

Overall an excellent set of decals with superb instructions. If your local shop doesn't carry them, ask them to start!

September 2008

Thanks to Yellow Wings for the review samples. You can get these at your local shop or order them direct from the link.

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