| 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 THE RETAIL VERSION WILL BE MORE REFINED |
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.
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.
