David Rapasi Posted December 5, 2015 Share Posted December 5, 2015 This model depicts a SBD-2 Dauntless aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise, late Spring, 1942. On January 5, 1942 a directive called for the U.S. Insignia to be placed on the top and bottom of both wings. They were to be of the maximum diameter possible without overflowing onto the aileron. The fuselage Insignia was to be no larger than 24 inches. The thirteen horizontal rudder stripes were added at this time. On January 17, 1942 the Bureau approved the use of a 50 inch fuselage insignia. At this time they did not approve the wing insignia from leading edge to trailing edge, but did ok the insignia from the leading edge to the aileron cut out. Early in 1942, after a friendly fire incident aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise, the Insignias on all aircraft were directed to be as large as possible, including over the flaps and ailerons. After the battle of Coral Sea, 4-8 May, 1942 and some lesser battles, thoughts of removing these very colorful markings became prevalent. On May 15, 1942 a dispatch was issued for the removal of the rudder stripes and the red disc from the National Insignia. At this same time the wing Insignias were to be no larger than 60 inches and fit between the aileron leading edge and the leading edge of the wing. The fuselage Insignia was to be no larger than 24 inches. Between this time and the Battle of Midway there were a variety of National Insignias on carrier based aircraft. The red discs on this aircraft were removed before the Battle of Midway. Colors used on this model; QMS #10 LIGHT GRAY QMS #12 BLUE GRAY QMS # 42 MEDIUM GREEN Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jennings Posted December 5, 2015 Share Posted December 5, 2015 Nice! I love those early war oddball insignia treatments! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Joel_W Posted December 8, 2015 Share Posted December 8, 2015 David, A truly outstanding build. Your paint camo scheme coupled with perfect weathering for the time period really sets the tone for one super looking SBD-2. Your time log for the changes in the national insignia up to the Battle of Midway, demonstrates the constant changes that were supposed to take place, but rarely did. Hence the odd ball markings that you so expertly applied. Well done. Very well done. Joel Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Crazy Snap Captain Posted December 8, 2015 Share Posted December 8, 2015 (edited) Awesome work! Excellent history lesson as well! Edited December 8, 2015 by Crazy Snap Captain Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.