[Ara1]

Franklin Mint 1/48 SBD-1 Douglas Dauntless, US Marines version.

**** UPDATED 2/19: According to newly published sources, the fuselage decal colors are correct, MB is indeed black 0n 2-MB-13.****

I'd heard many positive comments on FM's Dauntless and was waiting for the right model to buy. I was looking for a US version, pre-July 1942, with a closed canopy. After finding a good deal, I chose this 1940 version. The model depicts an SBD-1, of which only 57 were delivered. The -1 lacked protection for the crew and had too short a range (less than 200 combat miles).

NEGATIVES: The single visible characteristic of the -1 was its enlarged airscoop above the cowling, which Franklin Mint missed. Aside from this, the yellow wings are a little too bright, and the cockpit detailing is a bit spartan. The spinner is also too blunt; it needs more of a point.

POSITIVES: The look is right. The canopy is very thin and perfectly painted. The dive brake preforations are actual holes, and in the correct 4/3/3/3/3/4 configuration. The fit and finish is very good. The prop is metal. Tires are rubber. The horizontal tail is properly in line with the wings. The plane is very heavy and the join lines are minimal to nonexistant.

Given the drawbacks, of which I plan to fix with Accurate Miniatures SBD-1 kit, the model is a wonderful addition to my collection and I highly recommend it. Markings are mostly pad printed with a few well-done, small decals.

The presentation is beautiful.







Franklin Mint does silver like no one else; I find their silver finishes superior to Hobby Master, Carousel 1 and Eagles International. FM's finish is very durable and convincing. Take a look.









The dive brakes are through-holes, in the correct config.





Canopy is perfect; cockpit begs for detailing.



The wrong airscoop is a big gaff as the cowling is a separate plastic piece which would have made a true -1 very easy to manufacture.





Paint wraps around the front edge of the wing very nicely.



Ordinace looks cool; wheel wells are a bit shallow.



Makes a great display with Hobby Master Buffalos and Carousel 1's WIldcat.

[Hornchurch]

Wow Ara.......

That is one VERY distinctive looking 'bird' !!!!!!!!

I've always found those early-version USN-birds so VERY loud in their overall paint schemes (prob' the 'Loudest' paint schemes EVER ?????)

Would certainly like to see a TBD with Silver-body & Yellow-wings !!!!!!!!!!

I'm sure if I saw that particular SBD you've just bought, I'd snap it up too, esp' at the current 'knock-down' prices on older 'F.M.' stuff !!!!!!!!

How much did you pay for this particular SBD ?

Looks fantastic along with your 'Hobbymaster' Buffalo collection !

Excellent pix, & very interesting post = thanks !!!!!!

[Ara1]

Thanks Hornchurch, your enthusiasm is inspiring. I've been reading yer posts on the P-40, SBD, etc etc and had to get the word out on this model. I bought it in December for 40-something bucks and free shipping.

She is beautful and we diecast collectors are very fortunate boys to enjoy this great hobby. Thanx for posting yer own pics! Fix yer date stamp!!!

[Hornchurch]

Originally Posted by Ara1

Thanks Hornchurch, your enthusiasm is inspiring. I've been reading yer posts on the P-40, SBD, etc etc and had to get the word out on this model. I bought it in December for 40-something bucks and free shipping.

She is beautful and we diecast collectors are very fortunate boys to enjoy this great hobby. Thanx for posting yer own pics! Fix yer date stamp!!!

LOL , Ara, Hell, I barely know how to use the thing !!!!!!!!!!!!

"Fix yer Date Stamp" = are you kidding ? (LOL, again !)

"Point & Snap" is where it's at , Man !!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Brace yourself, Guy........!

I've (yet) got some F.6-F shots to post... (James Flatley, CAG '00' - 'Red' Shirley's, too)....

plus, a GORGEOUS F.4-U, which I HONESTLY believe is "THE" best Die-cast F.4-U I've seen to date.........

Not to mention the "Operation-Torch" SBD which I made a (complete) 'Hash' of !!!!!!!!!

I'm posting one of the (Ahem) "out-takes" just to "whet you're appetite" (along with other SBD 'Lovers')

Enjoy, (or just laugh !)

STILL AIN'T AS BAD AS TANK-NUT'S pix (Hallelujah) !!!!!!!!!!!

[Cruver Collecter]

Ara, you have one great looking pre war display, but where is the Wildcat? After seeing your display, just might have to breakdown and get one of FMs pre war Dauntless models.

[Art LeBrun]

A closed cockpit is rare on FM Dauntlesses - I have only 2: white 39 and the prewar SBD-1. The other 5 are open but how can you beat the .30 cal MG sticking out?
Nice images BTW. Wish we always had such before buying sometimes on box art appearances.

[STARMAN 352ND]

I like the looks of your Dauntless..
Looks very nice in pre-war colors

[Ara1]

Originally Posted by Cruver Collecter

Ara, you have one great looking pre war display, but where is the Wildcat? After seeing your display, just might have to breakdown and get one of FMs pre war Dauntless models.

Thanks CC. The display shown is my cubicle at work, where the Buffalos are locked up at night and the Dauntless was a guest for the day, brought in in the AM and home that night. The Wildcat does belong in that lineup, I am just hesitant to bring the who pre-war livery into the workplace... ! Plus I have a C-47 on another shelf...!

Maybe I'll bring in the Dauntless and Wildcat for a photo and post it here, Tuesday.

Then, FM's pre-war PBY may be in the offing... if they can get the details fixed (as per the comments in the PBY thread).

[Ara1]

Originally Posted by Art LeBrun

A closed cockpit is rare on FM Dauntlesses - I have only 2: white 39 and the prewar SBD-1. The other 5 are open but how can you beat the .30 cal MG sticking out?
Nice images BTW. Wish we always had such before buying sometimes on box art appearances.

Thanks Art and I hear you on the MGs. But remember, these Marine birds probably spent a lot of time with the guns stowed (this model doesn't even include them!)

I enjoy closed canopies on all my models, just a personal choice. I don't want the interiors getting dusty, and I like the streamlined look.

[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by Ara1

Then, FM's pre-war PBY may be in the offing... if they can get the details fixed (as per the comments in the PBY thread).

Not sure if they can correct a couple of the issues with the FM PBY, but overall it does make for a good looking huge model. They definitely did a nice job on the beaching gear, which should make easy to display with the rest of your growing pre war collection.