[mhackl]

IMAGE COMING SHORTLY
All images posted are for the collector’s benefit and may not be reproduced for commercial use without the written consent of On Mark International, Inc. USA © 2007

HA0126 NEW!
Douglas SBD-3 Dauntless
NUSS Ranger, CV-4 North Africa, November 1942
"Operation Torch"
.
A 1/72nd Scale Diecast model from the "Air Power" series by Hobby Master

.

.

[RonO]

Does anyone have one of these yet? Comments?

Interesting experiment by HM to engineer open flaps/dive brakes.

Many of us would like to see an open rear cockpit with twin 50s at the ready and maybe a crew too. What do you think HM?

Correction: rear MGs were 30 cal. Thanks Skysurfer.

Tim has photos at Twin Planes.

Ron

[easy8]

I'm with you RonO, get the twin 50s (or were they 30s?) out and crew it up, and you would have a "must have" piece IMHO!

easy8

[STARMAN 352ND]

I have mine coming on monday
I agree i like to see a open canopy as well too.
JP

[skidmarksdiecast]

I received word today that the "Operation Torch" Dauntless is now out of production. Hows that for a short run?? I don't know the total production numbers, but I imagine they'll sell out rather quickly.

[skysurfer808]

Originally Posted by easy8

I'm with you RonO, get the twin 50s (or were they 30s?) out and crew it up, and you would have a "must have" piece IMHO!

easy8

Actually they were .30s, as the SBD had 2 .50s on their cowlings, and originally 1 then 2 .30s on covering their rears.

Skysurfer808

[HotTrap429]

Originally Posted by skidmarksdiecast

I received word today that the "Operation Torch" Dauntless is now out of production. Hows that for a short run?? I don't know the total production numbers, but I imagine they'll sell out rather quickly.

Doesn't surprise me. How many SBDs do most "average" collectors need? I've got the original three plus an extra Midway version to customize. Add to that the IXO version I turned into an A-24 and I've got my fill. Surely HobbyMaster must realize that this cast (as it stands without crew and guns) has gone it's distance. Should soon be a case of diminishing returns on an initial investment. Only Corgi seems to be able to get milk out of a bull.

[Spinnaker]

I hope not! There's plenty more SBD schemes I want to see. I'm praying for an RNZAF one, and perhaps a French one. Not to mention the many other US schemes that could be done!

Originally Posted by HotTrap429

Surely HobbyMaster must realize that this cast (as it stands without crew and guns) has gone it's distance. .

[HotTrap429]

You're probably right spinnaker. I'd love to see a later version SBD (without the spinner cone cap) painted in the three-tone US Navy camouflage and red surrounded national insignia. But will specialized, unique versions pay back HobbyMaster for it's production costs? I think we are starting too see what happens when lots of players make lots of models. The market gets flooded and the competition for scarce dollars - while good for us, may be hard for manufacturers. HobbyMaster's SBD mold is being used by Corgi if I'm not mistaken. In my view, this shows that the dilution has already begun. And unless you are looking for a specific squadron the Corgi versions really aren't anything to write home about.