[theodore]

Originally Posted by PappyB

Yeah, 1:48 would be a great compromise... but at least it will be great to have one, in any scale.

I agree; any scale is nice, but 1/48th scale would sit quite nicely with my Franklin Mint Dauntless!!

[hawkonevoodoo]

I see just about everyone is anxious for a Helldiver but nobody has mentioned specifics. Why not list the top 3 to 5 Helldivers you would like to see Hobby Master make. A particular pilot, squadron, country, whatever and it would be nice to know why you made these choices - just paint scheme, was an ace etc.

[PappyB]

Originally Posted by STARMAN 352ND

You need room for these 1:32 models my father did a smart thing...He built a shelf all the way around the his den (office) about 14 inches from the ceiling and it sticks out about 14 inches and he puts the models on there and it looks really cool he even has his models covered in a custom clear plastic case he gets them made by a local plastic company here in town..
You walk in that room and turn a 360 and see them all around you...neat idea.
By doing this he has all kinds of room to display the 1:32 models.
So this 1:72 Helldiver that HM is coming out with you can fit it about anywhere..For me right now that a good thing.
JP

Hey JP could you snap some pics of that setup? I've been thinking about doing something like that in my office as I have a high ceiling and could put a shelf like that up all the way around the room... my reservation has been the dust factor -- but sounds like your dad figured that out with the custom covers. Wonder how pricey that was to do? (and perhaps move this to its own thread so we don't dilute the Helldiver speak... )

[Rush104]

Originally Posted by hawkonevoodoo

I see just about everyone is anxious for a Helldiver but nobody has mentioned specifics. Why not list the top 3 to 5 Helldivers you would like to see Hobby Master make. A particular pilot, squadron, country, whatever and it would be nice to know why you made these choices - just paint scheme, was an ace etc.

In addition to ANY US bird, here's some of the ones I'd like to see:


Hellenic Air Force SB2C-5, ca. 1949. Saw action in the Greek Civil War. Would be a nice compliment to the Greek F-104 and Mirage 2000 models.



French Navy SB2C-5. This one was later deployed at Bach Mai and used at the battle of Dien Bien Phu April 1954. A French Navy SBD-5 Dauntless (with flaps closed) would greatly compliment this!!!



Italian Air Force SB2C-5. This one just looks neat.



Royal Thai Navy SB2C-5. Used against communist rebels in the early 50's.

[Shawn 507]

I had to PM you the six I mentioned before as this site wont let you double post pics.

[Captain Eddie]

Originally Posted by STARMAN 352ND

You need room for these 1:32 models my father did a smart thing...He built a shelf all the way around the his den (office) about 14 inches from the ceiling and it sticks out about 14 inches and he puts the models on there and it looks really cool he even has his models covered in a custom clear plastic case he gets them made by a local plastic company here in town..
You walk in that room and turn a 360 and see them all around you...neat idea.
By doing this he has all kinds of room to display the 1:32 models.
So this 1:72 Helldiver that HM is coming out with you can fit it about anywhere..For me right now that a good thing.
JP

Perhaps I'm incorrect, but it seems to me one would not be able to see half or so of the model, at least very well, unless you are quite tall. I'm 5'10". Am I incorrect on this?

[theodore]

Originally Posted by hawkonevoodoo

I see just about everyone is anxious for a Helldiver but nobody has mentioned specifics. Why not list the top 3 to 5 Helldivers you would like to see Hobby Master make. A particular pilot, squadron, country, whatever and it would be nice to know why you made these choices - just paint scheme, was an ace etc.

The 3 most important variants, based on numbers and the ones I would like to see from HM would be the SB2C-1C, with 4 20mm cannons, 2 in each wing, the SB2C-3, with a 4-bladed prop, and the SB2C-4, with wing racks for 8 50 inch rockets or hard points for a 500lb bomb under each wing.

[DADoser]

Originally Posted by hawkonevoodoo

I see just about everyone is anxious for a Helldiver but nobody has mentioned specifics. Why not list the top 3 to 5 Helldivers you would like to see Hobby Master make. A particular pilot, squadron, country, whatever and it would be nice to know why you made these choices - just paint scheme, was an ace etc.

I'm not sure the aircraft number for Gil (below) for this specific mission. (I have access to Gil's personal photos/papers and the ability to do further research.) From talking to Gil before his death in Oct 07, I know they didn't fly the same Helldiver on each mission. During July, 1945 - VB-16 sustained the greatest number of Helldiver losses. Osprey's "Helldiver Units..." has some pics and a color plate for a Helldiver of the VB-16 (below) - Plate 29. Not the most exciting paint scheme.......but the history/meaning...

ANYTHING you could do to get this one made, I'd be most personally, VERY appreciative. I spoke at his funeral and am close to his widow.



Gil Cathey, pilot - Navy Cross winner for his role in sinking the Japanese Battleship/carriier "Hyuga" (Also bronze star winner for "the mission beyond Darkness" June 19, 1944 while flying Dauntlesses off the USS Lexington - also w/ VB-16)

N.A. Crawford, gunner (?)

USS Randolf
VB-16
July 24th, 1945
"Sinking of Hyugo"
Kure Harbor

"CATHEY, GILBERT EUGENE
Citation:
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Gilbert Eugene Cathey, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, U.S. Navy (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Dive Bomber of Bombing Squadron SIXTEEN (VB-16), embarked from the U.S.S. RANDOLPH (CV-15), in action against major units of the Japanese Fleet in the Inland Sea of Japan, on 24 July 1945. Leading a section of three dive bombers on a strike against an enemy battleship, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Cathey skillfully maneuvered in the face of intense hostile anti-aircraft fire and, pressing home his attack, scored a direct hit which contributed materially to the subsequent sinking of the warship. His airmanship and determination in the completion of his mission reflect the highest credit upon Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Cathey and the United States Naval Service.
Commander, 2d Carrier Task Force, Pacific: Serial 01865 (September 18, 1945)"

[STARMAN 352ND]

Originally Posted by hawkonevoodoo

I see just about everyone is anxious for a Helldiver but nobody has mentioned specifics. Why not list the top 3 to 5 Helldivers you would like to see Hobby Master make. A particular pilot, squadron, country, whatever and it would be nice to know why you made these choices - just paint scheme, was an ace etc.

I like this one right here.A Bunkerhill Helldiver.
JP

[Epapazian]

Here' one I'd like to see. It's from a 2005 Academy 1:72nd scale kit #12409 representing VB-83, USS Essex.