The Little World

Well, that’s not accurate – this is not a hissy fit – this kit has excellent fit. Whoever really moulded it, they have done a good job.

The basic idea of the wing is Douglas all the way – see the general shape of the RCAF Nomad target tug I built earlier. Look at the shape of a B-18 or C-47. All Douglas, all the time. It has a strange construction with the dive brakes cast as integral to the top, but not opening. At least it makes sure the two halves of each side go into positive registration.

The cockpit subassembly is exactly the level of detail I want in 1:72 . By the time I get the sides painted and the decal on the instrument panel it will be fit to be seen with the canopy open. I’ll see if there are some leftover PE belts or just make masking tape ones. And I’m so pleased that it has positive steps to nestle on without trying to wedge the fuselage apart. While this has some of the characteristics of an Eastern European short runner, I really think it’s Japanese.

The front end is equally pleasing as they have made it in two versions; an SBD-4 and an SBD-5. You get the authentic cowling for each. And the engine is sized so that you don’t have to shear off the rocker arms to get the cowling on. Take note Special Hobby…

Here’s proof of the ( unglued ) pudding. I’ve just stacked the dry parts together after painting the cockpit and interior and it already looks like a Dauntless.