This
model depicts a SBD-2 Dauntless aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise, late Spring, 1942.
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On October 13,1941
the BuAer issued a directive calling for all carrier and ship based aircraft to
be painted the same as patrol aircraft, N.S. Light Gray on the bottom and N.S.
Blue Gray on the surfaces viewed from above.
On January 5, 1942 a
directive called for the U.S. Insignia to be placed on the upper side of both
wings, and on the bottom side of both wings. They were to of the maximum
diameter possible without overflowing onto the aileron.
Thirteen horizontal
stripes were added to the rudder at this time.
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, May 4-8, 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 to 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 markings on carrier based
aircraft.
This model was
finished with Model Master Paints, kit decals, and homemade stencils.
Colors used on this
model;
Dave
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images below to see larger images
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