Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA2203
Curtiss SB2C Helldiver Diecast Model
USN VB-84, USS Bunker Hill, Japan, Tokyo Raids, February 1945 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Curtiss SB2C Helldiver | | 6.25" | | 8.25" |
On February 16 1945 as part of a 116 ship task force USS Bunker Hill was anchored 60 miles off shore from Japan and began launching its Helldivers and other aircraft against airfields and engine factories around Tokyo. Hopefully this would distract the enemy and make it impossible for Japan to send aircraft to repel the US Marine landing on Iwo Jima on February 19th. These strikes lasted seven days and destroyed 500 enemy aircraft as well as factories and several ships. The US lost 88 aircraft of which two were Helldivers from VB-84.
Designed to replace the US Navy's Douglas SBD Dauntless, the SB2C Helldiver was first flown on December 18, 1940. The Helldiver was larger and faster than the Dauntless and was capable of operating from the most advanced aircraft carriers of its time. It carried an impressive armament but was underpowered and had a reputation for difficult handling characteristics, which earned it the nickname "Son-of-a-Bitch 2nd Class." Most of its problems were resolved with the SB2C-4 variant, which changed many pilots' minds about the Helldiver; in their eyes, its ability to sortie over long distances and carry a heavier bomb load redeemed many of its remaining faults. © Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Hobby Master's 1:72 scale SB2C Helldiver has many features not generally seen in this scale. The pilot's canopy slides open to reveal a pad-printed instrument panel, flight control stick and seat. The much larger rear gunner's canopy also slides open, and the aft portion can be configured in a lowered state for clearance of the twin rotating machine guns. The bomb bay doors are configurable, exposing two internal 1,000 lb bombs. When configured in the deployed position, anti-corrosion paint can be seen under each of the wing's leading edge slats. Some releases include fixed metal speed brakes photo-etched with a hole pattern like that seen on the actual aircraft.
© Copyright 2003-2013 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft.
Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
