Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA2201
Curtiss SB2C Helldiver Diecast Model
USN VB-17, USS Bunker Hill, Rabaul Island, November 11th 1943 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Curtiss SB2C Helldiver | | 6.25" | | 8.25" |
VB-17 was the first unit to take the new SB2C-1 MOD III into combat on board USS Bunker Hill. MOD III seemed to fix the weak fuselage structure that formerly would buckle or break on landing. CO LCDR James "Moe" Vose was a veteran and was assigned B-4 aircraft. On November 11, 1943 as part of Task Force 38 the USS Bunker Hill was directed to strike the main Japanese base at Rabaul. This would be VB-17s first combat mission and test under fire for the Helldiver. Vose led 23 SB2C-1s and when the force arrived at Rabaul they were greeted by Zeroes. Immediately the escorting Hellcats engaged the Zeroes allowing the Helldivers to attack the Japanese ships maneuvering to avoid them. After 20 minutes it was time to return to the Bunker Hill but not before the SB2Cs damaged a cruiser and three destroyers with one destroyer being sunk. VB-17 lost 4 Helldivers that day, one crashed on take off and one was jettisoned after landing because it was so battle damaged.
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 2003-2024 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 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
