Postage Stamp Planes PS5563-1
Douglas SBD-3 Dauntless Diecast Model
USN VS-41 Tophatters, Black S-13, John M. DeVane Jr, USS Ranger, North Africa, Operation Torch, November 1942 |
| 1:87 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Douglas SBD-3 Dauntless | | 4.5" | | 5.75" |
At 0000 GMT on November 8, 1942 "Operation Torch" began. It was the most ambitious naval operation in the European-African theater. It was a combined effort by British and U.S. forces to dislodge the French Vichy forces from Morocco and Algeria. There were 5 U.S. carriers involved in the attacks on Morocco, with VS-41 "Top Hatters" aboard the USS Ranger (CV-4) being part of the group. The squadron had only recently replaced it's outdated SB2U Vindicators with the new SBD-3 Dauntless. They took part in the bombing missions that either destroyed or crippled several French Naval vessels. This particular aircraft is currently on display at the Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum in Portage, Michigan. First flown in 1938, The Douglas SBD Dauntless was the United States Navy's main dive-bomber during World War II. The Dauntless featured "Swiss cheese" flaps-dive brakes punched with 3-inch holes, which helped it achieve pinpoint accuracy when diving to the target. The cockpit accommodated the pilot, who doubled as the bombardier and manned a fixed-forward gun. The rear cockpit contained a machine gun and played a major defensive role. During the Battle of Midway, SBD dive-bomber attacks fatally damaged all four of the Japanese aircraft carriers, and heavily damaged two cruisers. © Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc. The "Postage Stamp Planes" range presents affordable, ready-made diecast models of military and civilian aircraft. "Postage Stamp Planes" 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".
- Authentic ordnance loads.
© Copyright 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc. |
