Trumpeter 1/32 SBD-3/4 and SBD-5 Dauntless Kits
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 Overview
When Trumpeter released their first Dauntless kit, the SBD-1/2, we knew
it was only a matter of time before we would see all the SBD variants.
Terry Moore wrote a very
good first look of the SBD-1/2 kit back in July, and as the vast majority
of these kits are the same as the original, this review will just highlight
the different parts and markings.
The New Parts
 The
main differences between all the variants centers around the cowling/propeller
and the rear armament. The change from the SBD-1/2 to the SBD-3 is a slightly
larger ventilation slot on the cowling and twin gun armament in the rear.
Most SBD-3s had a spinner on the propeller, but some had that removed,
showing a flat-faced propeller hub. The SBD-4 replaces this propeller
with a Hamilton Standard propeller, with a rounded hub. These differences
are presented in the SBD-3/4 kit.
 
Moving on to the SBD-5, the main visual difference is the removal of
the carburetor scoop from the top of the cowling, and the deletion of
two cowl flaps. With both of these variants, engine details also vary,
as different engines powered these aircraft. These changes are subtle,
but present in the kit. Finally, the SBD-5 has a reflector gunsight, instead
of the telescopic gunsight used on previous variants.
The Decals
 Of
course, the biggest change in these kits is the decals. Both kits provide
four options. The SBD-3/4 kit has two SBD-3s of VS-2 off of the USS Lexington
in May of 1942. Both are camouflaged in blue gray over light gray, with
a striped rudder. The size of the national insignia is different between
the two options, with one having oversized versions. The third choice
is an SBD-4 from VC-22 off of the USS Independence in 1943, and is finished
in the tricolor camouflage. The final choice is an Army A-24A, camouflaged
in olive drab over neutral gray, with small national insignia and US ARMY
written on the underside.
 The
SBD-5 kit has three Navy options, all finished in the tricolor camouflage
of sea blue, intermediate blue, and white. All have stars and bars. The
first choice is an SBD-5 from VB-16 off of the USS Lexington in November
of 1943. The second is an SBD-6 (visually identical to the SBD-5, just
with a different engine) from VS-51 in May of 1944. The final Navy option
is another example from VB-16 on the Lexington in 1943. The final option,
like the SBD-3/4 kit, is an Army A-24B. Camouflaged in olive drab over
neutral gray, this plane also has stars and bars, as well as a white cowl
ring for variety.
Conclusion
The Trumpeter SBD kits are quite nice, even with their recessed rivets,
and should build up into some nice replicas of this famous Navy aircraft.
My thanks to Stevens International
for the review sample.
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