Starfighter Decals 1/72 Curtiss SBC-3 Conversion
By Matt Bittner
Starfighter Decals continues their release of resin sets for older, between-the-war models with this set to turn a Heller 1/72 Curtiss SBC-4 into the earlier SBC-3. It is definitely much more than their previously released SBC-4 upgrade. While that was just to enhance the Heller kit out of the box, this set is to actual provide parts to back-date the kit.
The SBC-3 conversion consists of the following parts:
- Front Bulkhead
- Right Sidewall
- Left Sidewall
- Radio Gaer
- Aft Instrument Panel
- Floor
- Seat
- Turtledeck insert
- Fuselage Plug
- Aft Wheel Well Bulkhead
- Rudder
- Cowl
- DF Look
- Tom's Modelworks WW2 US Navy photoetch set
- Decals for two schemes
The two aircraft catered for on the decal sheet are an SBC-3 O525 VF-6 1937 that served as the squadron "hack" to the F4B-4s of Fighting Six; and SBC-3 0527, Commander Air Group Yorktown, 1940. All decals are printed to Starfighter's high quality. There are only enough national markings, though, for one machine, so you'll need to track down others if you want to build both. However, since you need the conversion anyway, you'll have an extra set when you buy your second conversion set for the second aircraft. Problem solved.
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Unlike all the other resin releases from Starfighter, this one requires quite a bit of work. While the other sets are mainly cockpit sets, which might mean a little bit of modification to kit parts, this conversion set is quite a bit more. You'll need to follow Starfighter's instructions on where to remove both the front fuselage and rudder area. Plus there's a "chunk" you'll need to remove from the center shelf in kit parts 1 and 8. There is also some you'll need to remove from kit part 6, since this is the upper fuselage piece that attaches close to the nose.
As was mentioned, you'll want to pay very close attention to the instructions. In addition, you might want to track down some extras to help with construction. First is a .30 caliber machine gun, especially if you plan on placing the rear of the turtledeck in the retracted position. If you can't find Aeroclub part #18 (difficult to find anything by Aeroclub lately, due to problems already known) then you can find the gun in the Airfix SBD. Another piece you might want to track down is Engines and Things part #72018, which is the Pratt & Whitney R-1535 B Series Engine.
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If looking for a way to back-date your Heller 1/72 Curtiss SBC-4, then this set by Starfighter Decals is for you. Sure, there's more work to it than any other Starfighter resin set yet released, but it's the best way to model a 1/72 SBC-3. This set is highly recommended. If you want more aircraft schemes than just the two provided with the set, then don't forget about Starfighter's earlier released decals for both SBC-3s and SBC-4s.
Huge thanks to Starfighter Decals for supplying the set for review. I hope to start on it soon, and will try to take plenty of pictures during the build process to help with construction.