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In-Box Review
148
SBD-5 Dauntless upgrade set
SBD-5 Dauntless upgrade set
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by: Andy Brazier [ BETHEYN ]

History
The Douglas SBD Dauntless was a World War II American naval scout plane and dive bomber that was manufactured by Douglas Aircraft from 1940 through 1944. The SBD ("Scout Bomber Douglas") was the United States Navy's main carrier-borne scout plane and dive bomber from mid-1940 through mid-1944. The SBD was also flown by the United States Marine Corps, both from land air bases and aircraft carriers. The SBD is best remembered as the bomber that delivered the fatal blows to the Japanese carriers at the Battle of Midway in June 1942
Info from Wikipedia

In the box

The Accurate Miniatures SBD-5 Dauntless has been released under the Italeri label in 2008 and a inbox review by Russ Amott can be found here and the newer boxing by Eduard here.
Packed in the classic plastic sleeve, with a cardboard backing to protect the one brass fret, and the one instruction sheet, the set is pretty well protected and easy to fit into the donor kit box, (which is where most of my update sets go).
This set updates the already pretty good Accurate Miniatures Dauntless kit, with parts for near enough every area of the kit.
The set includes parts for the cockpit, undercarriage wheel wells, engine, and cowling, new tail fins for the three bombs, a couple of parts for the canopy and a new ariel. It really is easier if you look at the pics to see what it adds, as a picture is worth a thousand words.
At least half of the parts will need some surgery to the base kit to attach them, but the instructions are easy to follow and areas requiring surgery are highlighted in red.

Conclusion
I wouldn't call this set a must have, but it is pretty comprehensive, and will add subtle detail to the kit, its really down to the individual modeller if they want to go the whole hog and add this set.

Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE.
SUMMARY
Highs: A nice set that will add some fine detail to the kit.
Lows: Maybe the price
Verdict: A good set for a great kit. Doesn't shout that its added this and that, but does just take it too the next level detail wise.
Percentage Rating
80%
  Scale: 1:48
  Mfg. ID: 48869
  Suggested Retail: 18,75 €
  Related Link: SBD-5 Dauntless upgrade set
  PUBLISHED: Jan 24, 2016
  NATIONALITY: United States
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 84.81%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 88.59%

Our Thanks to Eduard!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Andy Brazier (betheyn)
FROM: ENGLAND - SOUTH EAST, UNITED KINGDOM

I started modelling in the 70's with my Dad building Airfix aircraft kits. The memory of my Dad and I building and painting a Avro Lancaster on the kitchen table will always be with me. I then found a friend who enjoyed building models, and between us I think we built the entire range of 1/72 Airfi...

Copyright ©2021 text by Andy Brazier [ BETHEYN ]. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AeroScale. All rights reserved.



Comments

To be honest, I find it mildly infuriating that Eduard didn't just release this with the kit (yes, even for an increased price.)
JAN 23, 2016 - 06:17 PM
I certainly agree with Matt assessment. It's just a reboxing of a reboxing of the Accurate Miniature's kit, so the only financial investment they have is in purchasing the molds, which at this point in their useful life must be a real bargain. With the addition of that fret it would make me actually think about buying and building another SBD Dauntless. As it stands now, I'm not planning on purchasing either. Joel
JAN 26, 2016 - 10:41 PM
Hi guys, I know how you feel, but you still get an upgrade in the kit with the Brassin parts and a P.E set, and at nearly the same price as the Italeri boxing of it. If you missed out on the original or the re-boxed kit then this is ideal. I have seen a lot worse from Eduard regarding their Limited Edition kits. Andy
JAN 27, 2016 - 02:35 AM
   
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