Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA2205
Curtiss SB2C Helldiver Diecast Model
RNFAA No.1820 NAS, 1944 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Curtiss SB2C Helldiver | | 6.25" | | 8.25" |
The Canadian Car & Foundry Co. manufactured 28 SB2C-1 Helldivers with a designator of SBW-1B for lend-lease to the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm who designated them Helldiver Mk.1. They were serial numbered JW100 – JW125. These were tested and loaded on an aircraft carrier with initial delivery to 1820 Squadron in April 1944. It wasn't long before the British suffered the same crashes and serviceability problems as the USN. At this point the FAA deemed the aircraft unsuitable and cancelled the remainder of the planned 450 aircraft. These aircraft never saw action and were scrapped in the UK.
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.
- Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
