Code: CG-PR99405 Quantity in Basket: none Status: In Stock Price: $29.99
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Corgi Aviation Archive Predators Series PR99405 SBD Dauntless Diecast Model USN, "Black B1", Richard Best, USS Enterprise, June 1942 Limited Edition 1:72 Scale     Length     Width Douglas SBD Dauntless     5.5"     7" The Dauntless was the standard shipborne dive-bomber of the US Navy from mid-1940 until November 1943, (when the first operational Curtiss SB2C Helldivers arrived to replace it). In 1942-43, at the Battle of the Coral Sea, in the bitter Guadalcanal campaign and most of all in the crucial Battle of Midway, the Dauntless did more than any other aircraft to turn the tide of the Pacific War. At Midway on 4 June, 1942 it wrecked all four Japanese carriers and later in the battle sank a heavy cruiser and severely damaged another. From 1942 through to 1945, in addition to its shipboard services, the SBD saw intensive use with the US Marine Corps, flying from island bases. Born in Bayonne, New Jersey in 1910, Richard Best dreamed of becoming a pilot after listening to the stories of WWI aviators. Graduating from the United States Naval Academy with the Class of 1032, Best was initially assigned to Cruisers. He applied for Aviator training in 1934 and by the US Entry into WWII, Best was a very experienced pilot including instructional duties in Pensacola Florida. Returning to the Fleet in 1940 he was assigned as a dive-bomber pilot and gained experience in the Marshall Islands. By Midway he was commander of VB-6 (Bombing Six) on the Big E Uss Enterprise CV-6, part of CDR McClusky’s air group. Without doubt the Battle of Midway on June 4th 1942 was the turning point of the Pacific War – if not WWII. Best would prove to be one of the men that would turn this battle in just five heart stopping minutes. Corgi Aviation Archive Predators Series The Corgi "Predators" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft. Corgi "Predators" 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. Optional 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. No pilot figures. [See more Corgi Aviation Archive Predators Series products] Douglas SBD Dauntless Designed as a carrierborne scout/dive-bomber, the SBD was first flown in 1938.[See more Douglas SBD Dauntless products]