SB2U Vindicator

The - 3 was a foot longer than the -2, the horizontal stabilizers were slightly longer, and the trim tabs were a diffrent shape all around. The carb intake scoop on the right side of the cowl was also larger on the -3.

Colors for Marines at Pearl would have matched the SBD-1s, which I believe was overall light gray with white MODEX codes. All the photos I have of Vindicators at Pearl indicate a charcoal black finish, with not much fabric or sheet metal left, lots of smoke and blazing fire.

HTH

QUOTE: Originally posted by Thomas E. Myers The - 3 was a foot longer than the -2, the horizontal stabilizers were slightly longer, and the trim tabs were a diffrent shape all around. The carb intake scoop on the right side of the cowl was also larger on the -3. Colors for Marines at Pearl would have matched the SBD-1s, which I believe was overall light gray with white MODEX codes. All the photos I have of Vindicators at Pearl indicate a charcoal black finish, with not much fabric or sheet metal left, lots of smoke and blazing fire. HTH

So Thomas,

When will Accurate Miniatures be releasing a 1/48 version of the SB2U Vindicator?

Checked out the data in Monogram Pubs U.S. Navy/Marine Corps markings and colors reference.
The Pearl vindicators would have been finished in ANA 602 light grey. There is no FS number for this color. However, 602 was later merged to ANA 620 light
gull grey, FS number 36440. Light grey was the bottom camoflage color in the
two tone scheme which was prevelant during the early war year(s). The only recorded combat use of the Vindicator in U.S. service occurred at Midway .
Six -3's of VMSB-241 along with SBD's attacked the Japanese heavy cruisers
Mikuma and Mogami, the SB2 squadron commander crashing his stricken and burning aircraft into the Mikuma's aft turret. The Mikuma was sunk the following day by dive bombers (SBD's) from Enterprise and Hornet.
Hope this helps.

P.S. I enjoyed the "black" humor! Dark charcoal grey, indeed!

I think MPM makes a 1/48th SB2U Vindicator - I have one started somewhere.

When will Accurate Miniatures be releasing a 1/48 version of the SB2U Vindicator?



Soon.

Great! Another "missing link" to be filled!

Looks like I picked up the wrong kit... MPM has the -2 while Special Hobby has the -3... That's a pain!

djmodels1999,

Just some nice-to-know info for you: if the squadron designation has an "M" in it (i.e. VMSB-xx, or VMF-xxx, or VMFA-xxx, etc.), it means Marine. For example, VMSB would equate to V=Heavier than air (although it now means "fixed wing") M=Marine S=Scout B=Bomber Alternatively, VSB would indicate a Navy squadron, as it has no "M" in the designator.

QUOTE: Originally posted by Thomas E. Myers When will Accurate Miniatures be releasing a 1/48 version of the SB2U Vindicator? Soon.

Woohoo! Will there be an opportunity to advance order one? I'd much rather build a quality Accurate Miniatures version.

I agree with Quagmyre: I'd rather build the Accurate Miniatures kit also. I'll advance order one myslef, if it's possible.

check out www.accurate-miniatures.com they have pictures of a Pearl Harbor SB2U that they are going to be releasing soon JOHN