SBD-3 Harness Question

Hi Rooster513,

I'm currently building the AM SBD-5.  In my research for the kit I found that pre-war SBDs 1-3 didn't have the shoulder harness for the pilot.  Shoulder harnesses were only installed after the start of the war.  It's in one of my Squadron SBD books, either the Walk-Around or the In-Action book, can't remember which.   Unfortunately, the Eduard PE sets only include a lap belt for the pilot.  The gunner can't wear a shoulder harness because of the configuration of his pivoting, swivel, turret style seat assembly.  If you go back a couple pages in the aircraft forum you'll find a couple of my posts with some photos of my SBD-5

Andy-hope you find an answer(s),,,,getting ready to start a Coral Sea SBD-3 and would like to get it right,

I did find this:

http://atrecovery.com/Images/2106/DAUNTLESSreport2106.pdf

Did a quick read and the only thing I found is that armored seats were installed when the war started.

Good luck

Bob

kielers

Hi Rooster513,

I'm currently building the AM SBD-5.  In my research for the kit I found that pre-war SBDs 1-3 didn't have the shoulder harness for the pilot.  Shoulder harnesses were only installed after the start of the war.  It's in one of my Squadron SBD books, either the Walk-Around or the In-Action book, can't remember which.   Unfortunately, the Eduard PE sets only include a lap belt for the pilot.  The gunner can't wear a shoulder harness because of the configuration of his pivoting, swivel, turret style seat assembly.  If you go back a couple pages in the aircraft forum you'll find a couple of my posts with some photos of my SBD-5

 

Thanks kielers! I take a look at your SDB-5 project!

Hi Rooster513,

I just checked my Squadron SBD Dauntless Walk-Around book - a caption on page 23 states "Shoulder restraints did not become standard equipment on SBDs until the start of World War II."  So probably pretty safe to say that your Coral Sea SBD-3 did have pilot shoulder restraints.