AWESOME "When Hell Freezes Over!" Groupbuild...

Features:
- Newly designed SB2C-4 Helldiver authentically presented
- Folding-wing mechanism rendered w/fine detail
- Wings can be assembled extended/folded
- Delicate propeller reproduced
- Realistic engine exhibits delicate detail
- Intricate arrester hook molded on SB2C-4
- Detailed cockpit canopy made from crystal-clear parts
- Cockpit interior details including pilot's seat and control panel
- Seats can be folded up/down
- Delicate details molded on wings
- Landing gear realistically produced
- Authentic-looking MGs
- Detailed struts installed inside landing-gear compartment
- Cockpit interior forms separate drop-in assembly
- Two 5,000lb bombs included

Cyber-Hobby has added an exciting 1/72 scale model kit to its Golden Wings series. The new item depicts a Curtiss SB2C Helldiver, a carrier-based dive-bomber widely used by the US Navy (USN) during WWII. The twin-seat SB2C was roundly criticized for its handling characteristics, range and reliability, but nevertheless it achieved good results in combat after improvements were made during the course of production. It participated in such battles as Rabaul, the Marianas, the Philippines, Taiwan, Iwo Jima, the Ryuku Islands and Okinawa. One of its strengths was the ability to carry a significant amount of munitions, plus it featured an internal bomb bay. Some 7,140 Helldivers were manufactured, but the variant portrayed in this kit is the SB2C-4, numerically the most common type. Introduced in mid-1944, the SB2C-4 incorporated perforated dive flaps and wing racks for eight 5-inch rockets or 1,000lb bombs. More than 2,000 SB2C-4 Helldivers were produced by Curtiss, and it was more successful than earlier variants.

This is in fact the very first 1/72 scale item in Cyber-Hobby’s refined Wing-Tech series, and it broadens the scope of successful 1/32 and 1/48 items already available. As such, the SB2C-4 employs high-tech innovations and widely uses slide molds. This enables excellent levels of detail and easy construction. Panel lines are sharply etched into the plastic components. Furthermore, as a carrier-based aircraft, modelers can choose to show the wings folded or extended according to their preference, plus the landing gear can be displayed either lowered or raised. The cockpit is full of detail as well, all of which can be shown to fullest extent if the canopy is left open. The Helldiver was the last dive-bomber operated by the USN, but it was also the most widely produced in history. Now, thanks to Cyber-Hobby, modelers can get a slice of Pacific war action!

Another tiny folder!!! Awesome. Have to start saving the pennies.

So is the 1/72 Helldiver the same size as a 1/48 Dauntless?

That reminds me why did the Navy switch over from the Dauntless to the Helldiver anyways? The Dauntless was more reliable than the Helldiver.

DoogsATX

So is the 1/72 Helldiver the same size as a 1/48 Dauntless?

MikeyM:
It could carry a bigger bomb load with a larger action radius.
It was also faster and, in my eyes, way more beautifull.

Quote from acepilots.com

Tough to fly, poorly designed, and delivered too slowly, the early models of the Curtiss SB2C would have come somewhere near the top of most lists of "Worst Aircraft of World War Two." Of course, that judgement is no reflection on the crews who had to fly "The Beast," who were as brave, skilled, and resourceful as any other pilots - perhaps more so!

But since its "teething" came under the scrutiny of wartime, some of the initial deficiencies, were compared to it predecessor, the SBD. Among these criticisms were:

• "weak structure"
• "poor handling"
• "inadequate stability"
• "unacceptable stall characteristics"
• "severe buffeting in dives"
• "sluggish ailerons"

The later models corrected these items which improved its handling, strengthened the structure, larger tail and automatic slots remedied the stall characteristics. Despite its size, the SB2C was much faster than the SBD it replaced. It could keep up with the cruise speed of the fighters. It also had substantially increased range over its predecessor. Unlike the SBD, the SB2C also had the added advantage of having folding wings and twin 20mm cannons. Although production problems persisted throughout its initial combat service, pilots soon changed their minds about the potency of the Helldiver.

I'm really annoyed by the fact that almost nobody wants to do any research about this plane, because of it well known first failures, because it actually is a great plane, used by other countries after the war, and even by the US during the Korean war.

If a plane would of been that bad as they say on most sites, they wouldn't of used it at all after the war.

Doogs:
They're about the same size, with the Helldiver being slightly bigger,
SBD Dauntless:

    Length: 33 ft 1¼ in (10.09 m)
    Wingspan: 41 ft 6⅜ in (12.66 m)
    Height: 13 ft 7 in (4.14 m)
    Wing area: 325 ft² (30.19 m²)
    Maximum speed: 255 mph (222 knots, 410 km/h) at 14,000 ft (4,265 m)
    Cruise speed: 185 mph (161 knots, 298 km/h)
    Range: 1,115 mi (970 nmi, 1,795 km)
    Service ceiling: 25,530 ft (7,780 m)
    Rate of climb: 1,700 ft/min (8.6 m/s)

SB2C Helldiver:

    Length: 36 ft 8 in (11.18 m)
    Wingspan: 49 ft 9 in (15.17 m)
    Height: 13 ft 2 in (4.01 m)
    Wing area: 422 ft² (39.2 m²)
    Maximum speed: 295 mph (257 knots, 475 km/h) at 16,700 ft (5,090 m)
    Cruise speed: 158 mph (137 knots, 254 km/h)
    Range: 1,165 mi (1,013 nmi, 1,876 km) with 1,000 lb (450 kg) bombload
    Service ceiling: 29,100 ft (8,870 m)
    Rate of climb: 1,800 ft/min (9.1 m/s)

(Source: Wikipedia)

Here's a little something something I made for school about the Helldiver,
I really need some of these in 1/48, but Europe isn't great for finding Helldivers...

With regards, Ninetalis.

Just ordered one from Sprue Bros...should compliment my new 72nd Dragon Wings Val...

But can it shoot down a Zero?

Ninetalis

It could carry a bigger bomb load with a larger action radius.
It was also faster and, in my eyes, way more beautifull.

Quote from acepilots.com:

Tough to fly, poorly designed, and delivered too slowly, the early models of the Curtiss SB2C would have come somewhere near the top of most lists of "Worst Aircraft of World War Two." Of course, that judgement is no reflection on the crews who had to fly "The Beast," who were as brave, skilled, and resourceful as any other pilots - perhaps more so!

But since its "teething" came under the scrutiny of wartime, some of the initial deficiencies, were compared to it predecessor, the SBD. Among these criticisms were:

• "weak structure"
• "poor handling"
• "inadequate stability"
• "unacceptable stall characteristics"
• "severe buffeting in dives"
• "sluggish ailerons"

The later models corrected these items which improved its handling, strengthened the structure, larger tail and automatic slots remedied the stall characteristics. Despite its size, the SB2C was much faster than the SBD it replaced. It could keep up with the cruise speed of the fighters. It also had substantially increased range over its predecessor. Unlike the SBD, the SB2C also had the added advantage of having folding wings and twin 20mm cannons. Although production problems persisted throughout its initial combat service, pilots soon changed their minds about the potency of the Helldiver.

 

I'm really annoyed by the fact that almost nobody wants to do any research about this plane, because of it well known first failures, because it actually is a great plane, used by other countries after the war, and even by the US during the Korean war.

If a plane would of been that bad as they say on most sites, they wouldn't of used it at all after the war.

Here's a little something something I made for school about the Helldiver,
I really need some of these in 1/48, but Europe isn't great for finding Helldivers...
With regards, Ninetalis.

Mikeym_us

But can it shoot down a Zero?

 Quote from acepilots.com:
Helldivers claimed 44 air-to-air kills, the leading SB2C pilot in this regard was Lt. Robert "Zekie" Parker, later killed by a kamikaze attack. Seventeen SB2C's were downed by enemy fighters.
Also:
All that being said, the Helldiver was delivered in large numbers (7,140), equipped many US Navy squadrons, and inflicted a lot of damage on the enemy. It was responsible for more shipping kills than any other aircraft.

Bob barnes, a Helldiver pilot during WWII

I really feel that some websites and Mr. Tillman's book were unjustly critical of the Helldiver. Apparently the early SB2C-1's, as the first built, had their problems and probably as a result I think there was a reluctance of some of the commanders to accept the Helldiver as a replacement for the reliable SBD Dauntless. The SB2C-3's that came out were much improved. From my experience it was a great dive bomber. It was faster than the SBD, easily carried 1000 lb bombs, could carry drop fuel tanks for long range missions. On one mission they needed more fighters to strafe an airfield, so they hung two pods of dual 50 cal machine guns under the wings. These were in addition to the two 20mm cannons and the 500 lb bomb already on our Helldivers. It was a very versatile aircraft.

so yes, it can shoot down a zero and even do a lot more than that.
With regards, Ninetalis.

I have the 1/48 AM SB2C in the stash and must say that it is one of the uglier planes in there.

...yes...

Reasoned

I have the 1/48 AM SB2C in the stash and must say that it is one of the uglier planes in there.

Ninetalis

 It was responsible for more shipping kills than any other aircraft.

Manstein's revenge

I always read that the Dauntless had that title???

What I know is that the Dauntless had sunk more tons of shipping in 1943 than any other aircraft,
I can't really say what is true, and articles aren't allways true,
I have read from a lot of Helldiver pilots that the Helldiver was a terrific aircraft, and that the old models did have their problems, but that the -3 and later versions are very good, if not outstanding aircaft!
Though, we allways read how 'bad' this aircraft was.
I think that only navy records can tell us how it really went down, and I must say that, 44 airborne kills against 17 losses to airborne units isn't a bad number at all, especially for a bomber.

Btw, I also think that 'Shipping Kills' stands for, number of ships sunk by Helldiver, and that the Dauntless had sunk the most tons of shipping.

With regards, Ninetalis.

Manstein's revenge

 

1/72 scale?? Niiice!

VanceCrozier

 

 

1/72 scale?? Niiice!

Hey Manny. Is there a WW2 aircraft that you haven't gotten in the last few weeks. You're on a tear!!

Ninetalis

 

Reasoned:

 

I have the 1/48 AM SB2C in the stash and must say that it is one of the uglier planes in there.

 

Maybe you should build it first before saying she is ugly.
You don't hear me talking crap about the 109, and I don't like that one, I know she's your favorite.
You can't say what is ugly or beautifull about anything, it's different to every person.

That's why I said, In my eyes...

With regards, Ninetalis.

 

Dude. The Helldiver's ugly. Nothing wrong in finding the beauty in that ugliness - hell two of my favorite planes are the Dauntless and the PBY Catalina...not exactly going to be winning any beauty contests with those. 

Ugly aircraft were pretty much the norm for the US Navy throughout most of WWII. The Wildcat? Stubby and goofy. The Avenger? Hideous. The Kingfisher? It rocks its seaplane look pretty well, but strip the floats, put wheels on, and close the glass and make sure you've got a paper bag around. The Hellcat isn't ugly or pretty, it just kind of is. For truly looker aircraft, you're basically left with the Corsair or the "almost made it to combat but not quite" F7F Tigercat and F8F Bearcat.

Mikeym_us

That reminds me why did the Navy switch over from the Dauntless to the Helldiver anyways? The Dauntless was more reliable than the Helldiver.

 

 

Not to mention a much more attractive aircraft.

tigerman

Mikeym_us:

That reminds me why did the Navy switch over from the Dauntless to the Helldiver anyways? The Dauntless was more reliable than the Helldiver.

 

 

 

Not to mention a much more attractive aircraft.

Says you! 

DoogsATX

Dude. The Helldiver's ugly...

DoogsATX

Ugly aircraft were pretty much the norm for the US Navy throughout most of WWII. The Wildcat? Stubby and goofy. The Avenger? Hideous. The Kingfisher? It rocks its seaplane look pretty well, but strip the floats, put wheels on, and close the glass and make sure you've got a paper bag around. The Hellcat isn't ugly or pretty, it just kind of is. For truly looker aircraft, you're basically left with the Corsair or the "almost made it to combat but not quite" F7F Tigercat and F8F Bearcat.

Ninetalis

DoogsATX:

Dude. The Helldiver's ugly...

 

Once again I repeat, In my eyes...

Before the entire forum ends in an entire fight with each other,
look, one guy will like one plane more than another guy, I don't like the 109, nor the luftwaffe,
but that doesn't mean that I will not respect you nor your judgment for liking the luftwaffe more than other aircraft or air forces, but in return I would also like the 'respect' for my likes and dislikes.
I never intended to say that the Helldiver is better in all it's ways than a dauntless, but I would like to break through some rusted minds to prove that the Helldiver ain't all that bad as it is often pushed forward by many.

So before we all end in tearing each other digitalised hair out, can we keep to facts or some sh*t like that?
Instead of discussing the indiscussable, let's just focus on Manny's new acquisition and the history behind the aircraft itself or so...

I think in my eyes the Helldiver, Avenger, Wildcat and Hellcat are very good looking aircraft. The Corsair is the one that looks strange to me. But nice post Manny, looks like a sweet kit how I wish it was 1:48 scale.

Manstein's revenge

Ninetalis:

DoogsATX:

Dude. The Helldiver's ugly...

 

Once again I repeat, In my eyes...

Before the entire forum ends in an entire fight with each other,
look, one guy will like one plane more than another guy, I don't like the 109, nor the luftwaffe,
but that doesn't mean that I will not respect you nor your judgment for liking the luftwaffe more than other aircraft or air forces, but in return I would also like the 'respect' for my likes and dislikes.
I never intended to say that the Helldiver is better in all it's ways than a dauntless, but I would like to break through some rusted minds to prove that the Helldiver ain't all that bad as it is often pushed forward by many.

So before we all end in tearing each other digitalised hair out, can we keep to facts or some sh*t like that?
Instead of discussing the indiscussable, let's just focus on Manny's new acquisition and the history behind the aircraft itself or so...

Anything that has folding wings is beautiful in my eyes!!!

They will all fold with enough force

And an aircraft doesn't even have to be beautiful, to be interesting enough to build. I'm working on a He177 Grieff right now, I'd hardly call it "beautiful", but I'm enjoying the build!

Manstein's revenge

 

DoogsATX:

 

 

Ugly aircraft were pretty much the norm for the US Navy throughout most of WWII. The Wildcat? Stubby and goofy. The Avenger? Hideous. The Kingfisher? It rocks its seaplane look pretty well, but strip the floats, put wheels on, and close the glass and make sure you've got a paper bag around. The Hellcat isn't ugly or pretty, it just kind of is. For truly looker aircraft, you're basically left with the Corsair or the "almost made it to combat but not quite" F7F Tigercat and F8F Bearcat.

 

 

I think the Hellcat, although somewhat utilitarian in looks, was an attractive design...

 

The Hellcat's like an unassuming pickup truck. Not hideous, not Spitfire or what-have-you pretty, but beautiful in it's sheer functionality.