SBD-3 vs. SBD-4, Visual Differences ...

Ordie, you are probably right about both types operating together during a transition. Stickpusher's pics do show that -4s were on the carriers off N. Africa in June '42

 I was just saying that the Squadron Signal illustration may have been the inspiration for the Revell kit's scheme. (Those decals do look weird though, I think I'd try to airbrush that instead)

I'm actually interested in doing the earlier Op. Torch scheme myself. I'm just not sure whether to use the Revell kit or the AM kit (I also want to do a Midway Dauntless and may save the AM kit for that).

Just to clarify, the -4s shown off North Africa are in November 1942. The fleet sailed for Casablanca from the US in Oct 1942. So those being the newest production variant went to the Ranger and her Air Group, and the Auxially Carriers that were part of the Western Task Force of Opertaion Torch. Wasp and her -3s had already been sunk in September by I-19.

dmk

... I'm actually interested in doing the earlier Op. Torch scheme myself. I'm just not sure whether to use the Revell kit or the AM kit (I also want to do a Midway Dauntless and may save the AM kit for that).

OOB, looks like you've got a -4 either way.  In the current state of things, I don't know why someone doesn't come out with a resin prop/spinner for a -3.  I'm sure it would be worth their while.  I'd buy an entire detail set just to get a -3 prop and spinner for an AM -4 kit.  Please let me know how you handle the propeller deal when you build your -3.

Stik - That puts a nice bow on the package.  Thanks again for the info/pics and the propeller.  Much appreciated.