1/48 Accurate Miniatures SBD-2 Dauntless VMSB-241 "Midway" (Finished)

I continue my trip through the Battle of Midway with the Accurate Miniatures SBD-2 Dauntless.  I'll be doing a Marine version from VMSB-241 SBD based on Guadalcanal, namely Major Lofton "Joe" Henderson's "White 1".  On the morning of June 4th 1942, Major Henderson lead 16 SBD's and at 0755 am, he spotted the Japanese task force and gave the order to attack.  His SBD sustained damage by AA fire and Zero attacks as he set his sights on carrier Hiryu. He was unfortunately KIA when his plane was set ablaze and he crashed into the sea. He would get the Navy Cross posthumously for his heroism. I pay homage to Henderson, and his gunner Lee Reininger, who sacrificed everything for his service of this country.  On a personal note, Henderson was from Lorain Ohio which is a few cities over from me.  He has a bridge named after him there.   

I've always loved Accurate Miniatures art work.  I hope to replicate this weathering to some degree. Note the different shade of blue near the 1 where another number was likely painted over.    

I originally wasn't going to do a WIP on this build, as I did a Midway SBD a few years ago, then I figured why not.  I started with the pit.  It's quite good out of the box.  I added PE seatbelts (these only had lap belts).  I mixed the Interior Green with XF-4 Yellow Green with a touch of XF-58 Olive Green. I used a few Airscale decals and placards on the instrument panel.  Nothing fancy. 

I got the frame together quickly.  I needed a bit of putty here and there but nothing major.

Maybe a bit of work at the wing fuselage joint...

I turned my attention to the Wright Cyclone 1820.  AM provides wires but they're way overscale.  I cut them off leaving only the leads then added my own. I left a few wires at the bottom of the engine which shows the difference. 

A test fit of the cowl.  The fit is good.

We are almost ready for some paint.  I will be using Montex for the stars.