This is a most interesting idea. Yellow Wings has produced a sheet covering the use of a single aircraft from its first use in 1940 until its final demise in 1943.

What makes it even more interesting is that this aircraft carried three major camouflage schemes while in use with different units during those years.

Basically you get two sets of 'yellow wing' markings while with the Lexington, then the overall light grey scheme, followed by the blue-grey over light grey scheme with large insignia and tail stripes.

The aircraft then went to VMSB-241 and was used during the Battle of Midway, though the red/white tail stripes were gone as was the red dot in the center of the insignia.

Its final known use was with Carrier Qualifications Training Unit at NAS Glenview, IL in 1943.

The sheet includes all the unique markings and stripes needed for each option. Only the insignia will have to come from another sheet as there was not enough room to provide those. In with the instructions are full spec drawings of the proper markings placements and color used. This includes a listing of every SBD-2 built. Yellow Wings has to have among the finest instructions and markings placement guides offered.

This particular aircraft is still extant, having been recovered from the bottom of Lake Michigan in 1993 and subject to restoration for the US Naval Aviation Museum.

If you are wondering about a kit, apparently Trumpeter is doing a 1/32 SBD-2 so look for that to arrive soon.

April 2006

Thanks to Yellow Wings for the review samples. If your store cannot get them, you can order direct.

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