Reviewed by Brett Green

Yellow Wings 1/32 scale SBD-3 Operation Torch Decals are available online from Squadron

Yellow Wings' latest 1/32 scale decal release provides markings for a very specific SBD-3 Dauntless aboard USS Ranger during Operation Torch in November, 1942, plus the same aircraft later attached to Carrier Qualification Unit , Glenview Illinois in September 1943..

This aircraft had crashed into Lake Michigan on 19 September, 1943 after a landing mishap during Carrier Qualification. This might have been the ignominious end for a rare Dauntless that had previously seen active service during Operation Torch - the Allied invasion of Morocco and Algeria in November 1942.

After 50 years, however, this SBD-3 was rescued from the deep by divers and finally restored to her former glory.

The striking yellow-ringed roundel of Operation Torch is one of the most appealing schemes applied to the Dauntless. Further interest is added via the "Tophatters" VS-41 insignia under the cockpit, and a small personal insignia - Sinclair's green Dinosaur - on the fin.

It is pleasing that all markings are supplied for both the Torch and the training versions of this important aircraft, including national markings, codes, propeller logos, smaller unique markings and some stencils.

Yellow Wings' instructions include four pages of detailed history, which includes a photocopy of the original Accident Report following the loss of the aircraft. The remaining two pages contain marking schemes for each aircraft by well-known Hyperscale contributor Rich Dann.

The suggested kit is the excellent new Trumpeter 1/32 scale SBD-3 Dauntless kit.

The decals, printed by Microscale, are supplied on two sheets, and are in perfect register.

Yellow Wings has delivered another well-researched and comprehensive package for this rare Dauntless, which survives today on display at the Kalamazoo Air Zoo in Michigan.

SBD-1/2/3 Complete Stencil Package

Yellow-Wings has also released a separate complete stencil package for SBD-1/2/3 Dauntless. This comprises a jam-packed decal sheet and four pages of instructions. Three full sets of stencils are supplied - one each for the SBD1, 2 and 3.

Both Highly Recommended.

Thanks to Yellow Wings Decals for the review sample.

Review Copyright © 2007 by Brett Green
This Page Created on 19 February, 2007
Last updated 24 December, 2007

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