Sb2c helldiver aircraft model airplane models, model. The aircraft was originally accepted for service in may of 1945 and crashed due to engine failure in july of the same year. The titles includes technical data, historical and developmental summaries, ordnance and armament coverage and information on the physical details of. The helldiver is also the last significant combat aircraft produced by the curtisswright corporation. This curtiss sb2c package from aeroplane heaven includes the 3 and 4 variants of the beast for fsx and p3d, with details such as two animated crew members, gunners cockpit, simulated dive bombing with droppable bombs, folding wings and a working tailhook for carrier landings. The curtiss sb2c helldiver page contains all related products, articles, books, walkarounds and plastic scale modeling projects dedicated to this aircraft. Curtiss sb2c helldiver engine and propeller speaking about the engine it is rather well detailed. Tbd devastator sbd dauntless sb2c helldiver tbftbm avenger squadronsignal publications 6205. Curtiss sb2c1 helldiver plans free download aerofred. Mar, 2016 book pdf sb2c helldiver in detail scale d s, vol. Photographic images of the aircraft for the scale modeler.
First entering combat at rabaul in november 1943, by the middle of 1944 it had completely replaced its predecessor,the douglas sbd dauntless, aboard the fast carriers. When they completed their tour in the sb2c 1 mod iii, they were reequipped with the sb2c 3 and sb2c 4 before returning to combat. Curtiss sb2c4 helldiver, accurate miniaturesmonogram, built by alexander wlachos 1. It provided so much power that the sb2c4 could have hard points on the wings to hold additional rockets or lb bombs and even an addition of the aps4 radar. The titles includes technical data, historical and developmental summaries, ordnance and armament coverage and information on the physical details of each aircraft. The curtiss sb2c helldiver was the us navys principal dive bomber during the latter part of wwii.
So, with my built helldiver on the bench with me, i commenced working on the interior. The curtiss sb2c singleengine divebomber joined the fleet late in 1943, joining the douglas dauntless as the primary attackbombing planes for the us navy. Academy sb2c4 helldiver 172 part 3 the primer, paint, and gloss. If you want them open, youll have to obtain an aftermarket photoetched set. May 22, 2015 the curtiss sb2c helldiver was a us navy dive bomber used during world war ii. Originally designed in a competition to replace the aging sbc biplane series, the sb2c faced off against brewsters entry the xsb2a buccaneer with the sb2c coming out the eventual winner. Kinzeys reputation for unbiased, authoritative writing is on display in sb2c helldiver. In august 1938, six aircraft manufacturers made offers. Comparing the colors with the colors called for in my wildcat i think the xf4 and xf5 are the way to go, with just a hint of the kahki to get the slightly brown influence in the color, but which needs to remain mostly green. Apr 27, 2012 little wonder, then, that the helldiver was the last of its breed. The sb2c4 could carry an additional lbs 454 kg of bombs or 8 5 rockets under the wings.
My impressions of the kit are mostly good, though mixed on a few items. When they completed their tour in the sb2c1 mod iii, they were reequipped with the sb2c3 and sb2c4 before returning to combat. The sb2c 4 originated with monogram and was reissued by accurate miniatures. The promodeler helldiver was easily the nicest sb2c4 offered in any scale, so kudos to academy for using this design as their starting point. The curtiss sb2c helldiver was a rather unassuming dive bomber reconnaissance aircraft serving throughout world war 2 beginning in 1943. The sb2c helldiver experienced a variety of technical problems during its developemnt and after its introduction which led to a widespread dislike of the aircraft by crews. Product categories curtiss sb2c helldiver 15 scale jerry. However, in the hands of experienced crews, the helldiver became a formidable antishipping attack bomber and subhunter, contributing greatly to allied successes in the pacific theatre. The quality and fit of the parts is really good my first resin kit and its a heavy monster with lots and lots. S navy that sank more enemy ships in the pacific than any other us or allied aircraft during world war ii. By the sb2c4, the teething problems were largely ironed out, and the massive.
That means its got engraved panel lines, a detailed cockpit, and solidifnot2012standards fit. The curtiss sb2c helldiver saw its share of grief and controversy, some of its crews renaming it the son of a bitch, 2nd class. The molding was well done, with crisp detail and no molding flaws. Many of the aircraft on this sheet appear in the detail and scale and in action series of reference books, and so far, scanning through. The curtiss sb2c helldiver was a us navy dive bomber used during world war ii. Aug 11, 2015 more modifications ensued and the more powerful sb2c 3 made its appearance, equipped with the r260020 twin cyclone engine and a curtiss fourblade propeller, in 1944. Sb2c helldiver curtiss dive bomber of world war two. In detail and scale series by bert kinzey goodreads. The promodeler helldiver was easily the nicest sb2c 4 offered in any scale, so kudos to academy for using this design as their starting point. Following the marianas operation in june and july 1944 sb2c squadrons par. The caf west texas wings mission is to maintain, preserve and operate the worlds only airworthy sb2c helldiver. The sb2c 5 increased the fuel capacity to 355 gallons 44 liters.
This lateproduction helldiver, built in 1945, makes frequent air show appearances. Curtiss sb2c 4 helldiver closer inspection following the instructions the build starts, awkwardly, from the turtle back and the engine. It was disliked by aircrews and carrier skippers and dismissed by foreign governments, who cancelled their orders in droves. Sb2c4 helldiver interior color question finescale modeler. Curtiss c46 commando 19th scale curtiss sb2c helldiver 15 scale curtiss sb2c helldiver 16 scale curtiss sb2c helldiver 17.
The sb2c 4 could carry an additional lbs 454 kg of bombs or 8 5 rockets under the wings. The sb2c 3 upgraded the engine to a 1900 hp 1417 kw r260020 driving a fourbladed propeller. Although it is made by the same company, it is not the same model. The sb2c was the third carrierbased dive bomber called helldiver and produced by curtiss. Navy and marine carrierbased aircraft of world war ii, a unique look at all of the american carrierbased fighters, scoutdive bombers, and torpedo bombers of world war ii. Some comparisons to other navy aircraft are enlightening. The helldivers performance has been maligned by many critics, frequently without regard to the facts. Hell diver was a heroic and deathdefying name for both pilots and aircraft in the popular american imagination beginning in the 1920s. I have a few color photos available to me in the book sb2c helldiver in detail and scale by bert kinzey. Slowly, steadily, academy is becoming the goto brand when it comes to 172 scale world war ii aircraft. The curtiss sb2c helldiver throughout much of its development and early deployment, the curtiss sb2c helldiver was plagued with problems, delays and disappointments.
I dragged the kit with me to japan and built it there, then dragged it back home for painting and finishing. Academy 172 scale sb2c4 helldiver finescale modeler. Photoetchedmetal dive brakesflaps and seat belts are included. The curtiss sb2c helldiver, also known as the curtiss a25 shrike, was a dive bomber. Pdf download the uss enterprise cvn65 in detail scale d s vol. The curtiss sb2c helldiver, also known as the curtiss a25 shrike, was a dive bomber developed by curtisswright during world war ii. The following books provide excellent details of the helldiver as an aid to the modeler. Despite these issues, the sb2c helldiver saw extensive service during the last two years of the war. This in detail and scale series is actually the second incarnation of that title and started in 1981 as a revised and expanded. Commemorative air force sb2c helldiver home facebook. In experienced hands, the sb2c became one of the most effective weapons employed in the pacific war and featured in just about every major battle. While often maligned by some critics, the sb2cs were responsible for more ship tonnage sunk during wwii than any other aircraft. Sb2c4 helldiver scalemates, scale modeling database.
Accurate miniatures 148 sb2c1c helldiver kit first look. The twoman helldiver had a top speed of 295 mph and good range, making it an essential tool in the far reaches of the pacific war. Curtiss sb2c4 helldiver the luftwaffe in scale rlm. A three bladed propeller was added to this kit but there were a lot more differences between the sb2c 1 and the sb2c 4. The helldiver was the second kit i built after an eight year hiatus. The cockpit detail and landing gear wheel wells are poor. When the sbd dauntless was introduced, the navy was already seeking for a replacement. It was in the 148 scale section at my local hobby store and its box was as big as any of the other single engine wwii aircraft so i didnt bother to check its scale, i just assumed it was 148.
The sb2c 4 helldiver was designed as a dive bomber for the u. With the introduction of the sb2c 3 variant that changed, as it was upgraded with a new engine and a 4bladed propellor. Sb2c 4 helldiver the curtiss sb2c helldiver was intended to be an advanced and better dive bomber to replace the ageing sbd dauntless in november 1943. The early design was underpowered, handled poorly, and was not well accepted by those who flew it. The sb2c4 originated with monogram and was reissued by accurate miniatures. This 1945 manufactured sb2c5 is 85% complete and could be restored to airworthy condition again. Product categories curtiss sb2c helldiver 15 scale. Depending on where you purchase it, it may be the revellmonogram kit or monogram promodeler. In 1982, it experienced engine failure and a hard emergency landing that caused extensive damage. Of course, that judgement is no reflection on the crews who had to fly the beast, who were as brave, skilled, and.
As a carrierbased bomber with the united states navy usn, in pacific theaters, it supplemented and replaced the douglas sbd dauntless. The sb2c3 employs hightech innovations and widely uses slide molds to enable excellent levels of detail and easy construction. Aug 06, 2012 cyberhobbys helldiver features several options for construction and display, including folding wings, posable turtledeck, flight controls, bombbay doors, flaps, and dive brakes. In fact, in peter smiths curtiss sb2c helldiver, vb17 never flew the sb2c 1c in combat. The sb2c4 had a higher cruising speed and greater range without drop tanks than the tbm avenger, and a significantly higher top speed. Monogram originally released its 148 sb2c4 helldiver kit under the promodeler brand back in 1997, so its not new, but its not vintage monogram, either. It provided so much power that the sb2c 4 could have hard points on the wings to hold additional rockets or lb bombs and even an addition of the aps4 radar. T ough 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. The kit is the high quality we have come to know from dragoncyberhobby. It was one of the most enjoyable builds ive ever completed. This content was uploaded by our users and we assume good faith they have the permission to share this book. The west texas wing of the commemorative air force proudly presents the worlds only flying example of the curtisswright sb2c helldiver, the last true dive bomber produced for the us navy. Intricate sb2c3 helldiver wnewly tooled photoetched divebrakes newly designed propeller ailerons can be assembled in different positions delicate details molded on wings wings can be assembled extendedfolded foldingwing mechanism rendered wfine detail cockpit interior forms. This is the build article for part 2 of the us navy id markings series that will hopefully be in fsm in the future.
This in detail and scale series is actually the second incarnation of that title and started in 1981 as a revised and expanded version of the original. Two sheets of decals for 17 aircraft, four pages of documentation. The sb2c3 upgraded the engine to a 1900 hp 1417 kw r260020 driving a fourbladed propeller. The dive brakes were perforated late in the model series, which reduced buffeting. Apr 05, 2019 the curtiss sb2c helldiver was a rather unassuming dive bomber reconnaissance aircraft serving throughout world war 2 beginning in 1943. Some 1,112 sb2c3 helldivers were produced by curtiss. Due to its large size and at times difficult handling, many crew members gave it the nickname the big tailed beast.
In fact, in peter smiths curtiss sb2c helldiver, vb17 never flew the sb2c1c in combat. The curtisswright offer, a secondgeneration helldiver, of which name the navy already had had a divebomber, was rather conventional in nature, but incorporated some new elements. The model has very good engraved surface detail, including appropriate rivets. Jul 03, 2006 i have a few color photos available to me in the book sb2c helldiver in detail and scale by bert kinzey. Number 80 in the famous airplanes of the world series. Curtiss sb2c 4 helldiver, cyber hobby, 172 scale model kit. Academy 172 12406 curtiss sb2c4 helldiver kit first look. A three bladed propeller was added to this kit but there were a lot more differences between the sb2c1 and the sb2c4. The curtiss sb2c helldiverpage contains all related products, articles, books, walkarounds and plastic scale modeling projects dedicated to this aircraft. The sb2c helldiver was a dive bomber designed by curtiss to replace the aging douglas dauntless. The instrument panel has the instrument faces molded in as well.
There are some improvements that make this kit nicer than the promodeler, but the absence of positionable dive brakes is the only thing keeping me from suggesting this kit becomes the best helldiver in. The sb2c 4 helldiver is its latest, and its a honey. Cyberhobby 172 curtiss sb2c4 helldiver finescale modeler. Cyberhobbys helldiver features several options for construction and display, including folding wings, posable turtledeck, flight controls, bombbay doors, flaps, and dive brakes. As i began building the kit, i decided to compare it to the old academy kit even though its an sb2c5. The sb2c4 helldiver is its latest, and its a honey.
The sb2c5 increased the fuel capacity to 355 gallons 44 liters. Curtiss sb2c 4 helldiver, cyber hobby, 172 scale model. Aeroplane heaven curtiss sb2c helldiver download version. Mar 27, 2009 victory productions 148 scale sb2c helldivers. Nov 20, 2011 academy sb2c 4 helldiver 172 part 3 the primer, paint, and gloss.
The recessed details include indentations of the perforated dive flaps, which are molded closed. Initially poor handling characteristics and late modifications caused lengthy delays to production. More modifications ensued and the more powerful sb2c3 made its appearance, equipped with the r260020 twin cyclone engine and a curtiss fourblade propeller, in 1944. As a result a lot more conversion work will have to be done. Curtiss sb2c helldiver, crowood press aerodata international u. Curtiss sb2c helldiver 16 scale tail wheel fairing. A once in a lifetime opportunity to purchase an original. Each of the wellknown aircraft types are covered, but so too are the lesser known aircraft that reached the flying prototype stage during the. The control stick and some other lever are also to be mounted on the floor. The helldiver was developed in 1940 but suffered setbacks until it finally entered service. Thanks to the improvements the helldiver became a rather loved aircraft by those same airmen that despised it. Each of the wellknown aircraft types are covered, but so too are the lesser known aircraft that reached the flying prototype stage during the war. The sb2c4 helldiver was designed as a dive bomber for the u. While often maligned by some critics, the sb2cs were responsible for.
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