Dirk's Testors SBD Dauntless Circa (1943-ish)

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TimJ
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Re: Dirk's Testors SBD Dauntless Circa (1943-ish)

Post by TimJ »

Hope you can find some smaller wheels. It looks so far like the more work you do, the more you have to do. Best of luck with the rest of it.
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Martin R
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Re: Dirk's Testors SBD Dauntless Circa (1943-ish)

Post by Martin R »

TimJ wrote:Hope you can find some smaller wheels. It looks so far like the more work you do, the more you have to do. Best of luck with the rest of it.
Wot 'e sed.

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Dirkpitt289
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Re: Dirk's Testors SBD Dauntless Circa (1943-ish)

Post by Dirkpitt289 »

TimJ wrote:Hope you can find some smaller wheels. It looks so far like the more work you do, the more you have to do. Best of luck with the rest of it.
There is truth to what you're saying, but it has to be done... :ha:
.... Dirk

Beware of the DOG's of WAR

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Re: Dirk's Testors SBD Dauntless Circa (1943-ish)

Post by Dirkpitt289 »

Going through the issues list

Foot holds: Check

Before
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Drill out gun ports: Check

Before
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Drill out Exhaust manifolds: Check

before
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Drill out under wing landing light: Check (Blue arrow)

Before
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Drill out the mailbox slots on the wings: Check

Before (Green arrow)
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.... Dirk

Beware of the DOG's of WAR

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Dirkpitt289
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Re: Dirk's Testors SBD Dauntless Circa (1943-ish)

Post by Dirkpitt289 »

Issues still to be dealt with:

Engine Cowl Flaps to be replaced
Oil cooler intake to be replaced
Engraved Star in fuselage to be filled in
Reconstructing the stowed landing gear
Reconstructing the dive brakes
Construct an interior
Reconstruct rear gun mount

Completed Items:

Drill out the mailbox slots on the wings
Drill gun ports
Drill out exhaust manifolds
Remove molded foot holds in fuselage
Drill out landing lights



Till next time, thanks for looking
.... Dirk

Beware of the DOG's of WAR

My Youtube Channel
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MerlinJones

Re: Dirk's Testors SBD Dauntless Circa (1943-ish)

Post by MerlinJones »

Proper modelling!

Regards,
Bruce
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kruaxi
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Re: Dirk's Testors SBD Dauntless Circa (1943-ish)

Post by kruaxi »

What a surgeon job are you doing !!! Great, Dirk !
Salute e Latinum per tutti !
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Re: Dirk's Testors SBD Dauntless Circa (1943-ish)

Post by MerlinJones »

Reading back, I'm also aware of just how useful your images are.
Besides actual modelling, I know that this takes time so set up, so know that it's appreciated.

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kruaxi
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Re: Dirk's Testors SBD Dauntless Circa (1943-ish)

Post by kruaxi »

Only the brave... ;-)
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Re: Dirk's Testors SBD Dauntless Circa (1943-ish)

Post by Old_Tonto »

Great tutorial Dirk, keep it up.
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Re: Dirk's Testors SBD Dauntless Circa (1943-ish)

Post by Justin1980 »

Awesome start, alot of extra work Dirk, I am sure it will be worth it! Yet again I am learning loads, so thanks Dirk.

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Re: Dirk's Testors SBD Dauntless Circa (1943-ish)

Post by Dirkpitt289 »

Continuing with the troublesome Dauntless

Next on my issues list is the engraved star emblem into the fuselage.

Image

For this issue I took some Squadron Green putty and thinned it down to a paste and then filled the area.

Image

Sorry I forgot to take photos of the next steps, :???: but what I did after it dried was remove all the excess putty using some Q-tips and nail polish remover. This meant little sanding was required but be warned for those that have never tried using acetone to remove putty. If you use too much it will melt the plastic. Next I will prime the areas and see what needs to be redone. Then go back and rescribe the panel lines that are suppose to be there along with the emergency life raft access panel.

Next we will address the interior. :???:
.... Dirk

Beware of the DOG's of WAR

My Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/user/ModelingGu ... rid&view=0
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Dirkpitt289
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Re: Dirk's Testors SBD Dauntless Circa (1943-ish)

Post by Dirkpitt289 »

Now the real fun begins, building the interior. Unlike a lot of kits we make the interiors can be hidden bu the cockpit canopy but in this case the canopy is like a green house and still be seen through the thick plastic. Not to mention the back of the canopy on this kit is open for all the world to see. So time for some Evergreen plastic and a sharp knife. :twisted:

Here is a shot of the interior of the Testors SBD Dauntless I built a few years back.

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It's like the Grand Canyon in there. I can almost hear an echo echo echo echo.... I think you get my point.

Rails for the future floor and IP. I'm very disappointed with how the IP came out and tossed around the idea of rebuilding it but then thought better of it.

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Soon to be floor pieces

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Drilled out the area for the support hole for the base as this is going to be mounted in the diving position.

Image
.... Dirk

Beware of the DOG's of WAR

My Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/user/ModelingGu ... rid&view=0
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Dirkpitt289
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Re: Dirk's Testors SBD Dauntless Circa (1943-ish)

Post by Dirkpitt289 »

Continuing with the cockpit build

The issued canopy with this kit is closed from the pilot back and the radio op/ gunner open. I wanted to open the pilots canopy like you see in so many photos of the period.

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Next it was time to build the A frame behind the pilots head

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Till next time thanks for looking
.... Dirk

Beware of the DOG's of WAR

My Youtube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/user/ModelingGu ... rid&view=0
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jssel
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Re: Dirk's Testors SBD Dauntless Circa (1943-ish)

Post by jssel »

Turning that one inside out Dirk. Great stuff.
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