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Navy bombers
Topic Started: Oct 9 2017, 04:59 PM (910 Views)
Boucheron
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This is just a stray observation/whinge, but any ideas why WW II naval bombers are so scarce in 1/72? Sure, there have been kits over the years (Airfix, Frog, Hasegawa, but they're either not readily available or not up to snuff).

TBD Devestator - long in the tooth Airfix kit, limited Valom/AZ kit with panel lines wide enough to fly an X-Wing through.

SBD Dauntless - very basic old Airfix kit, Hasegawa kit which is hard to find, and also pretty basic

TBF/TBM Avenger - same as above.

SB2C - This may be the exception. The Academy/Special Hobby kits are excellent. More like the would be excellent.

These were keystone aircraft, why are they so scarce as models?
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Chuck1945
Hero
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And the most wartime used SB2C, the -1C still isn't represented . :0

Well I think maybe Sword did one around 2001-2 but it has been long gone. Sword has done some interesting stuff, but if you don't jump on their releases quickly, they are gone.
Chuck
Eastern WA, USA
Finished 2018:
Eduard Spitfire IXc, VIII, Monogram/Starfighter BFC-2
On the active bench:
Eduard Bf 110C, Hasegawa B-24D, SH P-40E
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Boucheron
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Chuck1945
Oct 9 2017, 06:05 PM
Sword has done some interesting stuff, but if you don't jump on their releases quickly, they are gone.
Exactly. That is sort of the point I'm trying to make. These weren't some esoteric aircraft that only deeply entrenched experts would know of (the typical fodder for short-run kits). These were major aircraft.

Maybe its because 1/72 is unpopular in America, and so the American subjects don't sell as well overseas?

I'm not going to hold my breath and expect Hasegawa to retool (update) their SBD and TBM. If they do, they'll just slap on some new decals, release them as a combo and raise the price by 15%.

Tamiya? No way! Unless Mr. T watches some program that catches his fancy. Who knows how they decided to release what they release??

Hobbyboss/Trumpeter? Maybe. They're SUPPOSED to make a 1/72 P-61. Maybe more Pacific subjects will follow? Their 72 stuff is typically downscaled from 48th, and they have an absolutely lovely TBM in 48.

Italeri? Lately their 72nd stuff has been limited to larger aircraft

Airfix? Maybe! Maybe at least a new corsair with folding wing.
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peebeep
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Lots Of Trouble Usually Serious
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I would expect Airfix to address the issue with kits of the SBD, SB2C and TBM. The big question is when and whether or not you live long enough to buy/build them.
www.locate-and-cement.com
Locate and Cement website
RevellAtions
Bring me my chariot of fire
Paul Brown, Chelmsford, UK Posted Image
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Graham Boak
Hero
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The comment about releases disappearing rapidly is common to most manufacturers nowadays. Certainly all the short-run companies, but Hasegawa has been following a similar procedure for a couple of decades now (at least for specific variants and markings).

I don't think it's a US/72nd thing: it's just that naval aircraft are less popular that Air Force ones, and bombers are less popular than fighters, and bombers are less likely to be made because of their size. Not true for the Dauntless, of course.

Academy did do an Avenger, is it not still available? An older kit which keeps reappearing is the Hawk/Testors SBD - and you think the Airfix one is basic? There were also Airfix and Matchbox kits of the SB2C - I'd expect the latter to be seen/have been seen from Revell.
Lancashire, UK
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Boucheron
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Graham Boak
Oct 9 2017, 08:54 PM
Academy did do an Avenger, is it not still available? An older kit which keeps reappearing is the Hawk/Testors SBD - and you think the Airfix one is basic? There were also Airfix and Matchbox kits of the SB2C - I'd expect the latter to be seen/have been seen from Revell.
The Academy kit is essentially the old Frog kit, but with recessed lines. Its not as nice as the hard to find Hasegawa.

I used to have the Testor's SBD, with the retracted landing gear etched into the wing, but also with lowered gear attached :rofl:


The SB2C is probably the only exception to the pattern. Its very well represented in 1/72. The Academy (and Special Hobby reboxing) are beautiful kits. I hope we can get an SBD or TBM on par with that.
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Boucheron
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Bucheron
Oct 11 2017, 05:20 PM
Graham Boak
Oct 9 2017, 08:54 PM
Academy did do an Avenger, is it not still available? An older kit which keeps reappearing is the Hawk/Testors SBD - and you think the Airfix one is basic? There were also Airfix and Matchbox kits of the SB2C - I'd expect the latter to be seen/have been seen from Revell.
The Academy kit is essentially the old Frog kit, but with recessed lines. Its not as nice as the hard to find Hasegawa.

I used to have the Testor's SBD, with the retracted landing gear etched into the wing, but also with lowered gear attached :rofl:


The SB2C is probably the only exception to the pattern. Its very well represented in 1/72. The Cyberhobby, Academy (and Special Hobby reboxing) are beautiful kits. I hope we can get an SBD or TBM on par with that.
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Steve N
Hero
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The Hasegawa Dauntlesses and Avengers are quite nice. The only real drawbacks are the spartan interiors, and the lack of separate dive flaps on the SBD (although I believe there have been boxings with PE flaps.) And of course, they can be hard to find, and overly expensive. A couple months ago I stumbled across a dual combo boxing of the TBM and TBF for 20 bucks..couldn't pass that up!

I still wish Hasegawa or maybe Airfix would tackle a new-tool TBD. If Airfix did one to the same standard as their recent B5N2 Kate, it would be a real winner!

SN
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Greenshirt
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Tim Holland, Southern MD - USA
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If Airfix did one to the same standard as their recent B5N2 Kate, it would be a real winner!


No kidding! I'd be in for at least 4, if not more.

In watching Airfix with their releases, they seem to follow three parallel thoughts:
1) The old tool is worn and in need of replacement;
2) Historical significance;
3) Availability of subject in a museum, or engineering drawings.

If it's a British subject, more so. But when all three align, it seems to result in a kit.

A TBF/TBM easily follows that thinking. A TBD less so, but they do like to release a US subject or two each year. A TBD would of course align with:
1) The current kit definitely needs replacement; and nobody is doing one to their standards;
2) Begins to complete the Pearl Harbor -> Midway phase of the war (with their Kate, Zero, Wildcat, and P-40)
3) Alas one needs to be recovered, but 4 are known to exist in a somewhat "recoverable" condition (or maybe not).

A TBM would obviously fit and has the added benefit of FAA usage.

A Val would complete their early Pacific theatre trio and would certainly be welcome. But speculation abounds; we have lots to build in the interim.
Tim Holland

I'm a "green shirt" because I work on the carrier's flight deck and maintain US Navy aircraft. Safe sorties are my life so we can be anywhere, anytime -- from the Sea.

http://greenshirt-modeler.blogspot.com/
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dknights
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Yes, I've thought that we'd get a Val from Airfix before too long. The Fujimi and Cyberhobby ones are fine kits so maybe that is holding them back.

An TBF, an TBD and a SB2C-1 would all be most welcome.

I'm just happy we are getting the b-25B/C/D That one has been missing for ages.
David M. Knights
Fortes fortuna adiuvat

14 Finished: Special Armor V-2, Airfix P-51
15 Finished: SBS Gladiator engine
16 Finished: Brengun C2 Wasserfall, Merit SS-N-2 Styx, World's smallest diorama, Airfix Hurricane.
17 Finished: Japanese Carrier Deck, Belcher SS-4, Italeri AB41, PLAN Type 039A (not 72nd scale)
18 Finished: NONE
The bench:Platz T-33, Trump. T-34/85, Meng F-106, Airfix P-51 #2, Airfix P-40
Revell MiG-21F-13, Ace Citroen V-11
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Boucheron
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dknights
Oct 15 2017, 10:42 PM
Yes, I've thought that we'd get a Val from Airfix before too long. The Fujimi and Cyberhobby ones are fine kits
An Airfix val would be most welcome.

I'm not sure I'd qualify the Cyberhobby kit as fine. Maybe on the decent side of okay. Some funky shape issues on it, though. And that stepped canopy...oof!


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Boucheron
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Greenshirt
Oct 15 2017, 09:01 PM
In watching Airfix with their releases, they seem to follow three parallel thoughts:
1) The old tool is worn and in need of replacement;
2) Historical significance;
3) Availability of subject in a museum, or engineering drawings.

Then maybe an SBD may occur within our lifetimes.

1) the old SBD mould needs update, though I hope any update keeps at least a modicum of the rivets (see below)

2) Midway, Coral Sea, ANZAC SBDs.

3) There's a lovely SBD hanging from the ceiling of Concourse A at Chicago's Midway airport. I wonder if the Airfix scan crew knows of this.

Its festooned with rivets, and the old mould kit actually captures that characteristic better than more recent kits do. :)


Posted Image

Posted Image

B)



Edited by Boucheron, Oct 18 2017, 05:46 PM.
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dknights
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I walk under that one several times a year. a new SBD would be nice, but I'd much prefer a SB2C-1 or TBF
David M. Knights
Fortes fortuna adiuvat

14 Finished: Special Armor V-2, Airfix P-51
15 Finished: SBS Gladiator engine
16 Finished: Brengun C2 Wasserfall, Merit SS-N-2 Styx, World's smallest diorama, Airfix Hurricane.
17 Finished: Japanese Carrier Deck, Belcher SS-4, Italeri AB41, PLAN Type 039A (not 72nd scale)
18 Finished: NONE
The bench:Platz T-33, Trump. T-34/85, Meng F-106, Airfix P-51 #2, Airfix P-40
Revell MiG-21F-13, Ace Citroen V-11
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Starfighter Decals
Hero
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I can tell you I have been lobbying for a TBF, SBD series, SB2C-1C, SBC-3/4 and an AD-1/2 from Airfix for 3 years now. As of now, they haven't asked for the photos, and drawings.
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jvenables
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Hawk
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Steve N
Oct 15 2017, 06:01 PM
The Hasegawa Dauntlesses and Avengers are quite nice. The only real drawbacks are the spartan interiors, and the lack of separate dive flaps on the SBD (although I believe there have been boxings with PE flaps.) And of course, they can be hard to find, and overly expensive. A couple months ago I stumbled across a dual combo boxing of the TBM and TBF for 20 bucks..couldn't pass that up!
I picked up the Hasegawa A-24 a few days ago at a very reasonable price but I have a vague recollection of reading a review somewhere that stated it is not an accurate representation of the A-24. Is this correct or is my memory fabricating furphies? I am not really familiar with the SBD series and their differences but if there is a problem, I'd guess it is something about the cowl...

Also, does anyone know if the Airwaves PE sets fit the Hasegawa kit in the way they are supposed to? have the Airwaves interior and exterior sets that I picked up from a second hand vendor many years ago but my past (albeit limited) experience with Airwaves PE has not been good - the couple of times I have used their PE, I could not help wondering if they actually had the kit in hand when they designed the PE to fit it.

Cheers, James.

PS: Hope I'm not "hijacking" the thread - just seemed like the perfect opportunity to ask these questions.
Edited by jvenables, Nov 4 2017, 02:09 AM.
James from Brisbane, Australia
Now living in Laos

Nil illegitimi carborundum
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