RNZAF Curtiss SB2C Helldiver

[KiwiZac]

Hi all,
Another of the care package surprises: a Revell (ex-Matchbox) 1/72 Helldiver with Airfix SBD decals. What if the RNZAF replaced its Dauntlesses with Helldivers, and one example suffered battle damage and needed a replacement wing panel from their USN comrades?

[Tophe]

Wow! Is this the (weird/genius) invention of asymmetric national roundels?

[Old Wombat]

 

[Dizzyfugu]

Nice. I like the donor wing tip idea - maybe add an RNZAF roundel over the Stars and Bars, too?

[NARSES2]

Great idea Zac and fantastic execution 

[KiwiZac]

Thanks all! I was inspired by an oft-modelled RNZAF Corsair which had a replacement (albeit ex-RNZAF) rear fuse in different paint, and by someone asking whether any of our Corsairs served with a yellow cowl.

Nice. I like the donor wing tip idea - maybe add an RNZAF roundel over the Stars and Bars, too?

That's exactly what they did with many ex-US aircraft we received in the Pacific:  they simply painted over the star with our roundel, leaving the bars. I imagine this Helldiver was photographed before the safety and surface crews got their hands on it 

[dumaniac]

interesting topic - nice build

[NARSES2]

That's exactly what they did with many ex-US aircraft we received in the Pacific:  they simply painted over the star with our roundel, leaving the bars.

I didn't know that. Always assumed it was a deliberate part of the national marking for recognition purposes in the same way as the British Pacific Fleet used roundel and bar markings.

[Glenn Gilbertson]

Great result from a primitive kit!

[KiwiZac]

Thanks Glenn! Primitive is right - I'm thankful the canopy is so thick given the terrible interior!

I didn't know that. Always assumed it was a deliberate part of the national marking for recognition purposes in the same way as the British Pacific Fleet used roundel and bar markings.

That said, I think some were painted with the bars to balance it out (ie roundels in the wing positions not used on US aircraft). We even did it after the war - some of our P-51Ds had the Kiwi roundel painted over the USAAF one and even flew for a time with their USAAF serial on the fin in the early 50s.

[Captain Canada]

Hey, why not ! I've got a built example of that same kit that's followed me around for almost 30 years....just as bullet proof as the original !

[KiwiZac]

Due to financial issues I've discovered the joys of recycling built models, a wonderful resource and a rather fun activity!