SPA Modeler

This was a project that I started back in the mid 90’s when my skills were not quite up to my ambition. I started it before the Hasegawa and Accurate Miniatures SBD kits were first issued, but I wanted to improve and accurize the old Monogram kit, which is essentially a SBD-4. I took many components for the cockpit from a trashed Monogram TBD kit, such as the pilots and gunners seats, the propeller, and the pilots bomb telescopic bomb sight. I modified other kit parts, and scratch built other details, as well as adding some salvaged .50 cal.s for the cowl guns and a few items from a Hasegawa A-24 kit. This project went in fits and starts off and on over the years, but I decided to knuckle down and finish it up after this New Years. My markings intent varied over that time as well, until a few weeks ago when I decided to go with the markings for Scouting 41 (VS-41) during Operation Torch in November of 1942. VS-41 flew a mix of SBD-3s and SBD-4s during Torch, but I was able to locate a photo confirming that 41-S-17 was a SBD-3 at that time.





41-S-17 is in the background on this photo. And on to my completed build…



























and with my Monogram TBD… USN 1942

What a beautiful result Carlos , I love the matt finish of the paintwork!

The group pic is very nice, I guess a Wildcat would fit on the base as well!


- Kari

Stikpusher wrote: ↑Mon Feb 02, 2026 8:51 pm

That's a screen-saver right there! You need the Wildcat to go with it. Two of my favourite WWII aircraft - there;s something about early USN aircraft that just looks right. I really should build one at some point.

Superb stuff Carlos, that is a fabulous build and super painting - well worth the time taken to get it done.

Magnificent work Carlos! Another masterpiece for your display!

Thanks Guys!

Kari, the matt finish was one thing that I could not compromise on… an absolute must for this project! Took a few coats to get right. And yes, I need to get a F4F done for the group, double quick…

Stuart, that’s not a bad idea for a screen saver… The USN paint and markings do look right. The markings changed quite a bit in that year. The basic blue gray over gray scheme didn’t change, but the markings went from minimal four position start and black ID numbers letters to oversized six position stars with red & white rudder stripes, to get rid of the stripes and red meatballs and squadron identification… it’s funny how only a few units kept the full prewar unit markings into 1943. And yes, you should add some USN stuff to your collection.

Gary, a high ball, or better yet an Old Fashion sounds like a great way to mark the occasion

Mark, not quite a masterpiece, but good enough after the long gestation!

Thanks Bruce! Were I to tackle this same project today, I would likely do it a bit differently between the skills learned, tools acquired, and newer methods & materials that have come along since I first started this path. It was a definite journey on this one.

What a great finish! Love the early war scheme. I, too, need to do a Wildcat and Hellcat. I do have a pair of Dauntlesses, Avenger and a PBY Catalina in my stash. Next on my wish list is a pair of Devastators - pre-war yellow wings (vintage Monogram) and Battle of Midway.

Thanks Tom. I have a few more 1942 SBDs in my stash to build, one from Coral Sea, and one from Midway… plus a -5 for 1944 and an A-24 (Army land based version)…. I also have a Midway TBD to build, and a couple of F4Fs…