1/48 Hasegawa SBD-3 "Zalewski & Morris"

Well, I finally finished this model! This was my entry for the WWII Group Build, which is still active and open for anyone to join in. I meant to finish this build in a month, but reality quickly set in that this was no easy project. I had previously started this kit when I was in high school. Hasegawa unfortunately does not have the flap holes drilled out like Accurate Miniatures does, so if one wants a better model, then one must drill. A lot. About eight years ago, I used a shop drill press, and drilled the holes out. I missed though in several locations, so I was about to put the kit up for good. Just a few months ago however, I saw Eduard had a flaps set for the kit. I found this kit in storage, and decided to give it another chance.

The instructions made the project look daunting (no pun intended). This was clearly above my skill level. I would have to learn many new skills in order to make this project work out. I started it knowing that there was a good chance that I wouldn’t finish it. I would have to learn how to bend photo-etch parts and purchase a bending tool. I would also have to learn how to work with rod styrene, as well as scratch build numerous parts. I was about to embark on a wild ride.

The kit’s fit was actually really good! Eduard required a lot of surgery though, so that took some time to make accurate measurements, and then remove the selected areas decently. The flap assembly would then contain hundreds of pieces altogether. When I wasn’t at work or working on school, I would simply sit there for hours, listening to an audiobook, and folding photoetched parts. Perhaps my biggest accomplishment during this build is not using any type of magnifying tool. I probably need one after this project though haha.

I used a combination of 5-minute epoxy, super glue, and white glue. The landing and position lights are from a separate Eduard set. I used Mission Models paints, and Model Master enamels as well. I covered it in an Alclad II dull coat, as an experiment. I wish I wouldn't have. It made the finish rough when looked at under a magnifier. The coat is somewhat tacky too. I have read about others' problems with this clear coat. I won't be using it again. I still have A LOT to learn as a modeler.

I used Abteilung oil paints for weathering. I also painted on my national insignias with spare Montex masks, since the decals wouldn’t conform to the surface like I wanted them too. For the decals I did use, Superscale decals were used. This set depicts three SBD Dauntlesses of well-known SBD pilots.