Thanks, GAF. No problem - I’m the one who goofed it. [8-|]
That’s interesting, the top pic is labeled Torch-SBD4.jpg. I didn’t think the SBD-4 took part in operation Torch.
Yes, the SBD-4 reached the fleet in time for Operation Torch in November 1942. USS Ranger and USS Sangammon had -4s in their Air Groups.
This one is on board Ranger in the temporary Torch markings after a strike during the landings.
Ahhh, haaa … That explains a lot. I have been laboring under the false assumption that, because the Monogram kit portrays an SBD from the Wasp at Guadalcanal in the fall of 1942, that it is supposed to be a -3. But the Wasp had come to Guadalcanal straight from the Med … (hence the ‘weird’ decals with painted out yellow circles). So, it doesn’t purport to portray a -3 at all, but, rather, a -4, hence the propeller, etc.
The Guadalcanal SBD with the funny painted out Torch markings that the Revell kit depicts is actually shown as an SBD-3 in an illustration in Squadron Signal’s SBD in action.
Yes, that SBD has the yellow surround, which was a theater ID marking in the Med, painted out. After Wasp made her second delivery of Spits to Malta, she headed to the Pacific and her ultimate fate off Guadalcanal.
Dave,
Since there were a half-dozen or more CVs and CVEs operating in the Med during Torch, I can easily imagine a mix of SBD-3s and -4s, even in the same squadron/air wing, especially since we now know the -4s were just arriving on the scene in the ETO at that time. (Stik’s last photo post above is definitely a -4, and it has the Torch yellow circle as part of the roundel, which seems pretty hard to argue against without more specific source info on it. Edit - OK, his second-to-last photo post - he beat me to the post with his last - end Edit) My squadron went to 'Nam with 12 F-4Js, and one lonely F-4B that got caught in the shuffle as we switched to the J-birds, just before we boarded ship.
All of the SBDs moving from the Med to the Pacific in '42 would have had an expeditious paint job done to remove the yellow rings, regardless of type. Don’t know for certain, of course, but I have to consider that the Squadron In Action book and the Revell kit could both be correct, just depicting different specific aircraft.
I will say that the slog through this one has been confusing as hell.
Ordie
Speaking of USS Wasp and carrier movements, I thought this photo would lighten the mood here and bring some memories up for you sailor types…
Did I get un-light? Didn’t mean to … The King hisself. Yes, yes. Lookit the hands on that ‘babe’. ‘She’s’ wearing a man’s watch, too …
Dave,
I just want to let you know that, since I last posted in reply to you, I have found a number of specific references to VS-71 being equipped with SBD-3s at the time the Wasp was torpedoed. That would make your Squadron In Action book 100% corrrect regarding those specific aircraft. It seems, from the aggregate of evidence, that both types were present in Operation Torch, but the ones I’m interested in were -3s, as you pointed out. Thanks for your post, it is appreciated.
Ordie
Ordie, you are probably right about both types operating together during a transition. Stickpusher’s pics do show that -4s were on the carriers off N. Africa in June '42
I was just saying that the Squadron Signal illustration may have been the inspiration for the Revell kit’s scheme. (Those decals do look weird though, I think I’d try to airbrush that instead)
I’m actually interested in doing the earlier Op. Torch scheme myself. I’m just not sure whether to use the Revell kit or the AM kit (I also want to do a Midway Dauntless and may save the AM kit for that).
Just to clarify, the -4s shown off North Africa are in November 1942. The fleet sailed for Casablanca from the US in Oct 1942. So those being the newest production variant went to the Ranger and her Air Group, and the Auxially Carriers that were part of the Western Task Force of Opertaion Torch. Wasp and her -3s had already been sunk in September by I-19.
OOB, looks like you’ve got a -4 either way. In the current state of things, I don’t know why someone doesn’t come out with a resin prop/spinner for a -3. I’m sure it would be worth their while. I’d buy an entire detail set just to get a -3 prop and spinner for an AM -4 kit. Please let me know how you handle the propeller deal when you build your -3.
Stik - That puts a nice bow on the package. Thanks again for the info/pics and the propeller. Much appreciated.