SBD Dauntless from scratch (Scale looking)

[cdfigueredo]

Hey, guys, I've been out of the hobby for a while, and it's time to come back. This time I'm going to go for my first really scale looking project, or at least something close to it.
These are some images that I found on the internet of the plastic kits with a really amazing finish. Of course, taking into account that my materials are really limited, I know that I will not be able to reach that level of realism, but at least I will try to make it as close as possible.
Wish me luck!

 

[cdfigueredo]

I started by the elevator. it is all depron. I decided to make scale looking and functional hinges using some credit card palstic pieces and bbq stick for pivot.


first paint coat... still wet

 

[cdfigueredo]

The paint I'm going to use is one I left over from when I painted the bathroom. Yeah, it's wall paint. We'll see if it works or if it's too heavy. I hope it doesn't.
I've been doing some tests on some of the scrap pieces and the result is quite encouraging.
I'll leave you some pictures of the process.

 

[cdfigueredo]

What do u think guys?

 

[Foam Folder]

What do u think guys?

I think it will be beautiful !!

 

[cdfigueredo]

I think it will be beautiful !!

Thank you!!!!

 

[cdfigueredo]

The details are better seen at the bottom. I'm in love with this project .

 

[SquirrelTail]

The details are better seen at the bottom. I'm in love with this project .
View attachment 172529

😍😍

 

[cdfigueredo]

Step by step of the rudder construction. I hope the images are clear enough.


I made several hinges from a piece of plastic. As the hole is pretty big for the piece i decide to use a pair for each hinge. Once i had all the pieces cut, i shaped it with a scissors.


Checking all the bbq stick fits on the higes.


I also made some foam holders to glue the bbq stick to the rudder skin. There are not picts of that, but after that, i sanded it to the right shape and glued the uper skin.


I paint it with a white base paint and then aplied some masking tape and painting in red.


Pencil touches to add more realism and some details.

 

[cdfigueredo]

Rudder and fin are ready, and i am offitialy out of materuials...


I missed this white strip but it is fixed now.


Looking good ah?
I am thinking to add some marks and numbers on the fin, what do u think?

 

[Zetoyoc]

This is looking fantastic. Great work.
-J

 

[cdfigueredo]

This is looking fantastic. Great work.
-J

Thanks u. I am really taking care of all details.

 

[Apple Pie]

Thanks u. I am really taking care of all details.

Thats looking fantastic so far!

 

[cdfigueredo]

Thats looking fantastic so far!

Thank you!!!!

 

[Grifflyer]

Progress is looking outstanding!!

 

[cdfigueredo]

Progress is looking outstanding!!

Thank u!!!
Fresh ideas are wellcome

 

[cdfigueredo]

Looking for a paint job like this one. But my blue paint is darker...

 

[cdfigueredo]

I started with the fuselaje some days ago usign 3view plan and hot wire cutter.


After some sanding work. Stat lookig good.


What a nice rudder ah?


I made the center section of the wing and cut the fuselaje to hold it.

 

[cdfigueredo]

Next step... the dummy radial motor made from scratch... i wish to had a 3D printer .


The result

 

[cdfigueredo]

I am in love with TF power pod, so i use it in all my planes.


The cowling is removable to extract the power pod. the dummy radial engine will be attached to this section.
There are 3 pieces of bbq sticks that prevent the cowl from move out while two magnets i will put latter, hold it in place.
See the 3 bbq stick pins and how they fit on the rear part of the cowl.


Black or dark gray paint is required for the inside of the cowl to generate the effect.