VMSB-241 at Midway

[Vigilante]

Every once in awhile I read something that inspires me to try to recreate something historical. Yesterday I read about the SBD-2's newly received by the Marine pilots at Midway:

VMSB-241 received 19 SBD-2 dive bombers on 26 May, 1942, which had originally been assigned to VB-2 (USS Lexington, CV-2). The planes retained their Intermediate Blue over Light Gray finish, while the red-and-white rudder markings, along with the red "meatballs" in the center of the star insignia were hastily painted over just days before the battle. Photos reveal that there is a fresh spot of paint over the former Navy markings, in this case "B-."

The prop carried the original pre-war tri-color tips (red/yellow/blue).

Because of the harsh conditions on the island, the upper surfaces were heavily faded and chipped, undersides were most likely very dirty.

A photograph of one of the planes taken immediately after its attack on the Japanese carriers shows that the pre-war rudder markings are still slightly visible despite the overpaint. So that's what I was going for and, with massive aid from templates by Jesters_ink and TonyT, here's what I came up with:


So whatch'all think? Am I close?

.

[Hot Space]

Even if your not, but I'm sure you are, I'll have it m8

Excellent

[RAF_Loke]

Wow, that 3D effect are stunning

[adlabs6]

I think you've captured it well Vig, good job.

[Serval]

Nice.
The rivets a bit overdone to my taste, but a great skin

[Vigilante]

Thanks to all for the comments. I appreciate the advice about the rivets; I know that I tend to make them too prominent, and I'm trying mightily to tone it down!

[FARaveN]

Thanks to all for the comments. I appreciate the advice about the rivets; I know that I tend to make them too prominent, and I'm trying mightily to tone it down!

I'm no pro like you guys but IMHO
I like the rivets they make the plane look like its coming off the screen if they were less I think the bird would look flat its all a matter of opinion
awesome job

[-=Fish=-]

I like it alot! Do you plan on doing more from 241? If so I believe I have the serials for those stationed at Midway if interested

[Vigilante]

I'd love 'em!

[-=Fish=-]

Check PM