Franklin Mint Douglas SBD-5 Dauntless USMC "Norma June" US Virgin Islands 1944

Description

Franklin Mint Armour Collection B11B938
Douglas SBD-5 Dauntless; "Gray S-1"; "
Norma June
"
USMC, VMS-3,
Devilbirds
; St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands, Spring 1944
Pilot: Maj. Christian C. Lee (
Silver Star
, Korean Conflict)
Dimensions:  1/48 scale - pre-finished diecast metal
Wingspan: 11-5/8 inches - Length: 8 inches
Historical
:
Prior to WWII the USMC had three Marine Scouting Squadrons with only one stationed east of the USA. VMS-3 known as the "
Devilbirds
" were located in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands where their task was to deploy on anti-submarine patrols over the Atlantic during 1943-44. The last aircraft type used by VMS-3 prior to the end of WWII was the
Douglas SBD Dauntless
.
Because the standard Navy three-tone scheme was deemed ineffective for the Atlantic environment, Commander, Aircraft, Atlantic, issued orders on 19 July 1943 that specified two new schemes for aircraft under his control. However, the SBDs of VMS-3 were camouflaged in a scheme of Dark Gull Gray over Insignia White that did not match either of the two standardized antisub schemes! Photos clearly show the modex was in fact NOT black as previously shown in published profiles, but rather the same Dark Gull Gray as the topside camouflage. The S-1 of Major Christian Lee is a fine example of the Atlantic color scheme of insignia white and blue-grey.
NOTE:  Prepaid shipping applicable only within domestic USA - Shipping to include insurance - Models are well packed BUT they still may get things broke during ship - All sales are final - No returns.