Douglas SBD Dauntless (oz4087)

About this Plan

Douglas SBD Dauntless. Control line scale model. Scale is 1/16.

Quote: "One of the most popular aircraft from World War II is the Douglas Scout Bomber, more commonly known as the SBD Dauntless. Operated throughout the war by the Navy, it became especially famous during the battle of Midway, and provided the backbone of Naval offensive carrier bomber operations during the early phases of the war. Designed in the mid-30's, almost 6,000 were built in SBD-1 through -6 models, with very little change in outward appearance. The last one rolled off the production line in July, 1944.

With it's real-life history of carrier operation, it is a natural for the carrier event, but not frequently seen at con-tests. Most likely explanation is the short nose moment, which can cause balance problems unless a real effort is made to keep down the weight in the tail. Also, some nose weight most likely will be necessary.

The model was designed and built in response to a fellow modeler's request. After having drawn the plans, I could not resist it myself, and the accom-panying photos show both models built for use in the Class I carrier event. The model can also be built for Scale or Sport Scale events. Power could be anything from a .19 to .40. The model is to a scale of 3/4 inch = 1 foot, which is conveniently the same scale as the Guillow's stick-and-tissue Dauntless kit. The beauty of this is that you can use the kit canopy, decals, and other goodies. The canopy and decals were used on our models, and were obtained by mail from Guillow's.

The only departure from true scale is the lengthened landing gear, which is slanted forward to improve ground handling, primarily in the interest of avoiding nose-overs during carrier landings. The tailhook is also out-of-scale, to be compatible with the arresting lines used on the model deck: Both of our models also incorporated perforated flaps coupled to the tailhook. They are released by a momentary full down of the elevator. This feature is not necessary if you are building for Scale or Sport Scale.

Additional background on the Dauntless, plus pictures and marking schemes, can be found in Profile Publications No.196. The Guillow's decals are a close match to the tone 3-view drawing in the profile, so scale documentation is readily available.

One of the unique features of the prototype aircraft, was the use of perforated flaps and dive brakes. Although incorporating functional dive brakes would serve no useful function on the model, the swiss cheese type flaps give it that extra touch of class.

Before starting construction, it would be best to have the engine that you intend to use available, since the motor mount spacing may have to be adjusted. Measure the width of your engine crank-case, then check the plans to see if the mounts need to be spaced differently. If so, the motor mount holes in Formers 1 through 4 should be adjusted.

Construction starts with the wing. Cut out the main spar, bellcrank plat-form, and two each of Ribs 1 and 2 from a good grade of 1/8 inch plywood. Note that Rib 1 comes in 3 pieces. The spar is slipped from the rear on the bellcrank platform, and then epoxy glued. Then add Ribs 1 and 2, making sure that they are properly installed and lined up. Epoxy well. I used Hobbypoxy Formula 2 on all of these critical joints..."

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