UPDATE 2-15-2012--This version will have a limited edition run of 1000 pieces. Manufacturer is sold-out. We are nearing sell-out status on our allotment. No units are expected to be available for general sale after delivery in April.

1:18 U.S. Navy SBD-3 "Dauntless" VS-2 USS Lexington, May 7th, 1942 "Battle of the Coral Sea" (Prebuilt Model). No pilot figures included--however, our 1:18 Corsair pilot can be modified easily to be used as a pilot.

This aircraft, SBD-3 BuNo 4547 S-12 from VS-2, was based on the USS Lexington, during the Battle of the Coral Sea. The Dauntless' paint livery utilized red and white stripes on the rudder and red meatballs in the stars--these markings were ordered removed shortly after the battle. This particular SBD-3 was flown by Ensign John Leppla and gunner ARM3c John Liska. Four aerial victories were accredited to Leppla and three to Liska. Leppla's prowess in aerial combat did not go unnoticed, as Leppla went on to fly F4Fs but was shot down and killed in his Wildcat during the Battle Of Santa Cruz in October 1942.

Length 22 inches
Wingspan 27 inches

Features:
* Detailed plastic construction.
* Realistic surface details.
* Bomb swings on moving trapeze.
* Retractable landing gear.
* Sliding front and rear canopies.
* Classic SBD deployable dive brakes.
* Spinning propeller.
* Detailed cockpits.
* Rear gun traverses, elevates, and retracts back into cockpit.
* Faithfully replicated 9-cylinder Wright Cyclone R-1820-52
* Hinged ailerons, flaps, rudder, elevator.

PREORDER TERMS FOR THIS ITEM: CREDIT CARDS ARE ENCOURAGED FOR PREORDERS AND WE WILL CHARGE YOUR CARD WHEN WE ARE PREPARING TO SHIP. (A temporary authorization may appear on your statement immediately after checkout and will autodelete in a couple of days). Delays or early arrivals often occur with Preorder ship dates so please DO NOT pin Xmas or Birthday hopes on Preordered merchandise. Preorders are subject to factory allocating and are filled on a first ordered, first shipped basis. Keeping in-stock and Preordered merchandise on separate tags will help us fill your order quickly and accurately. Coupon not available on this piece. Paypal not recommended for Preorders.