More SBD Kits! The 1/48 Academy USN SBD-2 "Battle of Midway" is now available!
The 1/48 Academy USN SBD-2 “Battle of Midway” (Kit #12335) is a detailed and historically significant model kit that faithfully recreates the early-war version of the Douglas SBD Dauntless dive bomber as it appeared during the pivotal Battle of Midway in June 1942. This edition focuses specifically on the SBD-2 variant, which featured thinner armor, less self-sealing fuel protection, and a fixed tail wheel compared to later versions—making it accurate for modeling the aircraft used by Marine and Navy units during the battle. Academy’s molding is crisp and clean, offering fine recessed panel lines, a detailed cockpit with sidewall structure, and optional photo-etched seatbelts for added realism. The kit includes positionable flaps and dive brakes, a bomb crutch mechanism, and a clear multi-part canopy that can be displayed open or closed. Decals are provided for specific aircraft that participated in the Battle of Midway, including markings for aircraft from Marine Scout Bombing Squadron VMSB-241, based at Midway Island. This kit is ideal for intermediate to advanced modelers interested in historically accurate representations of early Pacific War aircraft and is a fitting tribute to one of WWII’s most decisive air battles.
