by LIBOR MALY
The Curtiss SB2C Helldiver kit by SWORD that I´m going to describe seems to be neither SB2C-4 nor any other variant of Helldiver in fact. It can be said the kit reveals to be close to SB2C-3. However, there are several differences between either variants here. Despite this fact the SB2C-3 variant is quite easy to convert. All major differences are shown in attached pictures in the left column. Indeed, a few notices has to be mentioned in the text.
1) any SB2C has not been equipped with R-2800 engine as written in historic summary on the front page of instruction leaflet. Wright R-2600 Cyclone should be the right one
2) engine parts are created simply. I recommend to change them for AIRES R-2600 engine set. In this case you will have to thin inside of cowling as much as possible to fit the engine correct
3) none rocket racks typical for SB2C-4 variant are included
4) drilling all the holes through the flaps that should be perforated is necessary to do. However, it seems to be a difficult thorough work. Still wouldn´t you make a SB2C-3 conversion? If so bear on mind that there is lack of wing bomb racks and you will also have to omit propeller spinner which was typical for SB2C-4 variant
5) bulged track covers on the sliding rear part of vacuum-formed observers canopy are missing and they should be made on its both sides
6) be careful during fitting the cowling to the fuselage. It does not match well because of its shape which is smaller a bit therefore a putty has to be used for correcting the bottom part of the cowling
7) wing gun barrels protruding wheel wells are missing. We can not add them, unfortunately, wheel legs are in the same alignment as barrels. Only help is to shorten resin wheel wells ceiling and to set it closer to the fuselage
8) wings and vertical tail surfaces are but-joined and putty has to be used for filling all gaps and "stairs". However, it is routine for short-run builders
9) blue coloured (tear drop shaped for SB2C-3) formation lights on the top of wing tips are missing. We also will have to create the red and blue position lights. Note that the blue lamp turned to green when switched on
10) three recognition lights (red, blue and amber) on the bottom part of right wing have to be drilled out, painted and glazed
11) there should not be trim tab on the right elevator. It was deleted during SB2C-1C production
12) note that ailerons have had metal skin on the top and fabric on undersides
13) many photographs show wing slots in opened position when aircraft were on carrier decks
14) main undercarriage legs are created simply as well as their retracting mechanism
15) undercarriage covers and drug trus assemblies placed behind wheel legs are very thick. They can be modified as shown in photos of Squadron Signal Detail&Scale publication dealing with Helldiver
16) oleo scissors placed just above main undercarriage wheels are missing
If you have gone for a three-tone camouflage scheme I recommend pre-shading method to use for painting the white (rather off-white) undersurfaces