Hi Guys
I'm thinking about ordering either the Accurate Miniatures SBD-3 or the 5 but can't decide for sure which way to go.Obviously the 5 is a later version but what are the main differences between the SBD-3 and the 5 version? Is there any difference in the overall size or shape of wings, cowling, etc... or is the difference just a more powerful engine and different armament?

Good modeling and thanks for any info you can pass along.
Wayne

As far as the overall shape goes, there are no major differences. The big difference (and easiest way to tell a SBD-5 from any other SBD) is that the carburetor intake was removed from the upper part of the cowl on the SBD-5. There is also only one cowl flap on the SBD-5 while all other variants had 3. The -5 had the R-1820-60 engine (1200 hp) while the -3 used the R-1820-52 (1000 hp). The YAGI antennae also started to show prominent use on the -5. One significant change to the cockpit was that a reflector sight was used on the -5 while the -3 used a telescopic site.

If your too torn between the two....just do both!

HTH.

Or do the pre-war version(hehehehehe)
capnjock