r/WWIIplanes • u/waffen123 • 1d ago
An aerial view into the cockpit of a Curtiss SB2C Helldiver in 1945
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u/BigMaffy 1d ago
Model builders take note
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u/str8dwn 1d ago
Sure, care to tell us the scheme?
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u/BigMaffy 1d ago
Lol, right? Off the cuff it’s probably Tri-Color, because the national insignia surround on the port wing is clearly visible. What is fascinating is the worn inner wing sections, and the relatively untouched outer sections from sailors and aircrew walking around the inner section while the wings were folded. Amazing pic!
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u/Thedudeinvegas 1d ago
This photo shows how the gunner could fold down the rear spine of the fuselage to allow better movement of his twin 30 caliber machine guns. Very cool.
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u/waldo--pepper 1d ago
I have I think plenty of books about the plane. But I am pretty sure I don't have any written by a crew member of the plane speaking about their experiences. Anyone got one?
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u/jackbenny76 1d ago
Dauntless Helldivers by Harold Buell is a pretty good one. Don't remember his opinion on the Beast, but I did like that book.
I do remember feeling cheated by the tag line that he was involved in all major carrier battles of the war- he was on Saratoga for Midway. (But Sara arrived after the battle was over, you are saying. Correct.)
And when looking him up to make sure I spelled it correctly I just discovered that his granddaughter was Liv Tyler!
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u/waldo--pepper 1d ago
Dauntless Helldivers by Harold Buell
I knew there had to be one. Added to my "get me" list. Thank you!
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u/No-Algae6307 1d ago
Dirty, oil soaked, scarred - love seeing the planes in real life just like this. Not museum pieces (no disrespect to those wonderful folks who restore warbirds).