Help with SBD Dauntless rivet pattern?

Question

Trying to lay out my rivet pattern on the cowl of my 1/5 scale SBD-5 Dauntless (RC), but I can't seem to determine the rivet pattern for the top of the cowl. I've got images that show the rivets for the sides and bottom, but I can't see what's going on with the top side of the cowl.

None of my books, photos I've taken or even all the photos on the web have been able to indicate where the rivets and/or screws went on the top side of the cowl... especially in regards to the depressions for the guns. It's difficult to get top photos of the cowl from the ground, hence the lack of images.

Any photos of the top side of the engine cowl, whether full scale or plastic scale, would be greatly appreciated. I've got good rivet references for everything behind the cowl, but not for the cowl itself.

Thanks,

Tom

snh9728 · Accepted Answer

Y'know, if there are no pics of the area, nobody else is going to knowwhat it looks like, either.  Fake it, using your best judgement.Steve HPhillip Treweek wrote:

Scorpian · Answer

Check out the Accurate Miniatures kit.  Probably the most accurate reference outthere...Keith Walker: Trying to lay out my rivet pattern on the cowl of my 1/5 scale SBD-5: Dauntless (RC), but I can't seem to determine the rivet pattern for: the top of the cowl. I've got  images that show the rivets for the: sides and bottom, but I can't see what's going on with the top side of: the cowl.:: None of my  books, photos I've taken or even all the photos on the web: have been able to indicate where the rivets and/or screws went on the: top side of the cowl... especially in regards to the depressions for: the guns. It's difficult to get top photos of the cowl from the: ground, hence the lack of images.:: Any  photos of the top side of the engine cowl, whether full scale or: plastic scale, would be greatly appreciated. I've got good rivet: references for everything behind the cowl, but not for the cowl: itself.:: Thanks,:: Tom

OSWELCH · Answer

Except that it has no rivets.For Tom, Have you checked with NMNA?They might be willing to help. Scott G. Welch

William H. Shuey · Answer

This is a definite point. If you look at a real SBD you find yourself thinking of the old bromide about "10,000 rivets flying in formation". I got a close look at an SBD and an F4F Wildcat at the Frederick, Maryland air show some years ago, and they are very "rivety". And I don't mean flush riveted either. They may not be noticeable in 1/48 scale, but that old Revell (Matchbox) 1/32 scale bird definitely looks strange being so smooth.

Bill Shuey

Help with SBD Dauntless rivet pattern?

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