1:72 scale diecast model by Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA0164. Douglas SBD-2 Dauntless US Army, Java, 1942, (A-24 Banshee).

Length 6 inches
Wingspan 7 inches

The A-24 based on the Douglas Dauntless with a large pneumatic tail wheel and the tailhook removed. Never meant to be a front-line aircraft the Banshee was only to be used until the arrival of the more powerful A-25 and then it was to be used as a dive-bomber trainer. Because of the out break of WWII and delays with the A-25 the A-24 was forced into action. Due to heavy losses the A-24 was withdrawn and to the role it was initially intended, training.

A shipment of crated A-24 Banshees was destined for the Philippines but when the Japanese captured the islands the aircraft were diverted to Brisbane Australia. There they were re-assembled and found to be missing parts, no self-sealing fuel tanks, no armor-plating and had worn out engines. Pilots referred to them as �Blue Rock Clay Pigeons�. These A-24s were now destined for Java but had to be ferried across Australia to Darwin. On February 10 1942 Banshee s/n 41-15755 was ferried by 2nd Lt. Jackson who became lost and crash landed. The aircraft was repaired but later was SOC (Struck Off Charge) on August 1944.