Print Scale 72-189 Decal Vought SB2U Vindicator Scale 1:72 for Aircraft Plastic model kit

Print Scale 72-189 waterslide decals are designed for 1/72 scale plastic model kits of the Vought SB2U Vindicator family, including US Navy SB2U variants and the British Fleet Air Arm Chesapeake Mk.I. This sheet provides multiple carrier-aviation marking subjects with squadron identifiers, modex-style codes, and BuNo/serial references suitable for pre-war and early WWII-era builds.

The SB2U Vindicator served as an early generation carrier dive bomber and scout-bomber aircraft, making it a distinctive subject for US Navy flight deck scenes and transitional camouflage schemes. The included options cover several US Navy carrier assignments and a pair of FAA Chesapeake examples, offering different code styles and unit presentations across 1939–1943.

For modelers, this set is useful when you want a defined airframe identity rather than generic national insignia. It is listed as universal for 1/72 Vindicator/Chesapeake kits; because some options include complex codes and small data markings, a smooth gloss base coat and careful alignment are recommended.

• Aircraft: Vought SB2U Vindicator / Chesapeake Mk.I
• Variant / Family: SB2U-1, SB2U-2 (includes an option noted as SB2U-3 code style), Chesapeake Mk.I
• Scale: 1/72 (also written as 1:72)
• Product type: Waterslide decals
• Type of equipment: for Aircraft plastic model kit
• Recommended kit: for Any / Universal
• Service / Subject country: United States and United Kingdom (US Navy, Fleet Air Arm)
• Manufacturer: Print Scale
• Country of manufacture: Ukraine
• Material: Paper
• SKU: Print Scale 72-189

Included aircraft marking options

• SB2U-2, US Navy, BuNo 1354, identified as an air group commander aircraft aboard USS Yorktown (CV-5).
• SB2U-2, VB-3 (US Navy), code 3-B-1, BuNo 1333, USS Saratoga (CV-3), early 1941.
• SB2U-2, VB-2 (US Navy), code 2-2, BuNo 1352, USS Lexington (CV-2); described with a special camouflage linked to the Barclay evaluation program.
• SB2U-2, VS-9 (US Navy), code 9-S-18, associated with AVG-30 aboard USS Charger while awaiting USS Essex (CV-9) commissioning.
• SB2U-2, TU-1 (US Navy), code 5/TU-1, BuNo 1381, TU-1 commander aircraft, Battle Force, Pacific Fleet, 1941.
• SB2U-1, VB-2 / VB-3 (US Navy), BuNo 0738, North Island (California), 1940; noted as Camouflage Scheme No. 6.
• SB2U-2, VS-72 (US Navy), code 72-S-6, BuNo 1362, USS Wasp (CV-7), circa 1940.
• SB2U-2, VS-41 (US Navy), code 41-S-8; described as a Vindicator (SB2U-3 reference) operated from USS Ranger (CV-4) in early 1942.
• SB2U-1, VB-3 “Top Hatter” (US Navy), code 3-B-13, BuNo 0738, USS Saratoga (CV-3), 1939.
• SB2U-2, VS-42 (US Navy), code 42-S-13, USS Ranger (CV-4), circa 1941.
• Chesapeake Mk.I, 771 NAS (Fleet Air Arm), code M8E, serial AL951, RNAS Twatt (Shetland Islands), circa 1943.
• Chesapeake Mk.I, 811 Squadron (Fleet Air Arm), code K, serial AL924, circa 1941.

This decal set is part of the Print Scale range and belongs to the Decals and Waterslide Decals categories. It is designed for use with 1/72 scale aircraft model kits and complements projects within the aircraft model kits collection.

FAQ

Does this set include both US Navy and Fleet Air Arm subjects?

Yes. The options list includes multiple US Navy SB2U subjects and two Fleet Air Arm Chesapeake Mk.I subjects with RAF-style serials.

Is the Chesapeake Mk.I the same aircraft family as the SB2U Vindicator?

Chesapeake Mk.I was the Fleet Air Arm designation for Vindicator-derived aircraft. Check your kit’s boxing and configuration details to match the selected option.

Are there options suitable for early carrier aviation markings?

Yes. Several subjects are tied to US Navy carriers and pre-1942 code styles, including USS Saratoga, USS Lexington, USS Wasp, and USS Ranger.

Do I need setting solutions to apply these decals?

They are optional. A gloss base coat helps with adhesion and reduces silvering, and setting solutions can be used if you want the decal film to conform more closely over panel lines or surface texture.

Will these decals fit any 1/72 Vindicator kit?

The set is listed as universal for 1/72 subjects. Confirm placement against your specific kit, especially around tail codes, wing markings, and any differences between SB2U and Chesapeake details.