Print Scale 72-411 Decal SBD Dauntless & A-24 Banshee in combat Part-1 Scale 1:72 for Aircraft Plastic model kit

Print Scale 72-411 waterslide decals are designed for 1/72 scale aircraft models of the Douglas SBD Dauntless and the closely related A-24 Banshee (US Army designation). This Part 1 sheet provides aircraft-specific markings with carrier air group or unit identifiers, codes, and serial references for WWII-era Pacific and Atlantic theater subjects.

The SBD family served as a carrier-capable dive bomber and reconnaissance platform, while the A-24 represents the land-based counterpart used by US Army units. The options in this set include ship-based squadron codes as well as one USAAF subject with an individual aircraft name, helping modelers build a clearly identified airframe rather than a generic scheme.

For modelers, this set is listed as universal and can be applied to any compatible 1/72 SBD/A-24 plastic model kit. Because the aircraft codes, tail/side markings, and national insignia placement can be alignment-sensitive—especially on carrier-style presentations—this sheet is generally recommended for advanced builders.

• Aircraft: Douglas SBD Dauntless / A-24 Banshee
• Variant / Family: SBD-2, SBD-3, A-24 (SBD-3), Part 1
• Scale: 1/72
• Product type: Waterslide decals
• Type of equipment: for aircraft plastic model kit
• Recommended kit: for any 1/72 Douglas SBD Dauntless or A-24 Banshee plastic model kit (compatible variant required)
• Service / Subject country: United States (US Navy, US Army Air Forces)
• Manufacturer: Print Scale
• Country of manufacture: Ukraine
• Material: Paper
• SKU: Print Scale 72-411

Included aircraft marking options

• SBD-2 “Black S-5” (BuNo not listed), VS-6, USS Enterprise (CV-6). Option notes association with AMM1/C Bruno Peter Gaido and is dated 1 February 1942 near Kwajalein.
• SBD-3 “Black S-10”, BuNo 4690, VS-5, USS Yorktown. Option is dated 8 May 1942 and lists the crew names Stanley “Swede” Vejtasa and Frank B. Wood.
• A-24 (SBD-3) “SHWAB’S WAGON”, serial 41-15824, 8th Bombardment Squadron, 3rd Bombardment Group, Port Moresby, May 1942. Option list includes crew names Virgil Schwab and Philip Childs.
• SBD-3 “Black 41-S-16”, VS-41, USS Ranger. Option is dated November 1942 and is linked to the Operation Torch timeframe.

This decal sheet is part of the Print Scale range and belongs to the Decals and Waterslide Decals categories. It is intended for use with 1/72 scale aircraft model kits and complements builds in the aircraft model kits collection.

FAQ

What is the difference between the SBD Dauntless and the A-24 Banshee in this set?

The A-24 is the US Army designation for a land-based version related to the SBD series. This sheet includes markings for both Navy carrier-based and USAAF land-based subjects.

One option lists “BuNo unknown.” Can I still build that aircraft?

Yes. The marking option is defined by squadron, ship assignment, code style, and date/location reference. You can complete the model without a visible BuNo if your chosen finish matches the provided details.

Will these decals fit any 1/72 SBD or A-24 kit?

The set is listed as universal. Fit depends on choosing a kit that matches the variant (SBD-2, SBD-3, or A-24/SBD-3) and using the correct style of tail and fuselage markings for that airframe.

Any tips for aligning large codes and national insignia on carrier aircraft?

Many modelers place the larger items first over a smooth gloss coat, use panel lines as reference points, and seal the decals with a clear coat after drying to reduce silvering and protect edges.