Re: NNG-Rare SBD Dauntless in Flight-G. Scholl

Greg Scholl Wrote:
=======================================================
> Glad you guys knew the historic connection to this
> aircraft and the Battle of Midway. While our
> torpedo squadron was getting smashed the dive
> bombers went to work and hit their marks. This is
> the first one I ever saw in person. Got it
> landing, as it arrived, then one flight on Friday
> on the same runway, but taking off toward me, then
> two flights on Saturday. Everyone wanted to fly
> in the P-51, even if it was $700.00 more than the
> Dauntless. Can't say I blame them as the P-51 has
> the "Cool" factor. We wondered if some guys still
> had dry britches after their flights!!!
> During the day one of the CAF guys jumped in the
> back of the SBD and got the machine gun out. For
> those that do not know it was a two man crew and
> the second guy was a gunner who faced backwards
> with a pair of 50 cals. Watching them Saturday,
> the gun was retractable from the back of the
> seat.
> The seat could be reversed apparently cause the
> guy was facing backwards with the gun, but riders
> faced forward each trip. I got that on video, so
> someday if I ever do anything commercially with
> all this I can include it in the narration and
> show the guns which was nice to see.
> I still see Charlton Heston diving on that
> Carrier in the movie "Midway". Went to see that
> with my dad when it came out in theaters. What a
> cast it had too!!
> And yes this stuff is a real challenge to shoot
> on video. I tried some of the low passes
> hand-held, and could usually shoot landings on the
> tripod. Each had its pluses and minuses!!! I
> actually got some better ones than perhaps the
> ones I put in this little sampler. The T-6 was
> pretty exciting as well.
> Wish I could take a P-51 or a B-25 to
> Chama....is their strip long enough?? Yes we are
> in OHIO!!! Got the letters right this time, eh!!
> Greg

Greg: The SBD did have a pair of rearward facing Brownings, but they
were 30 caliber, I believe. The 2 flying examples should be those
of Planes of Fame in Chino and the recently moved collection from
Tillamook, OR to Madras, OR. Rides have been offered in both.
I rode in the rear seat of POFs back in Sept or Oct of '07. Since
their Corsair was to be flying that day, I asked if we could go up
at the same time so I could get some air to air photos and they
cheerfully oblidged.

Before Marine pilots could get checked out in the Corsair in WW2, they
were supposed to get 100 hrs. in the SBD. Dick Truesdale of West Side
Models told me with a big smile that it was a fine aircraft to fly and
that her really enjoyed his time in one. So did I, a really nice ride.