The BT-1 was designed in 1934 to meet a US Navy specification to replace the Martin BM-1 and the Great Lakes BG-1. Designed by Ed Heinemann, the BT-1 was the first all-metal aircraft to fly for the Navy. To guard against any weakness in the wings during dives, the wings could not be folded and the overall wingspan had to conform to the dimensions of the US carrier's hangars and elevators. Unfortunately, this requirement resulted wings that were shorter than optimal and substantially compromised the flying characteristics of the BT-1, especially a slow speeds (think carrier landings!). 52 of the 54 BT-1s ordered by the Navy in November 1936 were delivered, with one of the two retained for experimental use, the XBT-2 later becoming the Douglas SBD-1. Many of the lessons learned with this aircraft led directly to its successor, the SBD, which wrote itself into the pages of the USN's history during those desperate, and decisive, Pacific naval battles of 1942 and 1943.
The set offered here includes two landing gear down models, perfect for a pre-war Yorktown or Enterprise flight deck diorama. In fact there are actually two different models included: one with the canopy closed (photos #2-3) and one with the canopy open at the pilot and gunner positions (photo #4 - pilot and gunner figures not included!). We think that these 3D printed models easily rival and probably exceed the quality of comparable Pit Road white metal and WEM resin cast products but we've posted some high resolution photos so you can judge for yourself. Photography of these little gems is a challenge for our equipment and limited skills but we hope that we've been able to show the well proportioned model including the detailed canopy, engine cowling, wings complete with perforated dive brake detailing, tail assembly and especially the landing gear!
Although the surfaces are not perfectly smooth (3D printing is done in layers), the plastic used can be sanded and painted much the same way you would handle resin or styrene.
NOTE: While we currently maintain limited inventories of most items, some items may be "printed on demand", which usually requires 10-15 business days from order to shipment.
