This is my version of Accurate Minitures' 1:48 scale SB2U-3 "Vindicator".  Overall I rate the model very highly, with excellent detail, but a somewhat challenging build experience. 

There has been a lot of hoopla over the indentations in the rear fuselage, aft the rear cockpit.  While these admittedly should not be there on a model of this caliber, the fact is they are.  Either you can write to AM and get new fusalage halves, which they will send you, or work with what you have.  Basically, I went the second route just to see what can be done with these imperfections.  I used Mr. Surfacer 500 and fine sanding sticks, then a switch to Mr. Sufacer 1000 and Xtra-Fine sanding sticks.  Slowly I was able to get the desired finish I wanted, but it took multiple coats of both grades of Mr Surfacer and a lot of time so be patient.

I found the cowl was a pain in the neck to install and that produced a few words uttered in frustration.  I also "had fun" getting the cockpit installed in the fuselage so that the windscreen would sit correctly.  The cockpit itself it a very detailed and busy part of the kit.  It looks terrific inside the model and AM did a great job with the research. 

The engine looks well done too, but I think the ignition wires are a bit much, as they look think and hide much of the rest of the engine.  I think AM would have done better to give the modeler just the pushrods and give a photo etch harness on the PE fret.

The rest of the model is pretty good.  Wings and tailplanes line up and only a little putty and sanding was required at the front of the wing where it meets the fuselage.  

Landing gear is a bit tricky to fit but it is well detailed.  All in all a terrific build and I really liked the end results.  Decals were good and laid down nicely with a little help from Solvaset. (Boy does that stuff work fast!)

I finished the model in the early war scheme of Lt. Blue-Grey over Lt. Grey,  using Model Master Enamels.  Weathering was done using thinned oils and pastel chalks.  Shading the paint was by continuing to lighten the base coat with Light Grey to make the base look faded.  This was used on all the fabric covered surfaces, and on these aircraft, here was a lot of fabric.

The markings are for the SB2U-3, from VMSB-241, flown by 2nd Lt Sumner Whitten USMC, and Sgt Frank Zelnis, on 4 June, 1942, during the Battle of Midway.

Here are a few other pictures of the cockpits and other angels of the model.such