F-14D

Subject:
Grumman
TBM-3 Avenger
Kit Used: Accurate Miniatures 1/48

Review & model by:
Ian Gilbert
Pictures: R. Forys

November 2003
Junior
Model of the Month

History: The Grumman TBM Avenger mage its maiden flight in August 1941. By March of 1945, almost 2300 units had been built, however requirements far exceeded Grumman production, so the Eastern Aircraft Division of General Motors took up the bulk of the production with over 7500 aircraft delivered by September of 1945.

The Avenger made its combat debut in the Battle of Midway in June of 1942, and became one of the best torpedo bombers of World War II. Other versions were also produced to fill the photo-recon and anti-submarine roles, with some equipped with podded air-to-surface radar, underwing rockets, and even retractable searchlights. Many aircraft were transferred under Lend-Lease to Allied forces, and this proven design was used long after World War II by a number of nations.

The Kit: The Accurate Miniatures line of kits has gained a good reputation, and this kit is no exception. Our own junior reviewer Ian, rates the quality and accuracy of the kit as excellent, and says the instructions are good, and the level of difficulty is a little harder than average. He also says that the overall appeal of the kit is excellent.

The kit has great detail and the parts are well molded, however there was an issue with the fuselage, as the halves did not line up perfectly. The only modifications came in the turret, where construction differed from the instructions, and the 5" HVARs were replaced with parts from the spares box.

Finishing: The kit was painted with Model Master Acrylic paints, and the kit decals were replaced with ones from the Superscale sheet number 48-566. Weathering was kept to a minimum, with oil washes in the interior.

References:
TBM/TBF Avenger in Action, Charles L. Scrivner, Squadron/Signal Publications, 1987
TBM/TBF Avenger in Detail & Scale, Bert Kinzey, Squadron/Signal Publications, 1998