Accurate Miniatures 1/48 TBM-3 Avenger

[waterman]

Quit the hobby in the 70s and started up again in 2009. In appreciation for the help I have received here, I'd like to share my first WWII build. Hoping all my builds will improve with your help.

 

[Capt. Vick]

Man that looks like the real deal. Great job!

 

[Wurger]

Well done. She looks great.

 

[Crimea_River]

I agree. Great job.

 

[ratpit]

wow - awesome work there, very nice

 

[meatloaf109]

Nice job!

 

[otftch]

Nice job.
Ed

 

[waterman]

Thanks! I got lucky on this. I liked the weathering on a Dauntless and tried to mimic the salt weathering. I did it incorrectly and the result was a total mess. Stripped the paint down to the original Future coat, masked the decals and re-sprayed the base colors again. Turned out better than I expected. I guess one of my short term goals is to finish a model without any painting disasters. Haven't had any luck yet.

 

[Gnomey]

Nice work!

 

[Airframes]

Very nicely done.

 

[A4K]

VERY nice mate!

 

[waterman]

Thanks guys! Haven't touched the kit on my build table at all today. Spent quite a bit of the day (and night) scoping out everyone's builds. So much talent and inspiration here. Think I have more fun looking than building.

 

[Aozora]

What's to improve? Getting the tri-colour scheme looking that authentic - Great job. Like the work you've done folding the rear canopy and adding a little more to what's already an excellent basic kitset.

 

[Wayne Little]

Done a fine job!

 

[waterman]

What's to improve? Getting the tri-colour scheme looking that authentic - Great job. Like the work you've done folding the rear canopy and adding a little more to what's already an excellent basic kitset.

Thanks, I'm really flattered by your authenticity comment (Capt. Vick's too). I searched the internet for colored wartime photos, but there doesn't seem to be much out there. The best ones led me to this website and I can't say my Avenger looks anything like those photos. If I had the level of detail, skill and knowledge that I've seen here, maybe I could pull it off. Most of the "authenticity" effect you're seeing is due to flat coats and lighting to bring out the subtle differences in the finish.

I guess mistakes do pay. Folding the rear canopy was due to an accident. I originally intended to open just the pilot's section and didn't realize the kit already provided separate side windows for that option. I mistook the forward section of the center canopy, as the side windows for the pilot. I cut the section off, but then realized the side windows were sitting inside the box. I basically folded canopy to hide my mistake.

 

[waterman]

Done a fine job!

Thanks Wayne. I'm currently building a BF 109. I've picked up a lot of tips looking at your builds and reading your posts. Awesome work there!

 

[Wayne Little]

Thanks Wayne. I'm currently building a BF 109. I've picked up a lot of tips looking at your builds and reading your posts. Awesome work there!

Thanks and you're welcome, any questions on 109's....just fire away...

 

[Mc_asp]

Hi, excellent! Just started modelling again(30 odd years) if I can get anything like this ,will be well chuffed!

 

[waterman]

Thanks and you're welcome, any questions on 109's....just fire away...

Certainly will do...thanks!!!

 

[waterman]

Hi, excellent! Just started modelling again(30 odd years) if I can get anything like this ,will be well chuffed!

Thanks for the kind words. It seems to be a trend; I notice lots of guys following the same foot steps (getting back into the hobby after a long break). Never thought I'd get sucked back into it so deeply. I only planned on building one kit.