**** DONE: 1/48 TBM-1C Grumman Avenger VC-13 - Carrier Aircraft GB

Crimea_River · Aug 3, 2012

Username: Crimea River
First name: Andy
Category: Judge – Non competing
Scale: 1/48
Manufacturer: Accurate Miniatures
Model Type: Grumman Avenger TBM-3/TBF-1c
Aftermarket addons: OOB except for possibly seatbelts and non-kit decals.

Read a lot about this kit being a real beauty and I received it recently in a trade with Cory. A scan through the individually bagged sprues reveals some really fine and extensive detail, making this a great OOB candidate. I have not decided on a scheme yet and would prefer building a model depicting an aircraft in Atlantic service in the non-specular white and dark gull gray scheme but may just end up using the kit-supplied decals for a USS Bunker Hill aircraft.

As I'm not very knowledgeable about this aircraft, nor of its Atlantic service, I'd welcome any and all useful suggestions and feedback during the course of this build as I'm keen to learn. I'll launch into this kit slowly as I'll need to concentrate on getting my two Spitfires done over the next few weeks.

A4K · Aug 3, 2012

Good choice Andy! Knew it wouldn't be long before a TBF joined the fray!

rochie · Aug 3, 2012

should be good

Catch22 · Aug 3, 2012

This'll be a good one Andy.

meatloaf109 · Aug 3, 2012

I built that kit a few years back, there are some tricky bits, but with your level of experience, things should go well. Watch the turret assembly, as I recall that was one part that was a little dicey. Were I to do another, I would either replace the landing gear or find a way to beef it up. This one is heavy! There is a lot of stuff inside, I pulled mine out of the box and set it on the desk, 5 minutes later, and it's still shaking!

Wurger · Aug 3, 2012

Jayl · Aug 3, 2012

Nice choice Andy. I've done a lot of research and have ton of reference material for the TBF/TBM. If you need anything let me know and I can probably help you out.

Crimea_River · Aug 3, 2012

Great, thanks Jason. Suggestions for some Atlantic profiles would be good if you have any.

vikingBerserker · Aug 3, 2012

Excellent, I'm glad somebody is doing one.

Aaron Brooks Wolters · Aug 3, 2012

Nice choice Andy, I am thinking about doing a SBD.

brucejscott · Aug 3, 2012

Great choice Andy! Possibly the best detailed OOB kit ever.

Wayne Little · Aug 4, 2012

haven't built one but it is a superb kit, from all the reviews when it first came out.

Airframes · Aug 4, 2012

Good choice Andy. I used this kit (Italeri boxing) in the PTO GB. Have a look at the thread, as it shows all the areas to be aware of, and a tutorial on how to install the turret. It's a beaut of a kit, but needs careful attention in parts.

brucejscott · Aug 4, 2012

Yes, be sure to read that. The turret can be a bear without a little guidance.

Crimea_River · Aug 4, 2012

Thanks for the heads up Terry. Wasn't aware you did that one so will check out your thread for sure.

Vic Balshaw · Aug 4, 2012

Nice one Andy, be nice to see yo doing this one as I've looked at getting one myself a couple of times but have resisted the impulse.

fubar57 · Aug 5, 2012

It's a very nice kit Andy. Interior detail is great but somewhere I erred and had trouble with the rear. Put it all back in the box. Now, with a bit more experience, I might take it back out and see if I can correct the problem. Looking forward to your build. It might help me.

Geo