**** DONE: GB-54 1:48 TBD-1 Devastator (1) - Pacific Theatre

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So I started preparing for chipping and the engine/exhaust. Useing model master metalizer I first shot the engine in steel and then tried a light coat of burnt iron which a also used as a base coat for the exhaust ring. I then went over the exhaust with exhaust. I then shot the seats and aircraft exterior in aluminum. Not sure but I'll probably go back to the Vallejo exhaust. I like it's look better.
Thanks for watching me make a mess
 
Hey all I know you think I've been sleeping, well I try to when I can, but as Devastator #1 is don we're work #1. Been working the cockpit area.

I shot all in Bronze Green. Common USN/USMC aircraft interior after they went away from the silver. I took the seats and shot them in Testors Metallizer lacquer and then bronze green so I could use my fiber pencell to show the seat ware. I used Kits World seat belts form their B-17 set. Worked nice as it gave me enough to do both kits with on set (I bought three sets).



here is the basic instructions for the pilots and assistant pilot seats.

Pilot seat test fitting.

Stick and rudder peddles being installed.

Rudder peddle

Yes Andy I do listen and learn. Useing PE saw to cut the small stuff. The really small stuff and there are a lot I use a masking tape backing so stuff doesn't fly off.

Rudder and stick all in. the stick had to be slotted into holes on either side of the forward console and then the rudder had to be installed behind it and then the foot rest / protector through the rudder and over the stick.

The assistance pilot aft bulkhead/ gunners forward bulkhead had four noticeable ejector pen holes. Before I found out they would never be seen I covered then in Mr. Surfacer 500 and then sanded smooth.

The Gunners ring was next. I think I am getting to old to deal with thes tiny parts. No, No I'm not. Again PE saw and masking tape.

The reason the bulkhead want be seen will com in the next instalment, but basically there is an upper level that fits over and the gunner seat goes in there.
 
Thanks guys, got a bit more done before I wrap up for the night. I'm not a big fan of PE for parts but they have done pretty well. it is more brass then anything and is easy to cut and shape.
I started with the guns. The kit is for VT 8 and LCD Waldron went out of his way to try and beef up the aircraft until the new Grumman's arrive. While he did get the TBM-1's they arrived after the ship had sailed for Midway. Six TBM's did fly to Midway and were in fact the first ti attack the Japanese fleet with only a single TBM bring it crew back. With two survivors but the plane was pushed into the lagoon. VT-8 was not the only torpedo bombers to splash out on the attack as almost to Devastators made it back home.
Anywho as Geo says. one of the updates he did for the squadron was to have duel 30's installed instead of the single. The kit depicts that well.
After that is was cockpit sidewall add ons.

 
Thanks all for checking in. The interior was pretty much finished last night but polished it up this morning.

Last night I did some test fits to close the fuselage and it wouldn't close at the front. There was an obstruction on the right fuselage side is a "box" was impending. I had followed the destructions according to the it was in the correct place but it was in the way. So pulled it and set in the cockpit where (IMNSHO) it should have been in the first place.

Fuselage halfs glue together.
 

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