That's great info guys - thanks a million!
Alan, I would agree with the comment that 'NZ2527' is probably not the true identity of MoTaT's bird. She's definitely a TBF-1, of which we had six: NZ2501-2506. NZ2504 is now on display at the RNZAF museum (as TBF-1c NZ2521), and NZ2505 is being restored in Gisbourne (according to Philip Treweek's site), so that makes her either NZ2501,-02,-03, or -06...
Regarding the kit - I could cry. I don't know how many times I've suffered from failing to learn this lesson: It's generally NOT worth skimping on money and buying a kit 'cos it's cheaper, much better to save and get a GOOD one...
The Academy Avenger has some real accuracy issues, not just a few minor details, but of the 'chop it up and rebuild/ reshape the whole thing' category...
To be blunt, I don't have the time (or patience) to correct this thing at the moment, so if ya's don't mind, will put this project on the back-burner for now, and choose another subject for this group build. Thanks to all for the help so far though, I will use this information in the future.
The question remains: what to do instead? Thinking maybe a C-47A or Sunderland Mk.III transporter - what d'ya's reckon??
Cheers again,
Evan