Grumman TBF-1c Avenger, Commonwealth GB

[Wurger]

Finally I have found the thread Evan. Nice to see you in action Pal.

 

[LDSModeller]

Alan, that is one stunning build...thanks for sharing!

I have 2 Sunderlands myself, one to be an RNZAF Mk.III transporter, the other a later MR.5 (Brought on charge too late to fit in with this build description) ...Sunderland Mk.III it is then!

In that vein, anyone have any info on the reconfigured interior?

(Btw, look forward to seeing your TBF-1c build Alan!)



Cheers, Evan

Hi Evan

For the Mk III Transports (all four) the flight deck was a normal
Sunderland 'Office" the main changes were on th lower decking.

The RNZAF version had mattress type seating similar to this

The Officers ward room would have probably lap belts attached to
strap the passengers in, and as you already know the portholes were
lower down.

Similar to photo in this link
http://www.seawings.co.uk/images/sunderland/RAF%20Mus%20WR/115.JPG

Galley would remain the same, to provide tea and a storage area for the
"bagged lunches" for the passengers - note flying time
between Hobsonville and Laucala bay (or return) was about
nine hours

Bomb bay would have bomb racking removed and seating would have been added
(similar to officers ward room), though the bomb bay doors would still open.

Crew ward room would be converted to seating, bunks again similar to
officers ward room see link.

http://i212.photobucket.com/albums/cc106/pondskater/Seawings/1132.jpg

Seating was also on the raised deck aft of crew ward room,
only till about opposite the rear main hatch

A Sunderland flying from Laucala Bay to Hobsonville carried some
30 passengers, I suspect some would have taken up residence
on the cargo aft of the rear main hatch.Other than that the Mk III
Transport was pretty much the same interior wise.

If you check out my build, and if you want to add the interior
remove the lower part of last bulkhead, it will give more room for the
bunk/seats

Are you planning to sit the aircraft on beaching gear or a water diorama?
If water diorama I have some info on mooring for you

HTH

Alan

 

[A4K]

Wojtek, dzieki for your comment, and Alan, thanks for the help! Both much appreciated!

 

[javlin]

It's time to get rolling.Alot of builds entered in this GB but not alot of work happening so you are not the only one Evan.I guess it was the Christmas and NY's Alot of PE you have got there Evan.

 

[Night Fighter Nut]

Ok Even. Let's see some action here.

 

[A4K]

Cheers for the support guys!

Not too much action from here so far, sorry, had other things to attend to.

Some great news...got a VERY nice surprise from a friend: a 1:72 Hasegawa TBM-3 Avenger!!!

To make her a kiwi, I'm gonna need to convert the cowl - seems a shame to do that with such an expensive kit, so does anyone have a Hasegawa TBF-1c fueslage to trade for the TBM-3 fues? Can send the PE parts for the TBM-3 as a bonus, including flaps (plus kit markings of course)

In the meantime, I'm going to start with the common components, and cross the conversion bridge when/ if the time comes.

(Also started a C-47 for this build - will start a seperate thread for that)

Evan

 

[Night Fighter Nut]

Great but you're running out of time. There is only a little more than a month left.

 

[Airframes]

Evan, why do you need a whole new fuselage? Can't the cowling be converted?

 

[A4K]

Yep, you're right mate, times almost up, but didn't expect to finish them by the deadline anyway.

Terry, this is why I'd need to replace the whole fueslage:

 

[Night Fighter Nut]

What's the difference in the two cowlings? Perhaps someone here knows how to work around it.

 

[A4K]

I know the differences well, which is why I'm trying to avoid the conversion if possible - not that it's overly difficult, but more because I'm afraid of screwing up a bloody expensive kit!

The TBM-3 as you see has 4 cooling gills around the rear of the cowl, while the TBF/TBM-1 and 1c's had 2 large gills on upper rear of the cowl, and a third on the lower. The -1's also had a single built-in airscoop on the upper radiator lip, while the TBM-3 had two, one upper, one lower. There are other minor detail changes too, especially around the exhausts. (Picture courtesy Squadron: TBM/TBF in action)

 

[Wurger]

I can't see anything difficult for you Evan to correct the engine cowling without replacing the whole fuselage.

 

[A4K]

It's called 'lack of faith in my ability to do a good job' my friend! I would be braver if it was a cheap Airfix kit or something!
(I will do it though, so no worries! )

 

[Airframes]

Ah! Now I understand - hadn't realised the cowling was moulded as part of the fuselage. But - a bit of work yes, but I'm sure a man of your abilities could make it a piece of p**s !

 

[Wurger]

It's called 'lack of faith in my ability to do a good job' my friend! I would be braver if it was a cheap Airfix kit or something!
(I will do it though, so no worries! )

OK.

 

[A4K]

Cheers for the faith guys! I hope to live up to your (and my) expectations!

Btw, forget my comment re a fues trade! Closer inspection of the sprues shows Hasegawa were maybe a little sloppy in their research : While the cowl rings are moulded on seperate sprues (you only get the one for the version you purchased), the fueslage seems to be a common sprue, marked at top as '1/72 TBM-1C/3' !
Seems they picked up on the intake diferences, but not the radiator gills...(conversion, conversion, conversion...)

 

[Ruud]

Aircraft of World War II - Warbird Forums - Search Results

My build was a Hasegawa 1c (IIRC). It does have the correct cowl.

 

[A4K]

Sorry mate, keep getting 'Sorry - no matches' when I hit that link. Is it corrrect?

 

[Ruud]

odd.

2nd try
http://www.ww2aircraft.net/forum/your-completed-kits/faa-bpf-avenger-few-years-ago-27793.html

 

[Wayne Little]

c'mon Evan, you can get the job done mate!