1/48 Revell TBF Avenger

[HistoryRider]

I have decided to build the TBF Avenger. Here is a "little" bit about it:

Designed by Grumman to replace the Douglas TBD Devastator, it first flew in August 1941. It was the heaviest single engine plane during World War II. It featured the newly designed “compound angle” folding wing design that would follow on subsequent Grumman designs. It was powered by the Wright R-2600-20 Cyclone 14 cylinder engine. This engine used 25 gallons of oil and burned through one gallon per minute during startup.

The Avenger housed the pilot, turret gunner, and radioman/bombardier/ventral gunner. For its defensive weapons it sported one .30 caliber machine gun in the nose, a .50 caliber gun right next to the turret gunner's head in a rear-facing electrically powered turret, and a single .30 caliber hand-fired machine gun mounted ventrally (under the tail). Later models were modified one .50 caliber gun in each wing per pilots' requests for better forward firepower and increased strafing ability. For offensive weapons it had a large bomb bay, allowing for one Bliss-Leavitt Mark 13 torpedo, a single 2,000 pound bomb, or up to four 500 pound bombs.

Six TBF-1s were present during the Battle of Midway. Out of the six Avengers, five were shot down and the other returning heavily damaged with one of its gunners killed, and the other gunner and the pilot injured. Nonetheless, the US torpedo bombers were credited with drawing away the Japanese combat air patrols so the American dive bombers could successfully hit the Japanese carriers. On 24 August 1942, the next major naval battle occurred at the Solomon Islands. Twenty-four TBFs present were able to sink the Japanese light carrier Ryūjō. The first major "prize" for the Avenger was at the Battle of Guadalcanal in November 1942, when Avengers helped sink the Japanese battleship Hiei. Besides the role of torpedo bomber, Avengers claimed about 30 submarine kills. They were one of the most effective sub-killers in the Pacific theatre, as well as in the Atlantic.

In June 1943, future-President George H.W. Bush became the youngest naval aviator at the time. While flying an Avenger from the USS San Jacinto, he was shot down on 2 September 1944 over the Pacific island of Chichi Jima. Although both of his crewmates died, he was able to release his payload and hit the target before being forced to bail out; for his actions, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross.

After hundreds of the original TBF-1 models were built, the TBF-1C began production. The allotment of space for specialized internal and wing-mounted fuel tanks doubled the Avenger's range. By 1943, Grumman began to slowly phase out production of the Avenger to produce F6F Hellcat fighters, and the Eastern Aircraft Division of General Motors took over production, with these aircraft being designated TBM. Grumman delivered a TBF-1, held together with sheet metal screws, so that the automotive engineers could disassemble it, a part at a time, and redesign the aircraft for automotive style production. This aircraft was known as the "P-K Avenger" (P-K is Parker-Kalon, manufacturer of sheet metal screws). Starting in mid-1944, the TBM-3 began production (with a more powerful powerplant and wing hardpoints for drop tanks and rockets). The dash-3 was the most numerous of the Avengers (with about 4,600 produced). However, most of the Avengers in service were dash-1s until near the end of the war in 1945.

As delivery of the new license-built CS2F Trackers began in 1957, the Avengers were shifted to training duties, and were officially retired in July 1960



Specifications

General characteristics
• Crew: 3
• Length: 40 ft 11.5 in (12.48 m)
• Wingspan: 54 ft 2 in[24] (16.51 m)
• Height: 15 ft 5 in (4.70 m)
• Wing area: 490.02 ft² (45.52 m²)
• Empty weight: 10,545 lb (4,783 kg)
• Loaded weight: 17,893 lb (8,115 kg)
• Powerplant: 1 × Wright R-2600-20 radial engine, 1,900 hp (1,420 kW)

Performance
• Maximum speed: 275 mph[25] (442 km/h)
• Range: 1,000 mi (1,610 km)
• Service ceiling: 30,100 ft (9,170 m)
• Rate of climb: 2,060 ft/min (10.5 m/s)
• Wing loading: 36.5 ft·lbf² (178 kg/m²)
• Power/mass: 0.11 hp/lb (0.17 kW/kg)

Armament
• Guns:
• 1 × 0.30 in (7.62 mm) nose-mounted M1919 Browning machine gun(on early models)
• 2 × 0.50 in (12.7 mm) wing-mounted M2 Browning machine guns
• 1 × 0.50 in (12.7 mm) dorsal-mounted M2 Browning machine gun
• 1 × 0.30 in (7.62 mm) ventral-mounted M1919 Browning machine gun
• Rockets:
• up to eight 3.5-Inch Forward Firing Aircraft Rockets, 5-Inch Forward Firing Aircraft Rockets or High Velocity Aerial Rockets
• Bombs:
• Up to 2,000 lb (907 kg) of bombs or
• 1 × 2,000 lb (907 kg) Mark 13 torpedo

source of information: Hamlyn Concise Guide to American Aircraft of World War II and of course Wikipedia

[HistoryRider]

Here is the unveiling of the kit! I was a kid in a candy store....until I opened it! Realization set in, NO interior detail, poor molding, inaccurate kit functions i.e foldable wings, retractable gear, etc... Oh well, what did I sign up for, a Princess Cruise? Challenge accepted!!

[Jamesday1998]

looks like a good old kit! great choice

[DesertAAModeller]

Another oldie but a goodie. Always pass this in my local craft store and thought it would look good next to Monogram's Devastator (Revell need to re-release that as well!). Are you gonna go for after market accessories?

Btw, what I really like about these old Monogram kits is that they included ground crew, almost makes me want to buy each one and do a separate diorama for each.

[HistoryRider]

Another oldie but a goodie. Always pass this in my local craft store and thought it would look good next to Monogram's Devastator (Revell need to re-release that as well!). Are you gonna go for after market accessories?

Btw, what I really like about these old Monogram kits is that they included ground crew, almost makes me want to buy each one and do a separate diorama for each.

In my research for aftermarket parts for the Revell kit, I discovered that I will have to hunt down some out of production Eduard detail sets. At least those are the only ones I can find that will fit the Revell mold.

[HistoryRider]

Quick update on the Eduard detail sets!:
I called a hobby shop in my old stomping grounds in Montana. The proprietor claims to know a guy who knows a guy who might know a guy that has them! Should know within a week! I'll put some new pictures soon to show why I want detail sets.

[T3hGuppy]

Only a guy who knows a guy who knows a guy. Simples then lol.

[HistoryRider]

Only a guy who knows a guy who knows a guy. Simples then lol.

yup...me thinks out of box is what it's gonna be

[HistoryRider]

More "detail" pictures, showing the level of detail and why I was hoping to find me some of the aftermarket detailing sets

[jdog102398]

looks like this will be a "fun" build

[DesertAAModeller]

I feel your disappointment. I sometimes buy these kits with high expectation, but after I get the kit, it goes away. But I still build them for a former teacher so he can hang them in his classroom.

[HistoryRider]

looks like this will be a "fun" build

Yes it will be a "fun" build good practice for sure though!

[HistoryRider]

Only a guy who knows a guy who knows a guy. Simples then lol.

yup...me thinks out of box is what it's gonna be

The word is in! No photo etch parts for this build OOB it is!

[Nige201980]

Looks a great kit mate hope you enjoy it.

[HistoryRider]

I'm sure I'd be preaching to the choir about historical accuracy when it comes to getting models to like like the real thing, but therein lies a personal problem. My degree is in History, and I seem to be a nut about it. I always seem to have to find primary source documents to get my builds as close as I can. It's a bit of a curse really...but hey my analyst gets paid for it, although I still have no idea what my mother has to do with model building.....

Oh well, here's an update that is all about my references for the model, I found a document from GRUMMAN about their paints!

And some good paint callouts from Don Color:
http://www.jpsmodell.de/dc/main_e.htm

AND the best resource (that I have found) that has all the historical paint colors and their coinciding codes based on production company:
http://www.ipmsstockholm.org/colorchart ... rts_us.htm

Here is a not so shameless plug for Paul and Lee about the color matching app for iPhone called iModelKit! IT WORKS WELL! Cheers mates and thanks for the heads up about that one!

[HistoryRider]

Looks a great kit mate hope you enjoy it.

Thank you sir! So far I can't complain!

[HistoryRider]

Here is another update! Since the photo etch was a no go, I went ahead and decided to concentrate on the exterior detail (as best as I can)...but in any case, got the interior green and cockpit all ready to go.

[HistoryRider]

Recent work ready for dry fitting time

[HistoryRider]

Photobombed by my lovely girlfriend and moral support!

[Mike00]

Good start, I will be watching this build

[HistoryRider]

Good start, I will be watching this build

Thank you!!

[Nige201980]

Great start mate coming along nicely.

[HistoryRider]

Great start mate coming along nicely.

Thanks Nige!!

[HistoryRider]

Here is another progress update: Final Stage before the fuselage goes together

[HistoryRider]

Mark 13 Torpedo prepped and ready with Torpedo bay

[HistoryRider]

Discovering more fit issues during another dry fit session while affixing adjustable tail hook.



good thing the hobby shop is near a liquor store...fate, coincidence, design, or good business planning......?

[DesertAAModeller]

Progress is looking good, nice and clean so far.

I like your use of what looks like a tissue and the metal clamp. When I got into modelling a local office supply store was going out of business and I picked up a lot of those clips. I mostly use them for holding stuff, like ship's armament, to be airbrushed evenly.

[HistoryRider]

Progress is looking good, nice and clean so far.

I like your use of what looks like a tissue and the metal clamp. When I got into modelling a local office supply store was going out of business and I picked up a lot of those clips. I mostly use them for holding stuff, like ship's armament, to be airbrushed evenly.

Thank you! There is still some wailing and gnashing of teeth, but its coming along. The paper clamp and those are actually the BEST paper towels I have ever come across. Courtesy of my girlfriend who is a VetTech! Use them for everything model oriented!

[T3hGuppy]

I'm sure those fit issues can be sorted.

All the raised detail is going to be hard work to not lose with sanding.

[HistoryRider]

I'm sure those fit issues can be sorted.

All the raised detail is going to be hard work to not lose with sanding.

I've been discovering that....

[Nige201980]

this great work on a kit thats as old as my dad you are going to turn this into a stunning build mate

[HistoryRider]

this great work on a kit thats as old as my dad you are going to turn this into a stunning build mate

Thank you! I'll have another update here soon!

[HistoryRider]

As you all may know, this kit has graced me with raised panel lines, which makes fitting, filling, and sanding, a real "joy"

So knowing that I would have to sacrifice some panel lines for a seamless fit, I tried my first attempt at using Mr. Surfacer as a micro filler. I also used my tried and true method of using epoxy as cement/gap filler.

Here are the results

[HistoryRider]

Addendum to fixing the seams: I used micro brush applicators and a cheap brush to apply the Mr. Surfacer, then thinner dampened cotton swabs to remove excess before sanding.

For the epoxy as filler, I glued the fuselage halves together, then drew a smaller bead along the outside of the seams. Once dried, I then shaved it down with a scalpel and proceeded to sand and buff it down. Sacrificed some detail (no big loss) for no gaps.

[chrismoseley]

Good Work With Mr Surfacer, Really Neat Work

Alex

[HistoryRider]

Good Work With Mr Surfacer, Really Neat Work

Alex

Thanks! Any and all moral support is greatly appreciated!

[HistoryRider]

Here are the results from the dry fit at the beginning of todays session. Today is going to be filled with sanding, putty, sanding, more putty, and sanding. and more putty....this is also a glimpse of my future with the other wing assembly. I hope the Model Gods are with me today!

[HistoryRider]

More sanding and puttying to be done

[chrismoseley]

Just Found Out That Dad Has The Same Kit As This In A Monogram Box From The 1950's... Could Explain Some Of The Fit Issues? Sure You Will Be Able To Fix It!

Alex

[HistoryRider]

Just Found Out That Dad Has The Same Kit As This In A Monogram Box From The 1950's... Could Explain Some Of The Fit Issues? Sure You Will Be Able To Fix It!

Alex

I "think" (hope) so Alex! I found a pdf of the old instructions, it was more of a toy than a scale model! I just don't have a picnic table that I can use as the deck of a flattop!

[DesertAAModeller]

If you are using Mr. Surfacer to fill gaps, after it dries, you can use a cotton bud moistened with 91% rubbing alcohol and it will dissolve the excess Mr. Surfacer on the surrounding area. Leaving it only where the plastic needs filling. Also it might take a few applications of Mr. Surfacer to get the right amount in various places.

Sorry I didn't see this earlier otherwise you might have been able to save a lot of time and detail.

[HistoryRider]

If you are using Mr. Surfacer to fill gaps, after it dries, you can use a cotton bud moistened with 91% rubbing alcohol and it will dissolve the excess Mr. Surfacer on the surrounding area. Leaving it only where the plastic needs filling. Also it might take a few applications of Mr. Surfacer to get the right amount in various places.

Sorry I didn't see this earlier otherwise you might have been able to save a lot of time and detail.

Not to worry! Thanks for the tip! I was able to get the partial wing pieces attached without too much trouble! I was able to brace the fuselage against the wing section with a good bond of cement.

[HistoryRider]

Well, the wings (13" wingspan) are attached, BUT the fit is horrible....long session tonight of filling and sanding.

Might have to indulge in a snootsworth of liquid courage for this one tonight!

[T3hGuppy]

Ouch.

That is going to take some work with the fit.

Good luck buddy

[HistoryRider]

Ouch.

That is going to take some work with the fit.

Good luck buddy

Thanks for the moral support! It took a lot of putty, sanding, and filling, and LOTS of liquid courage. I was ready to throw in the towel several times. So I got it the best the fit would let me and stopped short of a mental breakdown.

[HistoryRider]

Here are the results of the puttying, filling, and sanding before cleanup for priming. I will never ever ever ever ever ever EVER get this kit again.

It was a valuable and intense learning experience, and so I will just chalk this model up as technique practice. Thanks to everyones' advice and support for using the putties and fillers!!!!

oh did I mention that I will never ever ever get this kit again?

[patrickroos]

Holy cra.. thats a lot of filler!
Nice work dude, just keep going!!!
Some kits will fight You, but they can never ever win,
This will be an impressive model in the end, dont give in!!!

I had many a kit like this back when they were new.
I remember wanting to give up on many of them, but worked on and in the end when painted and decals on.
Well they turn out ok after all.
And You are quite right, they are AMAZING practice!

[HistoryRider]

Holy cra.. thats a lot of filler!
Nice work dude, just keep going!!!
Some kits will fight You, but they can never ever win,
This will be an impressive model in the end, dont give in!!!

I had many a kit like this back when they were new.
I remember wanting to give up on many of them, but worked on and in the end when painted and decals on.
Well they turn out ok after all.
And You are quite right, they are AMAZING practice!

Thanks man, I greatly appreciate it!. I finished up a few spots and now its ready for primer. I shan't give up yet!

[T3hGuppy]

Glad your still at it dude.

Your more patient than me that's for sure.

[HistoryRider]

Glad your still at it dude.

Your more patient than me that's for sure.

I guess we can pretend it received battle damage and was repaired by a second rate machinists mate 2nd class