Trumpeters 1/32nd TBF-1C Avenger
By Jay Laverty
What a Kit!
When I first looked in the box of this model, I knew it was something special. I have been somewhat sceptical of Trumpeter kits up to this point, as I had built a couple (it will be hard to forget how bad the 35th Challenger II was...) with mixed results. I built the 16th scale T-34/85 and thought it was spectacular so my opinion was reserved about this one to say the least. However, as I have mentioned, this kit is special. Special attention has been paid to detail, and this model has landed in that special place that satisfies both the box builder and the serious detailer.
The build is superb and the fit excellent. Of course due to the sheer size of this beast it will take a long time to do but the work and the wait are well worth it.
I decided I would take this model to a point somewhere in-between box and detail build. A good choice as my inherent laziness dragged this model out to a span of nearly six months as it was.
I added some small details such as the wiring for the Wright 2800, a Karaya barrel for the turret .50 cal. as well as some of the wiring inside the fuselage, finishing off with some etched seat belts from Eduard.
The markings were going to be a challenge as I planned to do something other than a US scheme for this model. Enter Pete Mossong and his awesome web site devoted to the contributions of the RNZAF to the Pacific War. There is some excellent reference on the site for the 30th servicing unit which used comic characters for nose art. They have the distinction of being the only Kiwi unit to do so. I chose Grumpy as the subject for my plane and there is a Profile of it drawn by Peter on the site.
As there are no markings available for the airframe I had to use a Techmod sheet as a template for the roundels as well as some Xtradecal bomber codes in 48th as well as hand paint Grumpy on the cowl using artists oils.
I hope you chaps areas pleased with the results of my endeavour as I am and I highly, no make that, strongly recommend that you guys get yourselves a Trumpeter Avenger. You will love it!
© 2005 Jay Laverty
This article was published on Friday, September 27 2013; Last modified on Saturday, May 14 2016