1:48 Douglas TBD-1 Devastator

The Devastator in the last year of its service

The Douglas TBD-1 was a modern machine when it was introduced, but over four years development overtook it so far that in June 1942 it paid the highest possible price in the attack on the Japanese carriers. The torpedo squadrons that attacked that day without fighter cover were practically wiped out, and yet they forced the enemy into the maneuvers that decided the battle.

Seven machines from combat service

The markings on this sheet fall into 1941 and 1942, that is into the time when the aircraft already wore the gray-blue wartime finish. Among them are machines of the torpedo squadrons from the Lexington, Enterprise, Wasp, Hornet and Yorktown, and also an aircraft of a scouting unit that flew over the Atlantic in June 1941. For four of the options the serial number is documented and for three the name of the squadron commander as well, including both of the officers whose units were destroyed at Midway.

Masks as part of the delivery

Besides the films, the package holds masking stencils for the cockpit glazing and masks for spraying the camouflage scheme. On an aircraft with glazing as long as this type had for its crew of three, that is a substantial saving of time and nerves.

Intended for a built model in 1:48 scale.

A subject for the display case

The torpedo attack of June 1942 is among the most often recalled episodes of the war in the Pacific, and a model with the matching markings tends to be a rewarding centerpiece of a collection. Restrained weathering helps the effect, because the machines of that time flew briefly and did not have time to age.