1:32 TBD-1 'Devastator'

The real subject

The Douglas TBD-1 Devastator was an American carrier torpedo bomber with a crew of three and a radial engine. In the second half of the 1930s it was among the modern machines of the US Navy, but by the start of the war in the Pacific it was already slow and vulnerable. At the Battle of Midway in 1942 the torpedo squadrons armed with this type suffered heavy losses and the Devastator was withdrawn from the front line shortly afterwards.

What the photo-etched set offers

Photo-etched parts are made from thin sheet metal whose thickness injection-molded plastic cannot imitate. In 1:32 scale the model is large and an open cockpit and clear covers let you look well inside, so fine metal fittings pay off. Photo-etch is used in modeling for seat belts, instrument panels, grilles, loops and covers with sharp edges. Which parts this item holds and where they belong is shown by the manufacturer instructions.

Building and painting tips

Cut through the tabs that hold the parts on the carrier fret with a sharp blade on a hard support. Do not cut them with nippers, as thin sheet bends and is then hard to straighten. Make the folds along the scored lines in a bending tool or between the jaws of flat pliers. It is bonded with super glue applied in a minute amount. Before painting, wash and degrease the metal and spray it with a primer meant for metal, otherwise the coat will rub off.

Terms of supply

The model, paints, glue and tools are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise. Which 1:32 kit the set is meant for should be checked against the manufacturer data.