1:72 TBF/TBM-1 Avenger

The real subject

The Avenger was an American carrier torpedo aircraft of the Second World War and one of the most widespread machines in its role. It carried a crew of three, had a roomy bomb bay in the fuselage for a torpedo or bombs and a powered turret on its back. It was powered by a radial piston engine and the wings folded back along the fuselage for stowage on the deck of an aircraft carrier. The twin designation TBF and TBM tells the factories apart: machines from Grumman carried the letter F, the licensed production at General Motors the letter M. The number one after the dash belongs to the first production batch of the type.

What the set contains

This is a set of photo-etched parts in 1:72 scale, that is an accessory for a kit, not a whole model. The individual elements are held on a thin metal fret and are separated from it before use. What exactly the set contains and which kit it is drawn for are given in the manufacturer's instructions; with photo-etch it pays to check that before you start building.

Building and painting tips

Cut the elements out with a sharp blade on a hard surface and never tear them off. Make the bends along the marked grooves, ideally with a bending tool or against the edge of a steel ruler. Polystyrene cement will not join metal, so reach for cyanoacrylate applied in a very small amount, or for two-part adhesive on larger areas, which lets you settle a part calmly. Before painting, degrease the elements and apply a primer, otherwise the finish will not hold on the smooth surface. In 1:72 scale the parts really are small, so have tweezers with fine tips and good light ready.

Terms of supply

The aircraft kit, paints, glue and tools are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.