1:72 TBM-3 Avenger - National Insignias (for HobbyBoss Kits)

A torpedo bomber from the decks of escort carriers

The Grumman TBF Avenger replaced the obsolete Douglas Devastator in 1942 and quickly became the backbone of the American carrier strike force. Because the parent firm needed capacity for Hellcat fighters, serial production was taken over by the Eastern Aircraft division of the General Motors corporation, and its machines received the TBM designation. The TBM-3 version had a more powerful Wright R-2600-20 engine and a strengthened wing with pylons for unguided rockets, so a torpedo carrier became a universal attack aircraft. The three-man crew sat one behind the other, the gunner operated a rotating turret with a heavy machine gun, and with its folding wings the machine fitted even into the cramped hangars of small carriers.

The insignia sprayed, not stuck on

The star and bars are among the most conspicuous elements of Pacific coloring, and a decal betrays it with a glossy border or with silvering over rivets. This set offers the other route: the self-adhesive masks are laid on the surface, oversprayed with paint and taken off. The result is part of the finish, not a film on top of it, so it takes matte varnish without trouble, as well as the subsequent emphasis of the panel lines and pigments.

What to watch out for

The shapes derive from the dimensions of the Hobby Boss plastic, so on another kit of the same aircraft they may not fit to the millimeter. The base must be perfectly cured and smooth, otherwise the paint runs under the edge. Spray in thin coats, start with a light sealing coat in the shade of the base, and remove the mask while the finish is fresh.