Together with my
brother Björn, we run Flevo Decals. One of the first sheets we released was for
the 1/32 Grumman TBM-3E Avenger of the MLD (Dutch Naval Air Service). Such a big
model as the Grumman Avenger would certainly be an eye catcher at model shows at
our stand, so I started to build this beast a few months ago, to be ready for
the IPMS Show, Euro Scale Modeling, October 24th 2009. And, It was ready in
time!
Click on
images below to see larger images
Besides our own decals, I also
used the Eduard Pre Printed interior set to add more detail to the cockpit
area. Construction was very straight forward, without any trouble, replacing
some parts with photo etch, until the turret. Here I had some fit troubles,
and after some things even broke, I put everything aside, and didn't look at it
for two months! I was starting to realize that we needed that eye catcher at the
IPMS show, so, I picked things up again, to complete it, I left some PE stuff
off of the Turret, and everything went quite well. The wings were constructed
non foldable, and the bomb bay closed (I want to fit a target towing device in
the near future, which was fitted underneath these TBM-3E's.
To make the Trumpeter TBM-3 a
TBM-3E I simply blanked of the side windows of the lower gun position and closed
the inner tailhook bay. The tailhook which is normally fitted under the tail was
removed on this particular aircraft.
When the whole construction was
completed I've placed a set of Eduard Masks (yeah I was lazy) over the windows,
and sprayed the whole aircraft Dark Sea Blue, with Gunze paints. After a few
coats of klear the decals were added, these decals are very thin and follow the
aircrafts lines without any trouble. After another few coats of klear I've added
a wash of different colors, mostly burnt umber, brown, and in some places black,
Some little drybrushing was done in some places and finally a dull coat was
added. After this the masks were removed and all the final bits like the landing
gear, exhausts, propeller and the antenna wire were added.
All together it's been a very
great build, I really enjoyed it! It has also been a very big eye catcher at the
show! you don't see that many Avengers build in 1/32 over here, and certainly
not in Dutch markings!
The aircraft built is 074 serving
with 1 Squadron, based at Hato at the isle of Curacao. The aircraft was used for
training duties and target towing. It was taken out of service on October 11th
1961 after which it is scrapped.
The decal sheet for this (and
other Avengers) is available through our website, http://www.flevoaviationhobby.net
Best Regards
Niels
Dol
Click on
images below to see larger images
|
|