1/32 Trumpeter Grumman TBM-3E Avenger

Gallery Article by Niels Dol from Flevo Decals on Dec 14 2009

 

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!

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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

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