Subject: Re: Am Avenger
From: "Steve Bamford ARC" <[email-masked]>
To: "Pete Hudson" <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 25 Oct 2004 19:46:08 -0700

Hi Pete,
I just wanted to let you know your article went on ARC today.  Thanks for sending it in.   

Steve Bamford
Aircraft Resource Center
http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com
 
Live like there is no tomorrow;
Love like you've never been hurt.
Work like you don't need the money.
Dance like nobody's watching.
Sing like nobody's listening.
Live like it's Heaven on Earth.

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Pete Hudson 
  To: [email-masked] 
  Sent: Sunday, September 05, 2004 6:38 AM
  Subject: Am Avenger

    
  "1/48 Accurate Minatures

  TBM Avenger" 

  by "Pete Hudson (Dr Fester)"
  --------------------

        Steve Bamford will insert full sized version of photo 01.jpg here 

  Having seen some fantastic builds of the AM Avenger in the ARC gallery I had been meaning to get one for some time and looked everywhere to find one.  As rare as rocking horse s***.  So the call went out on the ARC forums and I managed to get hold of one, thanks Graham. 

  This is probably the best kit I have ever laid hands on, the detail is stunning and the moldings are crisp and flash free.  Also the instruction booklet was very informative a gave great tips on building the model, and seems to have been written by a modeller for a modeller.

        Click on images below to see larger images
       
        Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 03.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 03.jpg 

        Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 04.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 04.jpg 

       Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 05.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 05.jpg 

   The build starts as always with the vast cockpit area which having been sprayed cockpit green was weathered with a little XF16 Silver for paint chips and a pastel wash with brown/black was used.  With some PE belts added this is the only other detail needed.  The fuselage went together with almost no seam another testiment to the fine moldings by AM.  At this stage the armament was added and then wings and other flying surfaces.  The engine having been painted was inserted into the cowl and fixed complete to the fuselage.  Then I masked the various areas ready for painting.

        Steve Bamford will insert full sized version of photo 02.jpg here 

  The cockpit glass was probably the most daunting part of the build, masking the 'greenhouse' can be the making of the kit.  True there are mask sets available but I decided to do it the hard way with tamiya tape and a sharp blade.  (just call me a masochist)

        Click on images below to see larger images
       
        Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 06.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 06.jpg 

       Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 07.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 07.jpg 

  After preshading the Avenger with dark grey the under surfaces were sprayed XF2 white.  Then using Intermediate Blue for the middle colour and finally Glossy Sea Blue for the upper surfaces.  A layer of future and then the 'many' decals which when applied with future snuggled down well to the surface detail.  Not until I had applied the yellow on the nose I found out that I failed to mask the area for the nose decal, but I would have to live with that error.  A quick brown panel wash and a layer of matt coat was then applied and with the masking removed, it was ready for final assembly.

        Click on images below to see larger images
       
        Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 08.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 08.jpg 
         
       Steve Bamford will insert a click-able smaller version of photo 09.jpg here.  Clicking on that photo will bring up the full sized version of photo 09.jpg 

  The rear turret assembly has caused problems for many trying to make it fit, and I was no exception.  I can offer no tips as to inserting this item, I struggled trying every way possible, but eventually it just popped into the opening.  So just keep trying and it will happen.  Then just the final touches, aerial wire from stretched sprue which needs to be made thinner, another little job which might not get done!

  So a brilliant kit of a BIG aircraft and if you have one in the stash, get it built.  I have recently got the AM Dauntless so I hope to try that one soon.

  Happy modelling

  Pete

  Photos and text © 2004 by "Pete Hudson"