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The
Trumpeter 1/32 scale TBF-1C Avenger comes with more than 400 parts
packed tightly in a sturdy cardboard box, and is a nearly total package,
with photoetch parts, film instruments, and more ordinance than you can
possibly hang on one airframe at a time. A torpedo, several types of
bombs, rockets, and extra gas tanks are included, which make for an
outstanding selection of iron to hang on the bird.
Fit overall
is very good, with only minor flash to trim off. The wings snap tightly
onto a central spar, similarly to the 1/32 Hasegawa ME 109Ęs, thus
ensuring a sturdy assembly and correct dihedral. The fuselage is packed
FULL of detail, so plan on leaving the aft radio operator's door open to
show it off.
I had only three problems with the build. First, Trumpeter continues
that #$@%^&* hinge and pin system for mounting control surfaces. I
chucked most of them and glued the parts on. Second, like the Wildcat
and Corsair kits from this company before, the wingfolds do not support
the wings in the correct position when they are extended you must either
glue them open or folded. Third, a few of the side canopy pieces had an
inexplicable bit of frosting-like distortion that no amount of sanding &
polishing Future could eliminate.
The decals, while not especially colorful or exciting (but then, what
carrier-based Avengers were?) nevertheless worked to perfection, and were in
perfect register. I needed only a bit of setting solution to eliminate a few
bubbles. No problem here.
I did elect to use True Details buckles and tape belts instead of the kit's
photoetched belts and buckles, so I could realistically fold and drape the belts
in the very busy cockpit. I did the same with the turret gunner and radio
operator's belts as well.
I used Tamiya Color Insignia White for the bottom, and Testors Model Master
Acryl for the Intermediate and Sea Blue camouflage. I shot Testors Acrylic
semi-gloss on the top surface of the wings and tailplane (but not the leading
edge, which remained dead flat with the rest of the plane).
That's the
project. Not cheap, not quick, but packed with goodies and a lot of fun
to build. If you're into large-scale Navy birds, have this one catch
your 3 wire you'll be glad you did.
Photos and text © 2005 by Rick
Cotton
May 18, 2005
www.carrierbuilders.net
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