Description
1/48 Scale
The Grumman TBM-3 was a torpedo bomber that entered service with the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps in 1942.
The US Navy's most widely-used torpedo bomber of World War II, the Grumman TBF Avenger, filled a critical gap in combat capability shortly after the United States' immersion into the war. The Grumman TBF's and license-built General Motors TBM's replaced the aging and obsolete Douglas TBD Devastator. Avengers operated in a host of roles through 1954, including torpedo bomber, level bomber, and anti-submarine duties.
The modeler is greeted by 10 trees of exquisitely molded parts, including one of crystal-clear canopy, ball turret, and light lens pieces. Decals for two aircraft, one from USS Bunker Hill the other from USS Essex, are printed by Cartograf.
Cockpit detail includes separate side-wall clusters, clear instrument panel with integrated side console panels, pilot, gunner, and radio operator seats with separate arm rests and decal seat belts and harnesses, and radio and avionics racks.
The engine is nicely detailed and includes separate gearbox and ignition ring and wires. Engine mount structure and detail is provided for those wishing to super-detail the space between the cockpit and engine compartment.
Armament includes the exquisitely-detailed ball turret and gun, the lower tail "stinger" gun, 8 high-velocity attack rockets, and 3 choices of gravity bomb load-outs - 4x500 lb., 1x1600 lb., or 1x2000 lb. No torpedo is included. Bomb bay doors may be assembled open or closed.