Trumpeter 1/32 TBF-1c Avenger Commonwealth Build-RNZAF

[LDSModeller]

User Name: LDSModeller.
Name: Alan
Catagory 2 Intermediate.
Model: Grumman TBF 1c Avenger in RNZAF Markings
Scale: 1:32
Manufacturer: Trumpeter
Extras/After Market: Montex masks, may change landing gear with 1:32 G-Factor TBM TBF Avenger Landing Gear, some scratch building.

This kit is going to be built mostly OOB. The Trumpeter kit has styrene and PE frets
inclusive. It's a large kit and lots of parts!!!

Little preamble to my build.

WWII RNZAF aircraft in the Pacific theatre were "owned" by Servicing Units (SU"s)
as opposed to Squadrons. The SU's "loaned" their aircraft to the squadrons
who flew them.

This TBF will wear the markings of 30 Servicing Unit and flown by RNZAF No. 30
Squadron. After 30 Squadron completed their tour, No.31 Squadron then flew them.

September 1943 6 TBF-1's were delivered to Hobsonville Auckland, where they were assembled
and flown to Gisborne. These 6 aircraft were for training purposes only and never left New Zealand.

Between Oct 1943 and Feb 1944, 42 TBF-1c's were delivered and these were to go to
war against the Japanese Empire

RNZAF TBF-1c's though equiped to, never launched any torpedoes, though initiallly
aircrew were trained by the USN for this purpose. They instead became very good
at aerial bombing, Rabaul being a chief target. I might add also that RNZAF TBF-1c's
were also involved in the destruction of Japanese Vegetable gardens by spraying
them with diesel and igniting them with incendiary devices/gun fire. These
were adorned with watering cans for missions flown

The TBF-1c were delivered in standard USN 4 tone colours and the only change was
the addition of RNZAF markings

Upon arrival at Gisborne (East Coast of North Island) many of the crews were eager to
adorn their mounts with art and the art work on my TBF will be Dumbo the Elephant
http://rnzaf.hobbyvista.com/images
/tbf_na2.jpg

Aircraft serial number is NZ2520 Flown by Pilot Officer Gerry Burton



An important note here is that during the RNZAF's involvement in the PTO it was
attached to the USN and shared life with USN/MAG squadrons.

Some photos
Kit


Montex masks


My reference material includes this book written by Wally Ingham who was
part of 30 SU's ground crew maintaining the TBF's


Some model shots soon

Thanks for looking

Alan

[Wayne Little]

Ok then...waiting to see more!

[ozhawk40]

Great intro to your first Group Build, and a very interesting kit and subject. Looking forward to it!

Cheers

Peter

[Lucky13]

Looking forward to this one mate!

[Airframes]

Great stuff, and this is going to be a big b*gg*r !

[vikingBerserker]

Very cool Alan, looking forward to it.

[rochie]

nice to have you join in Alan

[Crimea_River]

I'll second that.

[P40NUT]

Great choice Alan. Looking forward to more pics.

[N4521U]

Now here's one that lends itself to some serious detail.... good-on-yah

[Vic Balshaw]

What an interesting looking kit, looking forward to watching you on this one Alan and welcome to the GB

[JohnAnthony]

Interesting and unusual choice! I like the Dumbo nose art.

[Night Fighter Nut]

Bumber... I can only see boxes with red "X's"

[A4K]

Great stuff Alan! Looking forward to this build!

[LDSModeller]

Hi Gents

Thanks for the welcome to the GB and comments

A little update

This is a an RNZAF TBF under restoration at MOTAT
(Museum of Transport and Technology) here in Auckland



This is the Kits Wright R 2600 Engine sans ignition harness and
wiring etc



This is the real thing removed from the MOTAT TBF
for restoration (Photo used with kind permission of Richard Wesley
fellow forumite on RNZAF Proboards here in NZ)


This link shows the ignotion harness etc
File:Wright R-2600 1.jpg - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

In the full size aircraft the engine bearers and engine
were attached/through to a "Dishpan" as per following photo


Trumpeter in their wisdom manufactured this piece to attach
the engine and bearers - Why I don't know?


I have carved out of balsa a form, to vacform a new piece to replace
the kit item (this will be my first vacforming, so wish me luck!!)


The following photos show (hopefully) what it will look
like once the new "Dishpan" is made and items joined



More soon

Regards

Alan