OK, all the talk about Avengers on another thread (which shall remain nameless, but which features some outstanding eye-candy - oh, yeah) has lead me into the following dilemma, out of which I seek guidance:
I have one in my stash, the Italeri kit, that I believed was a re-pop of the famous (and infamous) Accurate Miniatures kit when I bought it. That one purports to be a TBF-1. Looking for a second Avenger kit for my stash as a result of all the talk, I discover that Academy has a TBM-3 kit out, for two-and-a-half bucks more than the Italeri kit, which an online hobby shop I frequent claims is from the AM molds. [:|] Is it? Are they? Is the Italeri the same as the Academy kit, really? Or not? Is there so little difference between the two marks that they could both be from the same molds (assuming that the comparison is among aircraft built after the first 100 [;)])? I’m not a super-accuracy type, but I would like to know what I’m looking at here.
Also, since we’re at it, how does the Hobbyboss offering compare, kit-wise, to the Italeri and Academy kits? And I might even consider doing the RM kit, if I knew more about it, as I’m not biased against Revell at all. All info, comments, opinions and observations are welcome.
Thanks in advance, ladies and gents, for any and all insight into this confusion.
I cant tell you who makes what, but i picked up a tbm-1c from the hobby shop. The owner just got a big shipment of am, saying that mrc has reissued them. They had two varients… Oddly enough the box still shows collins habovick llc from 2006. But the point is, if you want an am, you get get the real thing without the guesswork.
The Italeri is just a re-box of the AM kit, I know for two reasons, one when you look at one of the main interior pieces it has the Accurate Miniatures stamping on it, two, I have both kits.
I cannot comment on the Academy version, the “new” RM is just a throwback of the old version. The Hobbyboss is essentially a smaller version of the Trumpeter 1/32.
I would say if you really want a second Avenger model if you can get the 1/32 Trumpeter. I say this because for the money you will spend on something other than the Italeri model which is an AM kit the only one that has more detail is the Hobbyboss but its about $65-70, and at that cost for a 1/48 you might as well go to the Trumpeter which you can find for about $80-100…
You will not be disapointed in the AM/Italeri model, the best I have ever built to date. But we will see what I think when my 1/32 Trump kit arrives next week.
As far I can recall there are 4 1/48 scale Avenger molds: the AM kit, the 1958 Monogram kit, the equally ancient Lindberg kit, and the new Hobby Boss kit. As said above, the italeri kit is the AM kit reboxed. The Hobby Boss kit is even more detailed than the AM kit.
There is a difference between the -1 and -1C. The -1 had only a single .30 caliber machine gun in the cowling. The -1c and all subsequent versions had one .50 caliber machine gun in each wing and the cowling gun was deleted. I think the only -1 Avenger released is the old Monogram kit. AM never released one and I don’t believe Hobby Craft has either.
The Trumpeter 1/32 Avenger looks like they took the AM kit, scaled it up and added some detail. Then the Hobby Craft kit takes the Trumpeter kit and scales it back down to 1/48.
Thanks to all for the responses. Scalehobbiest.com lists a 1/48 Avenger -3 kit they claim is from the AM molds, hence my original confusion. The kit number is ACD 12285.
I’ll be back around to ask for help with the turret when I build my Italeri kit, from what I gather…
Geez, that’s all there is to it? I printed out the page from the archive site, will stick it in the box for when the time comes. Thanks, man - you’re a lifesaver.
This is a build of the AM kit which may be helpful to you. I have this in the stash so ket the link for when I get too it as this is a great looking build
Basicly there are five different basic kit molds of TBF/TBMs on the market these days in 1/48 from three different companies. Monogram/Revell, Accurate Miniatures/Italeri, and Hobbyboss.
TBF-1: Monogram, just re issued by Revell. Single cowl mounted gun and three seat cockpit are the main visual identifying features. This variant was the first in combat and used in all the carrier battles of late 1942 post Midway.
TBF/M-1C: Accurate Miniatures/Italeri and Hobby Boss each make one. This version had the single cowl gun replaced with a single machine gun in each wing to increase the forward firepower and saw service from early 1943 onwards.
TBF/M-3:Accurate Miniatures and Hobby Boss again each make one. The main visual difference is the cowl air scoops have been changed.
Both of the Hobbyboss Avengers offer a wingfold build option while the R/M kit has working folding wings.
The model off the ARC website is a great build but the interior color is incorrect. The TBM-3 models were only built by General Motors. TBF (Grumman) models would have the color combo of interior green and bronze green. General Motors painted their interiors interior green only.
That is if you want to be accurate, otherwise if you want to paint it to what looks good in your eyes then do a two tone. Its easier to claim the 1C as either or, but not the 3.
Thanks for the color tip, for I am planning one of each. Here are some photos for you, and all who responded to this thread (in humble appreciation), and, what-the-heck, all y’all Turkey lovers out there (TBM-3 from the Tri-State Warbird Museum, Batavia, Ohio - this bird flies). Enjoy [:)]:
She sure is pretty Ordie. Not historicaly accurate on some of that green, but just the fact that she is an operational airworthy Turkey makes her gorgeous!
Yep, she’s gorgeous all right. Being fair to the Tri-State Warbird folks, they bought this one already restored and airworthy - they try to do better with details, like paint, in their own restoration shop, though I believe the results do sometimes vary with circumstance. This one has been in some TV documentaries featuring TBF/M’s in flight, BTW.
Edit - As for color, I know that Navy birds usually reprise the base color of the A/C - or, rather, the bottom of the A/C - on the inside of the landing gear doors and in the wheel wells, which would be wrong on this TBM. Where else do you see an issue with the green? Shade seem OK to you? - end Edit.
2nd Edit - OK, I put on my glasses. I see the inside of the wing fold in the historic photos appears to be painted the underside base color, also - end Edit.
I’m always amazed by your alacrity in finding appropriate historic photos and/or information on various topics. Thanks!
That looks like it is a TBM-3E, the E model had the stinger gun deleted. The gear bay and inner door should be matching the color of that particular paint scheme. All others where white.
