This is the AM George H. W. Bush TBM-1C Avenger that I’ve been working on for the past 18 months. The plane is basically complete except for a couple very small parts to attach (you won’t be able to see what they are in these attachments. I’ve taken photos but am not happy with them except for this one and the short video attached. I’ll post more photos when I can take some better ones. In the video, if you can view it, I’m only using that canned air used for cleaning dust from keyboards, etc., to make the prop turn. There’s no motor or anything in the build and no sound effects because I’m just not good at making them.
This build took so long because I superdetailed and scratch-built most of the interior, and detailed a lot of the exterior, and because of work and Reserves, I only could work 1-2 hours a day on those days when I could even work on it. I want to put this in a diorama but have just begun working on the carrier deck, ordnance and equipment and haven’t started the figures yet. However, because of mobilization and impending deployment downrange soon, it may take a while to finish the diorama stuff.
As I said, these are just a teaser and I’ll post better photos soon. The video is a little grainy because it’s from my digital camera. I’ll try it also with the digital video camera.
Very nice build m8, and if your going to the warzone BE SAFE,and GOOD LUCK, I fought my war in S.E.A, and only wish i was young enuf to join again[censored]
Awesome build. The interior shots are magnificant. How did you to the interior wash along the ribbing? I’m getting ready to do an interior B-24. Have the green laid down but not sure how to accent. I was thinking about a combination of oils and pastels. I was able to see the video. Very cool[8D], it looked like it was doing an engine run up; very creative idea. Thank you for sharing.
Steve- As I have said many times during the progress reports… awesome work. And if you still are thinking about putting together some sort of a start to finish article… I will definitely take a copy… since your Avenger has me saying to myself, “Oh I gotta build one of those!”
If that video had a cloud of blue smoke at the start, I would swear that it was the real thing! Your build is absolutely fantastic, one of the finest I have ever seen. [bow] [bow] [bow] Please include my name on your generous offer for the build documentation, this is/should be THE reference build for the Avenger. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for all the comments, I truly appreciate them.
Bablenw - I used an artists’ oil paint and mineral spirits wash for the interior as well as the rest of the plane. I mix mostly burnt umber with a little ivory black in the mineral spirits to the consistency of coffee - so that it’s very thin. I cover almost everything with it making sure the ribs and recessed areas are filled. I then let it sit about 24 hours to dry. I pile up the q-tips and then start removing the excess with the q-tips soaked in mineral spirits. But all this is after I spray with a good coat of Future. I really like this type of wash because it goes on easy , comes off fairly easy and gives a nice used, dirty appearance.
wing-nut, mucker, and brain44 - I am still working on the step-by-step article and will gladly send copies to you. It’s kind of long and has a lot of photos so I’ll probably have to send in parts.
smokinguns3 - Yes, this is the Avenger with the turret issues. I had to take the turret assembly apart at least 4 times to get it right but I’m happy with the result, though the fit in the fueslage is so tight that I can’t turn the turret without scraping paint off the canopy frame. But the the machine gun does elevate.
Thanks again for the comments. I should be able to get more photos posted this week.
I recently purchased a Bush Avenger and am greatly inspired by your work. I hope mine attempt will come out half as good as yours. Can you tell me what after market items you used during the build? I am new to using the web site so please exscuse me if you have already posted this, and in that case just tell me where to search. Thanks and Great Work!
Totally Awesome!!! I too have one of these in my stash along with a few other Avengers. I love this air craft. It’s my favorite of the WW II era. I’m saving mine till I get my skills honed. If I could get it to look half as good as yours, I would be thrilled. Great Job !!!
I made the mistake of trying to use 1/48 scale seated pilot and crew figures in my “Bush” Avenger, and they wouldn’t fit. i had to cut the legs of the pilot, and bend them so the pilot figure would fit. it still was more than a tight fit. i haven’t got to the turret crew member yet, but that even looks tighter. Anyone else try pilot figures and if so, any success stories?
