I have decided to come back to modeling after a 20 year hiatus. I am excited to be back in the hobby and I am looking forward to starting my first project. I want to start with a TBM-3 build. More specifically though, I want to build the “Flight 19 version.” I looked around for a kit specific for that genre, but all that I could find are discontinued kits. So it seems, I will need to be creative with this one. I went and purchased the Academy TBM-3 "USS Bunker Hill kit. Hopefully, that will be a close representation. I also found a source where I can buy the correct decals. Now, I am researching the color schemes and that is where I am getting stuck. I have searched the web for photos and with what I could find, it’s hard to tell. For the main fuselage I have seen colors that look green, and some blue. Can anyone help with this? Also, if you have any other special markings or colors schemes that I should be aware of.
I have nothing to offer re your specific question, but couldn’t resist mentioning that the Academy TBM-3 USS Bunker HIll was my first build back after my hiatus. I hope you have as much fun with it as I did, what a great kit.
If I recall correctly, the TBF-1C boxing from HobbyBoss had the decals for one of the planes in Flight 19. I seem to remember noting those and looking them up because it reminded me of an “Unsolved Mysterious” episode with Robert Stack where I first learned about it growing up. I just put a search to double check this but I’m starting to rethink that. It wouldn’t be hard to paint those markings anyhow.
I have a TBM-3 USS Bunker Hill from Accurate Miniatures. I have the TBF/TBM Avenger Warbird Profile No. 2 for that and here is what it states for colors.
PTO:
Camouflage Colors 1941 USN/USMC
Non specular Blue Gray M485
Non specular Light Gray M495
1943 USN/USMC
Semi Gloss Sea Blue ANA 606
Non specular Sea Blue ANA 607
Intermediate Blue ANA 608
Insignia White ANA 601
1944 USN/USMC
Glossy Sea Blue ANA 623
Interior Color:
Interior Green ANA 611
ATO: Prior to 1943 colors same as PTO,
Beginning 1943 USN
Dark Gull Gray ANA 621
Insignia White ANA 601
“Note: The color mentioned as Graded Tone Areas is described by Grumman as a gradual transition from Non Specular Sea Blue to Non Specular White. This was probably achieved by mixing both colors together in specific quantities. When examining photographs, in some cases one can see this demarcation of color quite evidently. Other photos seem to show this as in intermediate Blue.”
Greg–thanks for the encouragement! How neat to hear that you chose that kit as well and that you loved it. This will be a slow process for me because I need to relearn so much. I dread the day when it comes to airbrushing and decals. About the time I came up with a good process, I had left the hobby. Now I have to start over. Egads. If I go slow though, I think I can get through it ok.
Bakster, I was a total start-again modeller too. After 40-some yrs off, and having no intention to model, I received the kit as a gift. Best gift I maybe ever got, as it got me fired up about modelling again!
I was dreading airbrushing and decal-ing too, btw. [:)] And lots of other things. Lotsa help avail here, that’s how I made it through mine, so don’t hesitate to do the same. Friendly folks here with lots of experience who just love to help.
Just take it one step at a time and have fun as you do so. Every build is part of the learning curve, wether you’re just coming back or have been building non stop for decades. The hobby is constantly evolving, with new materials, tools, and techniques being introduced. Try this and that, keep what you like, and discard what you do not.
BTW, I posted the movie clip since you already had the info requested, and just thought that you and the others here might enjoy seeing some real TBMs Hollywood style… Such a lovely big old girl they are!
Thanks Greg. I have to say, I have never seen a bunch of nicer more helpful people than on these forums. I have been reading the threads here for several weeks and I am really impressed with you all.
With my first go in this hobby I was building cars. The problem I had back then was orange peel paint, and/or worse. I tried different thinners, paints, air pressures, air sources, paint mixtures, and even airbrushes. It was always the same, or varying results. I was about to throw in the towel when on a whim, I tried Poly-S airbrush thinner. Oh–my gosh. That was it! The paint went on slightly wet and I was able to get beautiful gloss finishes. It was an eureka moment. I made about three kits after that and for some reason, I gave it up. I think what happened was that I had moved to a different place and that changed everything. Even though I rigged the new basement for airbrushing, I just drifted off. I wish I had kept on because I tell ya…when I get in the modeling zone and I am working on a kit, my mind sees nothing else during those hours of build time. It is awesome for stress relief.
Oh…by the way. I have come to find out that Poly-S is no more. See my concern?
Anyway… long story short…I am glad to be back.
Thanks to everyone that responded with their help and welcomes.
Say stikpusher–thanks for the advice and the video link. That is a classic scene. I love that movie. Heck, I liked it so much that I eventually took a road trip to Devils Tower.
