The detachment of USS Hornet’s Torpedo 8 that was in the process of converting to the new Grumman TBF Avenger arrived in Pearl Harbor one day after the Hornet had sailed north for the upcoming Battle of Midway. When volunteers were asked for to fly what aircraft they had to Midway all of the 21 crews volunteered. Six crews were chosen and made the eight hour flight, arriving June 1, 1942 at Midway Island.
Shortly after dawn on June 4th a PBY Catalina spotted the Japanese fleet bound for Midway. The six Avengers left immediately and sighted the Japanese at 0710. They were intercepted by the Japanese CAP. The unescorted Avengers headed for the deck. Still miles out from the Japanese carriers two of the Avengers were shot down. Ensign Earnest, flying 8-T-1, had his elevator controls shot away but still managed to drop his torpedo at what he thought was a cruiser. Flying back to Midway using the fires set by the Japanese attack as his guide he crashed landed. Only two of the crew survived. Their gunner, J. D. Manning, had been killed in the attack. This Avenger was the only one of the six to return.
This is the ancient Monogram kit with folding wings and all the other “toys”.
That looks just excellent! I love those older kits and you have shown when done right they are still cool models. Great story of the sacrifices made for victory!
Great built mstanley! I love WWII navy planes and this is one of my favorites. I also love those monogram action figures and I position them in and around my navy builts everytime I take pictures. By the way the deck looks great. Where did you get them?
Nicely done, thanks for sharing it, Mike! Seeing these nostalgia builds is always a treat for us old-timers.
And it’s not such a bad kit. I particularly like the figures that come with it, though I’m not sure, but I think they’re a little on the small side. The crewman running across the deck, the pilot poised for the signal to launch, even the turret gunner, are all well-done.
Sure, the wings fold, the prop spins, the turret gun traverses, the bomb bay doors open, and the instrument panel is a pretty awful decal. But look once again, everyone, at what you can do, with 30-odd years’ experience under your belt since you built this as a kid!
