Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA1214
Grumman TBF Avenger Diecast Model
USN VT-8, USS Hornet, Battle of Midway, June 1942 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Grumman TBF Avenger | | 6.75" | | 9" |
VT-8 was the first squadron to receive the new Grumman TBF-1 Avenger, a bigger, faster, longer-ranged replacement for the TBD. On June 4, 1942 six of VT-8s new Grumman Avengers were on Midway and along with other aircraft located there launched prior to the Japanese assault. Of the six TBF-1s launched only one survived. The one aircraft was 8-T-1 (Bureau # 00380) piloted by Ensign Albert K. Earnest with Radioman 3/c Harry Ferrier who both survived the ordeal. Seaman 1/c Jay D. Manning was operating the .50 caliber machine gun and was killed in action by Japanese fighters. The aircraft was so badly damaged that it was considered beyond repair.
At the end of the day VT-8 was virtually eliminated. It wasn't long though before VT-8 received new pilots and was fully equipped with the new TBF-1s. They went on to fight during the Battle of Guadalcanal and through the Solomon's campaign.
Designed to replace the Douglas TBD Devastator, the TBF Avenger was first flown on August 1st, 1941. Capable of staging torpedoes, drop bombs and rockets, this single engine aircraft could also be outfitted with a combination of machine guns and cannons, which allowed it to act as a dogfighter. The robust Avenger design gave it the ability to withstand enemy air attacks and allowed it to serve throughout WWII, with dire consequences for the Japanese fleet. Postwar, the Avenger was still in service-retrofitted for other important functions including electronic warfare, anti-submarine warfare and target towing. © Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
Hobby Master's 1:72 scale TBF Avenger has a large, solid-metal wing, with only a small amount of plastic used on the metal fuselage. The large birdcage canopy can be removed to reveal pad printed dials and gauges, control stick, pilot and seat and radioman/bombardier seat. The non-movable framed rear ball turret has a rear facing machine gun, and the ventral gunner station has a machine gun and transparent widow. The bomb bay doors can be opened, and the model can be fitted with either four 500 lb bombs or a torpedo. Each release has an accurate pitot tube and radar antennas, and some releases include rockets and radar dome.
© Copyright 2003-2013 The Flying Mule, Inc.
The Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft.
Hobby Master "1:72 Air Power Series" diecast airplanes feature:
- Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
- Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
- Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
- Opening canopies, revealing detailed cockpit interiors.
- Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Authentic detachable ordnance loads complete with placards.
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2024 The Flying Mule, Inc.
