Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA1204
Grumman TBF Avenger Diecast Model
RNZAF No.30 Sqn, "Plonky", Fred Ladd, Bougainville Island, 1944 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Grumman TBF Avenger | | 6.75" | | 9" |
In 1943 NZ2518 arrived in New Zealand was assembled for 30 Squadron. Pilot Fredd Ladd, later a well-known aviation author, named it "Plonky". Since Ladd didn't drink alcohol so he thought it funny to have a comic beer barrel pouring the contents down on the enemy. Plonky went to 31 Squadron in June 1944 and while on a mission was hit by flak. It burst into flames, dove into the ground, killing pilot F/L C. Prior and crew. It was several years before the wreckage was found.
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.
