Accurate Miniatures TBM-3D (Night Intruder)
This is my second of three Avenger posts.
The TBM variants of the Avenger were manufactured by the Eastern Division of General Motors during WWII. One of the external differences from the TBF (built by Grumman) was that the TBM had a different engine cowling. Another physical difference was while TBF's cockpits were bronze green, the TBM's were interior green.
The TBM-3D's were equipped for night missions with radar on the outer right wing.
VT(N)-90 were flying their TBM-3D's off the USS Enterprise starting in early 1945. They had modified their aircraft by removing the turret and lower stinger guns to save weight. They also moved the Yagi antennas to the top of the wing and over-sprayed the white underside with black on their three-tone camouflaged aircraft.
Back, just before AM failed the first time, they offered a direct buy, special boxing of the Avenger. These came in a plain white shipping box and contain three kits for the price of two. One of the alternatives in the box was a TBM-3D by adding the radar pieces to the wing. Markings supplied were for VT(N)-90. According to Scalemates.com, this was release as a separate kit in 1996, but I don't know if it was offered as an alternative in the standard TBM-3 kit.
Beautiful job, Chuck. I am fascinated by this deadly aircraft and its variants, and you've created a real peach. Love the finish on that thing!
Thanks, David. I'm always looking for alternative variants just to keep things interesting.
Excellent result, Chuck! A really great chosen scheme!
Thanks, Spiros
A very nice build, Chuck @charleshorner
Beautifully detailed interior as well.
Thanks, John. The entire model is Out-of-Box, no additional after-market pieces. The AM cockpit was very detailed and I don't think it needs any additions.
Good lucking build Chuck, @charleshorner. I like the modified paint scheme and have not seen on painted this way before. Nice work and good information in the article.
Thanks, Walt. One of the reasons I built this version was the modified paint scheme. I had never heard of the -3D until the AM offered it.
That is really nice! I hadn't thought of doing an Avenger in that role - a bit of inspiration for a future project...
Thanks, Greg. As I said before, I didn't know this role for the Avenger existed until I did this model. Always looking for something different.
Nice looking Avenger! Never seen one with black lower surfaces. I’ve got one of these kits… it’s got decals George Bush’s airplane. I bought some aftermarket decals that were more interesting.
Thanks, Jay
Loved it!
Thanks, Marcus
Excellent! AM's Avengers are really nice, never seen one as a night fighter. Vert interesting.
Really nice