Grumman TBF-1 Avenger VT-8
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The paint scheme depicted is TBF-1 Avenger coded 8-T-1 from VT-8 of USS Hornet. Piloted by Ensign A.K. Earnest, this Avenger participated in the Battle of Midway on June 4 1942, taking off from Midway Island to attack IJN carriers. It was the only of the brand new Avengers that returned from the attack, although badly damaged and with the gunner Jay D. Manning KIA.
The base kit used was made by Academy, modified to better represent an early production TBF-1. The modifications included adding a trough in the starboard side of the engine cowling for the .30 cal machine gun, repositioning of the fuselage windows and creating the landing light under the right wing. The wheel bays were partly taken from the Hasegawa Avenger kit and partly scratch-built from styrene sheet. The seats were taken from the same kit, as well as the instruments panel.
