Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA1218
Grumman TBF Avenger Diecast Model
USN VT-10, "White 102", USS Intrepid, Yamato Sinking, April 1945 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Grumman TBF Avenger | | 6.75" | | 9" |
VT-10 made three combat cruises during WWII. They were assigned to the USS Intrepid from February 1945 until October 1945. On April 7, 1945 VT-10 took part in the massive assault against the IJN Battleship Yamato and an armada of support ships. The Japanese ships were spotted by aircraft from Task Force 58 around 12:30 with the first aircraft dove at the ships at 12:37. The aerial attacks came in 3 waves. The first at 12:37, the second at 13:00 and the third and decisive one came at 13:40. There were 180 fighters, 75 bombers and 131 torpedo aircraft involved in the attacks. At 14:05 the cruiser Yahagi sank after attacks by VT-10 aircraft. After the 3 attacks the mighty Yamato began to capsize and at 14:23 an explosion that could be felt several miles away ripped the ship apart. From the time of the first attack at 12:37 until finally sinking at 14:23 the Yamato was struck by at least 11 torpedoes and perhaps 2 more as well as by 8 bombs. Of the 2,332 crew on the Yamato 2,055 were lost. VT-10 lost 2 aircraft and crews. During WWII VT-10 is credited with sinking or damaging 300,000 tons of Japanese shipping at a cost of 30 aircraft and 27 crewmen.
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 2003-2026 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 2003-2014 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.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2026 The Flying Mule, Inc.
