Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA1208
Grumman TBF Avenger Diecast Model
USN VT-2, "White 97", USS Hornet, Battle of the Phillipine Sea June 1944 | Limited Edition
500
Pieces Worldwide |
|
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Grumman TBF Avenger | | 6.75" | | 9" |
USS Hornet CV-12 Essex Class carrier was originally USS Kearsarge renamed in honor of the USS Hornet CV-8 lost October 1942 at the Battle of Santa Cruz. The ship earned 7 Battle Stars and a Presidential Unit Citation during WWII. It is now a museum and designated as a National Historic Landmark. VT-2 with 18 TBF-1Cs was assigned to the Hornet and was one of the units involved in the first Battle of the Philippine Sea, aka 'The Great Mariana's Turkey Shoot". This cost Japan 3 aircraft carriers and over 600 aircraft.
Designed as a replacement for the aging TBD-1 Devastator the new TBF-1 was hastily sent to Midway when the USN became aware of the imminent attack on the island. The six TBF-1s were sent to attack the Japanese fleet that resulted in 5 aircraft being shot down and the 6th crash-landed on Midway. Lesson learned more firepower was added by placing a .50 caliber machine gun in each wing and larger fuel tanks. This modification brought about the TBF-1C with later modifications adding four rockets rails under each wing. This greatly increased the Avengers ground attack capabilities. There were a total of 9,837 aircraft produced in all variants of the Avenger with 2,291 being the TBF-1 variant and 7,546 of the TBM variant.
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 2003-2013 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.
- Presentation stand to display the aircraft "in flight".
- Accurately detailed underside with concealed screwheads.
© Copyright 2003-2026 The Flying Mule, Inc.
