Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA1209
Grumman TBF Avenger Diecast Model
USN VC-58, USS Block Island, January 11th 1944 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Grumman TBF Avenger | | 6.75" | | 9" |
The convoys in the Atlantic Ocean were crucial for the supplying England and Allied troops with everything from food to fighters. If the ships didn't get through it would mean WWII would continue for much longer and cost unimaginable numbers of lives. A team system was developed to handle the situation. It was comprised of Destroyers protecting Escort Aircraft Carriers (CVEs) that were the base for TBF and F4Fs. Using their ability for long endurance and a large payload of multiple 250-pound, 325-pound, or (most often) 500-pound depth bombs and rockets the Avengers would search for surfaced U-boats and then dive on them releasing their torpedoes. Sometimes due to flak fire from the subs the TBF would stand off out of range of the guns while an F4F Wildcat would be called in. With its large machine guns and speed the F4F would put an end to the flak fire giving the TBF time to move in and drop the torpedo. Some figures say over 35 U-boats were sunk by US air groups using this method. This doesn't take into account the subs that were sunk by British Avengers that operated from land bases. The crew of Lt. (jg) Leonard McFord spotted one such sub and is credited with the first use of rockets by a US aircraft to attack a submarine. One other notable incident was the sinking of the Japanese submarine I-52 in 1943. It was in the Atlantic and carrying a stockpile of items that were needed by Germany who in turn were going to supply Japan with much needed items. The sub was spotted and attacked by 2 Avengers from USS Bogue that sent the I-52 to the bottom. There was a total 9,839 Avengers produced in all variants with 2,293 TBFs being built by Grumman. The other 7,546 were TBMs built by Eastern Aircraft, a subsidiary of General Motors.
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 2003-2025 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 2003-2025 The Flying Mule, Inc.
