Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA1216
Grumman TBF Avenger Diecast Model
USN VT-84 Wolf Pack, USS Bunker Hill, Yamato Sinking, April 1945 |
| 1:72 Scale | | Length | | Width |
|---|
| Grumman TBF Avenger | | 6.75" | | 9" |
On April 7, 1945 the Imperial Japanese Navy set out to inflict as much damage as possible on the American invasion force at Okinawa. Included in the flotilla were the giant battleship Yamato, one light cruiser and 8 destroyers. Aircraft from Task Force 58 had located the armada and tracked it until it came within range of the TBMs from VT-84 "the Wolf Pack" onboard the USS Bunker Hill as well as TBMs and Helldivers from other squadrons. The bombers departed but because of poor visibility were only able to attack a destroyer which they sank. On board the USS Bunker Hill VT-84 was led by veteran pilot Lt. Cdr. Chandler Swanson who instructed his pilots that they were to go after the Yamato, nothing else mattered. Swanson had arranged for 8 of his TBM’s to attack from the port and the remaining 6 to attack from starboard. On the run-in one TBM was shot down and one was badly damaged but continued on his mission. VT-84 had unloaded their torpedoes and claimed 7 torpedoes slammed into the port side and 2 into the starboard. Other groups stood by waiting their turn to attack the 64,000-ton monster. When it was over there had been 19 torpedo hits but when VT-84 returned to USS Bunker Hill they reported the number of hits but that the Yamato and 3 destroyers were still afloat. At 1600 hours word finally came that the Yamato had capsized and exploded.
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.
