Tim’s Hobbyboss 1/48 Fleet Air Arm Avenger MkI

[Tim Marlow]

Hi all
Here’s my entry for the group build. It’s the Hobbyboss 1/48 TBF Avenger, rebadged as the Avenger MkI (or Tarpon) for the FAA. She’s a big girl, and the box is suitably huge


Plenty of sprues inside……



Fuselage and wings



Plenty of detail and stores…..but mine will have a torpedo I think….


Three clear sprues all individually wrapped….


Instructions, decals and colour profiles…..


Various aftermarket sets, which, apart from the masks were all in the box when I looked so I must have bought them when I acquired the kit.


Lastly, my reference material.

My plan is to make this with one wing folded to show it off, and coincidentally make it smaller when it’s in the cabinet.

I bought this kit and the book on a visit to Yeovilton FAA museum a few years ago, mostly because their example was simply mind blowing when you stand next to it. It is just huge…..and only has one engine……love at first sight you might say.

This is by far the most complicated aircraft I’ve ever attempted, so I might need support as I go along….wish me luck

 

[Geoffers]

Good choice Tim, it should build up nicely.

Good luck with the build

Geoff.

 

[The Smythe Meister]

What a wise choice Tim,they are big aren't they?!
You've got some nice extras too,and the book looks very interesting.

 

[Tim Marlow]

Good choice Tim, it should build up nicely.

Good luck with the build

Geoff.

Cheers Geoff.

 

[Tim Marlow]

What a wise choice Tim,they are big aren't they?!
You've got some nice extras too,and the book looks very interesting.

Yep, big alright…..don’t think you can get the extras now, so I’m pleased I got them when I bought the kit….book is excellent. In fact, the FAA museum is well worth a visit if you haven’t been. The gift shop is (or was when I went) better stocked than most model shops….

 

[boatman]

GOOD show on this plane Tim an i'll be followin along on your build hope you have many enjoyable hrs on this build sir
chrisb

 

[Tim Marlow]

GOOD show on this plane Tim an i'll be followin along on your build hope you have many enjoyable hrs on this build sir
chrisb

Hours, yep definitely, enjoyable….who knows LOL….

 

[Jim R]

An excellent choice Tim. A lot there as well. This should be a good test for your modelling skills - and patience. Does the kit come with the parts for folded wings?

 

[Tim Marlow]

An excellent choice Tim. A lot there as well. This should be a good test for your modelling skills - and patience. Does the kit come with the parts for folded wings?

Hi Jim. Thanks for the support. Yes, it does come with wingfold parts. Not that sure yet it can be built with the wings out to be honest, the instructions are not that clear. The supplied parts look a bit lacking in detail but there is more on the etch set.

 

[Waspie]

As it’s FAA, I’m in. Have to admit, never heard of the ‘Tarpon’! I’m due a visit to the FAA museum, been a long while since last visit!!! (Only because the ‘Dunker’ was opposite!!!) I’m over that now!

 

[Tim Marlow]

As it’s FAA, I’m in. Have to admit, never heard of the ‘Tarpon’! I’m due a visit to the FAA museum, been a long while since last visit!!! (Only because the ‘Dunker’ was opposite!!!) I’m over that now!

Welcome aboard Doug. The Tarpon is just the FAA name for the Avenger, like the Wildcat was called the Martlet and the Hellcat was called the Gannet….
If you are going to visit I’d leave it until out of season or next year when the 303 upgrade is finished if I were you. Traffic around it is quite bad at the moment because they are doubling the road.

 

[Waspie]

Welcome aboard Doug. The Tarpon is just the FAA name for the Avenger, like the Wildcat was called the Martlet and the Hellcat was called the Gannet….
If you are going to visit I’d leave it until out of season or next year when the 303 upgrade is finished if I were you. Traffic around it is quite bad at the moment because they are doubling the road.

Thanks Tim, and for the roadwork advice. Prob next year now then!!

 

[KarlW]

Looking forward to the rockets........

 

[Mickc1440]

That’s a great looking kit Tim, I’ll pull up a seat

 

[Ian M]

Watching with interest. I was thinking of one of these as a victim. Now I can Just watch you

 

[JR]

I'm in, just the size of it makes it interesting, like a pot bellied pig .

 

[Tim Marlow]

Looking forward to the rockets........

I’m not…..too fiddly by far. I need to find out if they carried Rockets and torpedoes though. After all, it’s got to have a torpedo, it’s a torpedo bomber…..

 

[Tim Marlow]

That’s a great looking kit Tim, I’ll pull up a seat

Glad to have you looking in Mick.

 

[Tim Marlow]

Watching with interest. I was thinking of one of these as a victim. Now I can Just watch you

I’ll let you know how it goes together…..

 

[Tim Marlow]

I'm in, just the size of it makes it interesting, like a pot bellied pig .

The size was what drew me to it John. For a single engined plane it’s huge.