Grumman TBM-3 Avenger, 1/48, Acc. Min.

[LyleW]

Dang Lyle! You've made a lot of progress on it. Don't feel bad about the tailhook. At least you didn't lose it.

Thanks, Mike. No, I didn’t lose it but I did break it in half...

[mostrich]

Very nice work so far, Lyle. This is going to be a sharp and clean looking model. Maybe you should pretend that somebody else built it.

[LyleW]

Thanks, Mostrich, but I claim them regardless!
I was indeed pleased at the fit of the cowling. The wings and stabilizers had recessed areas to aid and reduce any seam problems. Nice.

[Floki]

Looks like it closed up very well with minimal putty needed.

[LyleW]

yes, it did. I was quite surprised. I did do it a bit differently than I normally do..I am by nature very impatient. So I would normally apply tube glue to the entire outline of the fuselage and have at it. This time, I glued it up on sections with Tamiya Extra Thin and some CA as I felt was necessary. Used a bit of tube glue to get it started in a couple of places and on the cowling.

[Floki]

Oh wow just the thought of using tube glue on any seam makes me shiver. The best I have ever found was Tenex7r but it's out of production. The closest I've found to it is flex-i-file brand Plast-i-weld. Tamiya extra thin is next in line. I want to try the stuff Bruce was using by Mr. Hobby.

[LyleW]

Testor's red tube glue is what I started with so many years ago and it is still my go to. I've gotten pretty good at not putting a lot on seams and if I am unsure, I'll squirt some out on a piece of scrap and use a toothpick

I think I still have a bottle of the Tenax. I bought 6 back when you could still get it. I haven't tried the Plast-i-weld.

[Norman]

Nice work so fare, time to paint the Avenger.

[LyleW]

Nice work so fare, time to paint the Avenger.

Yes, getting quite close to that time. Looks like it is overall Dark Sea Blue, so no real upper/lower masking. I actually have a couple of unopened jars of the Tamiya XF-17 plus one that is opened. So, I should have enough....

Repainted the bomb bay...mostly because i got overspray from the white. I hope to get a better shot at applying a wash this time.



Wheel wels. White was the best I could come up with looking at pictures. I think it needs to be a bit dirtier...but not too much as I know they were kept pretty clean so that leaks would show.

[LyleW]

I'm exhausted...



Although it is a step close to done.