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

[LyleW]

Yeah, I hear ya. I’d be worried hearing the snap of clear canopy pushed beyond its limits.Try heating under hot water perhaps? I don’t know. It is strange the canopy is smaller than where it’s suppose to be flushed to the fuselage.

Oh well...won’t be the first one I’ve busted! it is not a great amount of spread, but I’ve lost my engineering studies on that.

[LyleW]

A tired, old, arthritic neck is achy, but I think the turret is masked. Most of the innards are done, too.







I've decided to load it with the torpedo rather than the bombs. With that, I am assuming that it would not have carried rockets. Time to fill the holes.

[Stuart]

Looks good Lyle - what are you masking with?

[LyleW]

Montex Mini Mask, Item SM48065. They are vinyl and came with both inside/outside masks....Uh, no thank you.

[jeff]

Hey Lyle, newbe here, but I am working on the EXACT same kit as you have going here, not trying to be a smart guy, but check that canopy, I am thinking you may have it backwards, that indentation on the top should be towards the front of the aircraft, there is also a small depression on the rail that attaches to the fuselage, mine fits perfectly, try turning it around..... Jeff

[LyleW]

Welcome! "Newbie" or not, advice is always welcome. Good to have you with us. This is a good place to hang out.

I think at one point I had it the other way...for me the give-a-way was the slight curve to go around the turret. Duh....never noticed that . I just tried it the right way (thanks) and there is still the issue of being too narrow...albeit, a slightly better fit.

If we bought two identical kits...yours would fit, mine would not. I'm lucky that way:

[Stikpusher]

Is it the canopy or the fuselage that is too narrow where they meet up?

[LyleW]

Good question. I have run it through HAL 9000 and we believe it is the canopy. The fuselage closed up pretty well.

[jeff]

Thanks Lyle, I think the fuselage is tapered somewhat, but I hope the fit is going to be acceptable, I am enjoying your build.... mine is going to be an air tanker, and then my second one will be Royal Canadian Navy conversion ................. when I get to it that is....
Cheers
Jeff

[LyleW]

I do like the kit for the most part. Eager to see your progress, especially in the areas I had some issues!