Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation had never built an offensive aircraft before designing the replacement for the TBF-1 Avenger. The XTBF-1, which first flew in August 1940, was a sound machine with a tough airframe, wings with skewed hinges that allowed them to fold alongside the fuselage, an internal bay for torpedo or other ordnance, plenty of fuel, and a powered dorsal turret. Eastern Aircraft was awarded a successive contract, delivering nearly identical models known as TBM in March 1942. Most of the Avengers produced were Eastern's TBM-3 model, noted for its powerful R-2600 engine, strengthened wings for increased gross weights, and reinforcement for carrying a radar scanner or rockets. During the war, Eastern developed numerous, special-purpose TBM versions, used for photo reconnaissance, transport, or night reconnaissance with early-warning equipment installed. Other significant models were the 3E, which was the first specialized anti submarine warfare aircraft to carry modern sensors and to operate from a carrier, and the 3W, which was the first aircraft to carry an early warning radar in service.
- Scale 1:32
- Item Type: Static Aircraft
- Model Brief Length: 385mm Wingspan: 526mm
- Total parts: 492pcs
- Metal Parts: Aileron & Flap shaft
- Photo Etched Parts: One sheet for Aileron & Flap hinges, another for engine ventilation grill & bomb bay doors
- Film Parts: Instrument part
- Total Sprues: 17pcs sprues plus clear rotating gun turret plus 3 rubber tires
- Paint Schemes TBM-3, 89, of VC-94 onboard the USS Shamrock Bay, early 1945, painted Glossy Sea Blue overall.
- More Features: Full detail Engine, Workable flaps