[Shawn 507]

So is there a reason why there is no stinger in the ball turret or the belly? Is this ooperationally correct or a boo boo by HM? Just asking. Otherwise its a great looking Avenger that begs for its Atlantic cousin in grey and white.

[mikeb1958]

I would think that for night time operations the rear gun would be useless.

[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by Shawn 507

So is there a reason why there is no stinger in the ball turret or the belly? Is this ooperationally correct or a boo boo by HM? Just asking. Otherwise its a great looking Avenger that begs for its Atlantic cousin in grey and white.

I found a reference for this in Squadron TBM/TBF Avenger in Action publiction. On page 34 there is a picture of a TBM-3 of VT(N)-90 (Minus defensive armament). Caption reads "The machine guns have been removed from the turret and "stinger" position." Planes were in this configuration while the Enterprise was operating as a night carrier. Looks like Hobby Master did their homework and nailed this right.

[Black 6]

I'm expecting this model to be delivered to me this week and was surprised by this posting (I expected the usual TBM weapons). I did some looking around and came up with this pic from the US Navy of this plane's squadron in formation (in fact, #53 is third from the bottom). While the turret guns cannot be seen, there aren't any in the belly. Like CC says, it "Looks like Hobby Master did their homework..."

Good job HM!

[Shawn 507]

Great info guys and great pic. Personally this cat would have the .50 in his ball turret for the "Ah-Sh*t" factor. Better to have and not need, than need and not have.

[Shawn 507]

BTW, I think I see panel lines in that picture. Whoda thunk it?

[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by Shawn 507

BTW, I think I see panel lines in that picture. Whoda thunk it?

I see them too, Hmmmn, maybe HM is not to far off the mark on how they make their models.

[mustangdriver]

The tunnel guns in the lower rear fuselgae where done away with in the later model TBM/TBF's all together. If you ever get close to a real one, check out the clearance between the tailwheel and the gun.

[RockJock]

Though I'm not a 1/72 collector, I'm going to have to pick this model up. I have a couple of flight jacket from LT. Ralph W. Cummings who flew an Avenger with the VT(N)-90 in my collection. He was credited with one kill which was pretty rare in an Avenger. Here's a photo of him and his two jackets that I have.

[mustangdriver]

Wow! Those are awsome!. Very cool.