• 1/48 scale TBM-3 Avenger Torpedo Bomber plastic model kit by HobbyBoss (Kit No. 80325)
• Represents the famous General Motors TBM-3 Avenger, one of the most important American carrier-based torpedo bombers of World War II
• Originally designed by Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation as the TBF Avenger
• Later manufactured in large numbers by the Eastern Aircraft Division of General Motors, receiving the TBM designation
• The Avenger first flew in August 1941 and entered operational service in 1942
• Designed to replace the older Douglas TBD Devastator in US Navy torpedo bomber squadrons
• Features the distinctive large radial engine, three-seat fuselage, mid-mounted wings and enclosed defensive gun turret
• The TBM-3 was a later production variant incorporating a more powerful engine and improved operational equipment
• Powered by a Wright R-2600-20 Twin Cyclone 14-cylinder radial engine, producing approximately 1,900 horsepower
• Designed for torpedo attacks, level bombing, anti-submarine patrols and maritime strike missions
• Widely operated by the United States Navy and United States Marine Corps during the Pacific War
• The Avenger became one of the principal torpedo bombers aboard American aircraft carriers
• Capable of carrying a Mark 13 aerial torpedo in its internal weapons bay
• Could alternatively carry bombs or depth charges, depending on mission requirements
• The internal bomb bay helped reduce aerodynamic drag compared with externally mounted weapons
• The TBM-3 typically carried a crew of three: pilot, turret gunner and radioman/bombardier
• Equipped with a distinctive electrically powered dorsal gun turret mounting a .50-calibre Browning machine gun
• Additional defensive armament included a ventral .30-calibre machine gun
• The TBM-3 also featured wing-mounted .50-calibre machine guns for forward-firing armament
• Designed with folding wings to reduce storage space aboard aircraft carriers
• Its robust airframe and substantial payload capacity made it a highly versatile naval combat aircraft
• The Avenger was known for its durability and ability to withstand demanding carrier operations
• Earlier TBF Avengers made their combat debut during the Battle of Midway in June 1942
• The Avenger family subsequently participated in major Pacific campaigns, including the Solomon Islands, Philippine Sea, Leyte Gulf, Iwo Jima and Okinawa
• TBM-3 aircraft served extensively during the later stages of World War II
• Avengers were employed against Japanese warships, merchant vessels, coastal installations and submarines
• The aircraft played an important role in the development of American carrier-based anti-submarine warfare
• The Avenger family was also operated by the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm, where it served under the Avenger designation
• After WWII, modified Avengers continued serving in anti-submarine, airborne early warning and specialist support roles
• The TBM-3 represents the mature wartime development of one of America's most successful naval attack aircraft
• HobbyBoss 1/48 scale plastic model kit recreating the late-war TBM-3 Avenger torpedo bomber
• Features 213 parts across 11 sprues, including detailed aircraft components
• Includes photo-etched detail parts for enhanced realism
• Features a detailed Wright R-2600 radial engine
• Reproduces the distinctive three-seat cockpit arrangement and defensive gun turret
• Includes clear canopy components for displaying the aircraft's cockpit and crew compartments
• Features folding wing options, allowing the aircraft to be displayed in a carrier storage configuration
• Includes positionable wing flaps for alternative display arrangements
• Features a detailed internal weapons bay with torpedo and bomb load options
• Includes the distinctive undercarriage and landing gear assemblies associated with carrier-based aircraft
• Recreates the TBM-3's broad wings, large engine cowling and characteristic fuselage profile
• Includes waterslide decals for two US Navy aircraft marking options:
• VT-83, USS Essex (CV-9) – April 1945
• VT(N)-90, USS Enterprise (CV-6) – 8 March 1945
• Offers opportunities for recreating the distinctive late-war US Navy Gloss Sea Blue finish
• Ideal for realistic panel line washes, exhaust staining, chipped paint, salt-weathered surfaces and carrier aircraft wear
• The radial engine and large cockpit canopy provide excellent opportunities for detailed painting and finishing
• The folding wings make this kit particularly attractive for WWII aircraft carrier flight deck and hangar dioramas
• Excellent companion to F6F Hellcat, F4U Corsair, SBD Dauntless, SB2C Helldiver and F4F Wildcat models
• Ideal for collectors of WWII US Navy aircraft, Pacific War aviation, American torpedo bombers and carrier-based military aircraft
• Completed model measures approximately 256.4mm in length and 350.6mm in wingspan
• The substantial 1/48 scale wingspan creates an impressive display model
• A distinctive addition to any collection of HobbyBoss aircraft models and WWII naval aviation subjects
• Brand: HobbyBoss
• Kit Number: 80325
• Scale: 1/48
• Subject: General Motors TBM-3 Avenger Torpedo Bomber
• Aircraft Type: Carrier-Based Torpedo Bomber / Naval Attack Aircraft
• Original Designer: Grumman Aircraft Engineering Corporation
• Manufacturer: General Motors Eastern Aircraft Division
• Operator Represented: United States Navy (USN)
• Engine: Wright R-2600-20 Twin Cyclone Radial Engine
• Crew: 3
• Historical Period: World War II
• Theatre: Pacific War
• Country: United States
• Total Parts: 213
• Total Sprues: 11
• Photo-Etched Parts: Included
• Marking Options: 2 US Navy Aircraft
• Completed Length: 256.4mm
• Completed Wingspan: 350.6mm
• Category: WWII Military Aircraft Plastic Model Kit
• Material: Plastic
• Kit supplied unpainted and unassembled
• Glue and paint not included
• Recommended for modellers aged 14+
