85sqn Posted October 27, 2017 Share Posted October 27, 2017 Hi folks, I have just completed this Grumman Avenger MkI of 854 Sqn, HMS Illustrious, early 1945. Flown by Lt. D.P Davies. It took part in Operation Meridian and continued to serve on Op Iceberg. 854 Sqn. had previously served along the Channel front back in the UK and along with the TAG L/Air Shirmer this crew managed to down a V-1 doodlebug on 9 Jul 1944, hence the kill marking. The kit is the Hobbyboss FAA Avenger kit. of course there isn't much about it out of the box that is FAA. The observers windows came from an Accurate Miniatures kit, the rear cockpit was created from plasticard and has a seat, spare control column, instrument panel etc. The rocket mounting brackets were deleted, seatbelts added all over, EZ wire for aerials. I used Maketar masks for the lettering and some roundels. Others I made myself. The paint scheme is MAP TSS, with dull dark green cockpit and interior green elsewhere. Inside the cowling is grey. Black Ammo primer was used plus assorted Winsor and Newton oils. A mixture of kit bombs and Eduards 500lb US bombs. The flight deck tractor is by F4 models and is a resin kit. Thanks for looking and thanks to those who contributed on this thread who have aided me: Cheers Nick 62 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tango 1 Posted October 27, 2017 Share Posted October 27, 2017 That is a work of art! Beautiful! I recon you have nailed the paint finish and weathering-Great job! 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pdsvidioman Posted October 27, 2017 Share Posted October 27, 2017 oooooooooooh lovely. That is really beautiful. Very nicely done. Great effort. Paul 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bearmatt Posted October 27, 2017 Share Posted October 27, 2017 Exquisite, and the tractor gives the final touch to it! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F4u Posted October 27, 2017 Share Posted October 27, 2017 Very nice Avenger good to see the FAA version is there a dedicated 1/48 FAA kit available?? Guy 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Masters Posted October 27, 2017 Share Posted October 27, 2017 Superb in every way! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
85sqn Posted October 27, 2017 Author Share Posted October 27, 2017 49 minutes ago, F4u said: Very nice Avenger good to see the FAA version is there a dedicated 1/48 FAA kit available?? Guy Thanks! Well HB sell it as an FAA version but the kit itself is no different from a TBF-1b. The only thing they have provided are decals which aren't very good! The observers window which was present on most FAA avengers has been completely left out. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
junglierating Posted October 27, 2017 Share Posted October 27, 2017 Shes a keeper Nice 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F4u Posted October 27, 2017 Share Posted October 27, 2017 1 hour ago, 85sqn said: Thanks! Well HB sell it as an FAA version but the kit itself is no different from a TBF-1b. The only thing they have provided are decals which aren't very good! The observers window which was present on most FAA avengers has been completely left out. Thanks for that I should have said a more accurate FAA kit but you answered my question , once again well done with a superb looking Avenger. Guy 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tbolt Posted October 27, 2017 Share Posted October 27, 2017 Beautiful Avenger, love it. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr.Happy Posted October 27, 2017 Share Posted October 27, 2017 Gorgeous job and a wonderful synopsis of this birds history.👍 Cheers, Mr.Happy(In name only)1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich G Posted October 27, 2017 Share Posted October 27, 2017 Superb work, absolutely stunning little dio, well done! Rich 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iang Posted October 27, 2017 Share Posted October 27, 2017 Really lovely Avenger, Nick. It's one of the best I've seen . Just one thing - your description dates the aircraft "Dec. 1945" I think you mean December 1944 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
85sqn Posted October 27, 2017 Author Share Posted October 27, 2017 1 hour ago, iang said: Really lovely Avenger, Nick. It's one of the best I've seen . Just one thing - your description dates the aircraft "Dec. 1945" I think you mean December 1944 Whoops, well spotted! Cheers for your help Ian. Atb Nick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AntPhillips Posted October 27, 2017 Share Posted October 27, 2017 Superb in all respects, it really does look fabulous and I like the base too, it's nicely understated and makes the model stand out. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buzby061 Posted October 27, 2017 Share Posted October 27, 2017 Very nice indeed, painted & weathered to perfection. The tug is cute! Accurate Miniatures included the bulged observer's window, I did it in a FAA scheme many months ago. I think it's available as a re-box, possibly by Italeri. Pete 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xspace Posted October 27, 2017 Share Posted October 27, 2017 Super bulit, i like weathering, colours You choose and phptos as well. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevej60 Posted October 27, 2017 Share Posted October 27, 2017 Outstanding job 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Ford Posted October 27, 2017 Share Posted October 27, 2017 Amazing, am a bit lost for words. That is very very good, Nick. All the best, Martin 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMCS Posted October 28, 2017 Share Posted October 28, 2017 Nick my friend. As always an absolute cracker. Can't wait to have that on show with Tangmere Sector Modellers 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Orion Posted October 29, 2017 Share Posted October 29, 2017 Hello Nick, My compliments on this excellent build. It was a joy to look at the pictures. Regards, Orion / The Netherlands. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
russ c Posted October 29, 2017 Share Posted October 29, 2017 Excellent Avenger there Nick, looks superb 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
airbus320 Posted October 29, 2017 Share Posted October 29, 2017 Super build! Really captures the look of the Avenger. Must have been some achievement to shoot down a V1 in one!!!! Chris 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randy Lutz Posted October 29, 2017 Share Posted October 29, 2017 Now this I really like. Well done. Cheers Randy 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jbbusybee Posted October 29, 2017 Share Posted October 29, 2017 Lovely treatment to a lovely subject. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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