Hobby Boss FAA Avenger 1/48

[Graham T]

I'm building this for a friend whose father was a TAG in them during WW2. Apart from the lack of the observer's cockpit behind the pilot (which we've agreed I will conveniently ignore!), I was surprised to find that HB missed the bulged lower observation windows fitted by the FAA. I can't find an aftermarket solution to this problem but does anyone have any spares from the AM/Italeri kit?

I've removed & filled the mountings for the underwing HVAR rockets that the kit features. Any other glaring errors I should look out for with the kit?

[Seawinder]

I'm building this for a friend whose father was a TAG in them during WW2. Apart from the lack of the observer's cockpit behind the pilot (which we've agreed I will conveniently ignore!), I was surprised to find that HB missed the bulged lower observation windows fitted by the FAA. I can't find an aftermarket solution to this problem but does anyone have any spares from the AM/Italeri kit?

I've removed & filled the mountings for the underwing HVAR rockets that the kit features. Any other glaring errors I should look out for with the kit?

Have to wonder why you're surprised that Hobby Boss misses important details. Anyway, I've got two sets of the bulged windows to which you're welcome. Only problem is, I'm in the USA, so (assuming you're in the UK) perhaps you should consider me a last resort.

FWIW, I found this build article of an FAA Avenger with some useful shots of the modified observer's cockpit:

http://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/234942602-complete-148-accurate-miniatures-grumman-tbf-1c-avenger-itarpon-i/

[85sqn]

Graham, I also have the same kit and would be interested if you manage to find a source for the observers bulge. I think Tony o'Toole on here has made a few tarpon/avengers and converted the middle cockpit.