Grey Beema Posted February 4, 2023 Share Posted February 4, 2023 My first completion of the Year (started last year). Subject:- Grumman Avenger MkIIJZ186/Q*4P. 854 NAS HMS Illustrious. Operation Meridian II Jan-1945. On 29 January, Operation Meridian II, an air strike against the oil refinery at Soengei Gerong, Sumatra, was undertaken. Having dropped their bombs on the target the Avengers escaped at low level. On escape they were attacked by the defending fighters. The squadron CO was attacked by Japanese fighters, following behind Lt GJ Connolly fired his forward firing machine guns destroying one Ki-44 'Tojo' and damaging another. Lt GJ Connolly (pilot), Lt RE Jess (Observer), Unknown (TAG). Model:- Hobby Boss Fleet Air Arm Avenger MkI/II. 1/48. Observers cockpit is scratch built (inc seats and panels). Pilots cockpit detailed out. Lower cabin is detailed (torch, and magnifier is required). Scratched up some machine gun barrels. Extra bombs provided. Wing fold mechanism scratch built. Observers domed windows crash moulded (best not really studied). Paint - Xtracrylics. Markings - Various Generic. Some photos Its not medal winning - but I hope you like it. Thanks for stopping by:- 37 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troffa Posted February 4, 2023 Share Posted February 4, 2023 I think that's a great looking Avenger- I have one in the stash and would be happy if it turns out as well as your effort. I like the weathering around the engine cowl in particular. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grey Beema Posted February 4, 2023 Author Share Posted February 4, 2023 38 minutes ago, Troffa said: I think that's a great looking Avenger- I have one in the stash and would be happy if it turns out as well as your effort. I like the weathering around the engine cowl in particular. Thank you. Canopy masks are essential for this kit esp. the Turret. Even though I cut around them I ended up lifting the paint though and needed to paint some back in. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spitfire31 Posted February 4, 2023 Share Posted February 4, 2023 Superb Avenger and likewise most excellent photography – the sea background really helps in establishing the environment. I can almost hear the crash of waves… Kind regards, Joachim 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dunny Posted February 5, 2023 Share Posted February 5, 2023 Lovely build and finish GB - the wing fold is particularly impressive! Cheers, Roger 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vulcanicity Posted February 5, 2023 Share Posted February 5, 2023 You don't see too many FAA Avengers (Tarpons?!) built and this one's a cracker. Thanks too for the backstory, sounds like quite the combat action! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grey Beema Posted February 5, 2023 Author Share Posted February 5, 2023 12 hours ago, Spitfire31 said: Superb Avenger and likewise most excellent photography – the sea background really helps in establishing the environment. I can almost hear the crash of waves… Kind regards, Joachim Thanks Joachim. B&W photo on a grey painted board.. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grey Beema Posted February 5, 2023 Author Share Posted February 5, 2023 5 hours ago, Dunny said: Lovely build and finish GB - the wing fold is particularly impressive! Cheers, Roger Thanks Roger, Luckily my son was in New York before Christmas. As he was going to visit USS Intrepid, I sent and order to photograph the wing fold mechanism.. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grey Beema Posted February 5, 2023 Author Share Posted February 5, 2023 44 minutes ago, Vulcanicity said: You don't see too many FAA Avengers (Tarpons?!) built and this one's a cracker. Thanks too for the backstory, sounds like quite the combat action! Thank you. I think by '45 it was known by the US name rather than the UK name, either way, its an interesting action. I understand that the observer actually dumped the door to get better post strike photographs, I assume by hand held camera. This aircraft is modelled before the strike (bombs loaded) and before the door was ejected.. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F-32 Posted February 5, 2023 Share Posted February 5, 2023 Absolutely beautiful work, she’s a real stunner, great photography too. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grey Beema Posted February 6, 2023 Author Share Posted February 6, 2023 On 2/5/2023 at 10:37 AM, F-32 said: Absolutely beautiful work, she’s a real stunner, great photography too. Thank you Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fred piket Posted February 6, 2023 Share Posted February 6, 2023 like it? Like it? I just love it! Great finish, beautiful model! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pantherhawk27263 Posted February 6, 2023 Share Posted February 6, 2023 Very nicely done, and very impressive work painting the framing of the ball turret. Great job! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
georgeusa Posted February 6, 2023 Share Posted February 6, 2023 I've always liked the Avenger in FAA livery. It makes it look almost like another type of aircraft without the solid Navy Blue color. All the work we do on the interiors of an aircraft are best, and most often only, remembered by the photos we take prior to closing up the fuselage halves and putting on the canopies. We know it is there and wish there was some way it would be obvious but that just never occurs. Thanks for sharing this wonderful build and finish. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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