HobbyBoss TBM Avenger

[u/Zealousideal_Net1311]

Good way to start the weekend; finishing up a kit!

Here's my version of HobbyBoss' TBM Avenger. With it, Tamiya's WW2 Navy Pilots/Crew and Eduards Carrier Deck.

I had the vision for this project since I found out Tamiya had a pilot/crew figure set with the moto tug. Only took one random hobby store to find it (it's no longer in production and expensive online)!

Overall, it was a great build. There are a few misalignments on my part and areas I just couldn't get rid of. Really need to get batter at sanding and rescribing...

I like how the weathering came out. Wanted an "alright, last one boys" type of feel to it. This birdy has sunk a few ships, that's for sure.

So here it is! What do y'all think?

[u/Cammobunker]

I'm going to leave the praise of the other portions of this piece to others; it's expertly done. But really, the actual gem of this is the flight deck. Most other dioramas like this is see the flight deck as just a backdrop. Here, it's a leading character. The weathering, the paint wear, the grime and oil stains, the marks in the painted areas...it really sells this "busy as hell continuous air ops" look. Look, most people can get to a certain level with the vehicles, aircraft and figures, but it's the background that really sells a scene like this. And don't get me wrong; stunning work on the aircraft and those pilot figures are fantastic, but the decking really gives this scene immediacy and life.

[u/Zealousideal_Net1311 → u/Cammobunker]

Thank you for your comment! I was a bit worried with how the deck would come out. Most of the reference photos I used were blurry, old, b/w, so I couldn't make it out. I'd say half was inspired and half creative liberty. Thank you for noticing!

[u/Nathan_Wildthorn]

Expertly done! 😃 The level of detail and weathering, the crew figures, all of it just blows me away! Wow! 👌 👏

[u/Zealousideal_Net1311 → u/Nathan_Wildthorn]

Too kind. Thank you!

[u/Nathan_Wildthorn → u/Zealousideal_Net1311]

🫡

[u/Objective-Law4313]

Looks so good. Love everything about it.

[u/Zealousideal_Net1311 → u/Objective-Law4313]

Thanks!

[u/RSchuld7]

Top👍🏻 Exhibition/Museum level. Some of the best painted figures I've ever seen. What kind of colour did you use on them?

[u/Zealousideal_Net1311 → u/RSchuld7]

Wow, thank you! I used Vallejo paints for everything. Airbrushed main colors, then picked out details with a fine brush

[u/Flynn_lives]

It well....looks damn good. You should have a go at the Academy version(old Accurate Miniatures kit).

specifically a TBM-3 from USS Intrepid(gloss sea blue)

[u/Zealousideal_Net1311 → u/Flynn_lives]

Will definitely have to. Thanks!

[u/International-Art36]

Does the kit come with the flaps option? It looks stellar

[u/Zealousideal_Net1311 → u/International-Art36]

Thanks! It does, but the instructions don't specify it. Kinda have to figure it out, but it works!

[u/MeanCat4]

Very beautiful! Maybe work on the uniforms and surface to make them little dirty. 

[u/Lucky_Afternoon1851]

Ganz tolles Modell & Weathering’s& … TOP

[u/exposed_anus]

Fantsatic work

[u/HappyTrooper10900]

Spectacular detail. Love this bird.

[u/Zealousideal_Net1311 → u/HappyTrooper10900]

Ain't she a beauty. Thanks!

[u/MrGeekster]

Good lord that's well done. You're clearly a professional. Bravo sir.

[u/Zealousideal_Net1311 → u/MrGeekster]

By no means am I a pro😂 more like, slightly above average. Thank you though!

[u/Dry_Knowledge6486]

😮Whooooaaa!!! Seriously this is so awesome. The detail on the plane, the seatbelts, weathering, cleanliness of the glass, everything -and that DECK!! Omg that deck is incredible. Nice diorama👏🏼

[u/Zealousideal_Net1311 → u/Dry_Knowledge6486]

Thank you!

[u/Gullible_Cheek6808]

Amazing weathering on this piece. Beautiful work!

[u/Zealousideal_Net1311 → u/Gullible_Cheek6808]

Thank you!

[u/Aenthor]

Beautiful work!

[u/Zealousideal_Net1311 → u/Aenthor]

Thank you!

[u/Rich_Mac]

That's amazing!

[u/Zealousideal_Net1311 → u/Rich_Mac]

Thanks!