The TBF/TBM Avenger was the most prolific torpedo bomber of World War II with a total of 9,839 built by Grumman and General Motors between 1940 and 1945. It saw service with the US Navy, US Marines, Britain's Royal Navy and the Royal New Zealand Air Force during the war. The Avenger wasn't just prolific; it was pre-eminent. Among notable combat successes in the Pacific, the Avenger is credited with the sinking of the super Japanese battleships Musashi (at Leyte Gulf in October 1944) and Yamato (in April 1945). Just as impressive was the Avenger's record in the Atlantic where, flying from escort carriers, the type is credited with sinking, or assisting in the sinking of, 35 German U-Boats.

1/700 scale injection molded models of the Avenger have been previously offered by several companies in their aircraft carrier kits. The 3D printed models offered here compare favorably with these models and, in fact, exceed their detail by good measure. Plus this set actually includes three different gear down models: (x1) canopy closed, (x1) hatch and canopy open at the pilot and aft cockpit positions and (x1) with wings folded. Note Photo #5 offers a side by side comparison with an assembled injection molded model by Trumpeter. While photography of these little gems is a challenge for our equipment and limited skills, check out the well proportioned model including the fuselage complete with detailed greenhouse canopy and rear turret, the engine cowling with exhaust stubs, wings with control surfaces, the tail assembly and the landing gear and tiny tail wheel!

While the surfaces are not perfectly smooth (3D printing is done in layers), the plastic used can be sanded and painted much the same way you would handle resin or styrene as noted above. The models may still have some powder and oil-like agent on them that needs to be removed by washing in warm water with a drop of detergent added to it.

NOTE: While we currently maintain limited inventories of most items, some items may be "printed on demand", which usually requires 10-15 business days from order to shipment.