The Little World

Settle down, class. You’ve seen uncovered airplanes before. No need to get excited.

The preliminary researches on the TBF for the USS BUNKER HILL all point to the same visual conclusion; the colour scheme that the box art shows is accurate enough for a direct build. Perhaps a little modification of the yellow nose around the ” 301 ” number but other than that it is going to be simple two blue and one white paint job. I have found enough reference photos on the net showing restored TBF’s to confirm the colour of the wheel wells and cockpit and really that is all that’s needed.

The one puzzling thing about the kit is the fact that as yet I have not been able to find a tailhook in the box. For a big carrier aircraft in embarked markings this seems somewhat of a mistake – fortunately one that is simple enough to correct with some straightened wire. There are enough reference photos to make this easy.

I am also pleased to be able to report that Academy have included a pilot in the mix, though no tail gunner or radioman that I can find.. I am going to have to see if there is a ready source of aircrew for 1:72 for the future as I find the cockpits rather empty if no-one is peering out the front. I don’t demand character figures but I want someone in there. I’m a bit hesitant to buy a bag of Preiser HO civilians and start crewing the warplanes with fat men and frankfurter sellers…

Any anticipated difficulties? Only the three-colour camouflage scheme. It seems to have a combination of hard and soft edges to the colour panels. I think most of the demarcation will need to be with Blu-Tac snakes and paper patterns. At least the wings and horizontal tailplanes are solid top and bottom. Several painting diagrams conflict as to the exact position of the colour change line but I will pick one from an actual existing airplane and go with that. Then I can justify it, even if I am led astray in the process.