Reviews : Academy TBF1 Avenger US Bomber

So, I've built this kit long time ago, when it had another box... But I googled it, and it is still the same mould, the same parts. The fitting is nice, the engine is not complex, but has enought details... The cockpit could be more elaborate, but its not bad, even if it has a lot of clear, we dont see that much unless we really look for. It is a simple kit, of a complex airplane. The heavyest one engine bomber that fooled the japanese airforce, who thought it was a fighter, and placed relaxed behind them... and didn't knew what hit them, didn't expected the rear pointing machine guns. It was projected after the pear harbour attack, it was meant to avenge them. It did its job. Even if the kit is not that elaborate, Its nice to start with, to have it even if it is your one time model.

I picked this up at one of the model shows. Also picked up the old Airfix kit. One was a mistake. This was a pretty easy kit to build. It went together well. I did have some fit problems with the wings, I had to use a good bit of putty at the wing roots. The cockpit was pretty much devoid of significant detail as were the wheel wells. I am not sure how old my particular kit actually was. It was in the same box as it currently in, but my decals cracked a good bit. The Airfix kit is the same scale, but is a little smaller in wingspan and length. I am not sure which is right. Maybe the version built by GM is a bit smaller, I don't know.

A rebox of the old Frog kit, this Avenger is still a decent builder. Online kit build reviews state to give the fit of the canopy extra care. I haven't started mine yet, but it sounds like good advice.The inside of the fuselage is a big cavity, so some extra attention via scratchbuilding and/or aftermarket parts is worth looking into. The engine is molded into the cowling, so not much can be done there. But as a shelf sitter, and not scrutinized too closely, it looks like an Avenger, and that's good enough for me! Recommended.

This kit is typical of Academy. Simple molding, ok fit, lacking in decals, and a bit of confusion in their research. This kit if built straight from the box actually represents the British variant, and the included decals are for a paint scheme from a TBF-3. To do the kit right, it requires some careful modification and scratchbuilding as well as sourcing of decals. However, for a quick simple build or for someone first starting out, its a great cheap kit to get the basics of kitbuilding down.

My first Academy and chose a 1/72 plane model as an example. Mildly surprised at the quality of parts and fit even from the small number of parts in this model. Pretty simplistic detail owing to the scale but this model may change your mind about Academy kits like me. Cannot wait to try other Academy kits but with greater scale and detail. Bonus was the fit between parts and no filler was required.

For the money, this wasn't a bad kit. Everything seemed to fit well and for a 1/72 the level of exterior detail made a decent looking kit. Really wasn't complicated, cowl and engine were one piece, bombbay doors were molded as part of the fuselage, wings are non folding, and the landing gear seemed a bit simplistic. No bells or whistles here. Overall makes a nice looking model for the money.

Academy makes good, basic kits and this TBF1 kit is no different. Clear instructions, good fit and even includes a pilot figure. It is an easy build and no complicated small detail pieces that would probably not be seen anyway. I added a second crew figure that I had in my miscellaneous parts box. You really cannot go wrong with this model. Well worth the price.

This is a basic kit, good for a low stress build over a weekend or so. The fit is good, with the exception of the canopy. There was a gap between the canopy and the fuselage after mating the two. A little white glue filler addressed the worst of it. The detail is basic though there is good panel line engraving in my opinion.

Not perfect, but the only game in town in this scale. Fit is good. Detail is average. Some inaccuracies. But it looks nice hanging. Gear up option. Excellent relief on canopy rails for painting. Only one choice of markings. I did mine in aftermarket decals for a Midway TBF. Recommend. But it could be better.

A good model for someone new to model aircraft building. I built my last model 30 yrs ago and to start with this hobby again feels very exciting with this WW2 bomber. Simple construction but great in detail. I'll display this side-by-side with my F6F Hellcat.

straight from the box, you can tell its very simple and the complexity is minimal. Each piece fit very well with very little filler and sanding. Detail is lacking but for the price and size its expected. Overall it was fun to build and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Less than fantastic, poor fit on quite a few parts. General quality is meh, pretty boring model overall. Instructions are just straight up blast from the 70's past. Cockpit is pretty much just a firewall and a seat.

Academy 1/72 kits in this series go together easy and smart, have fairly decent detail, and look great when finished. I bought 5, for my Flight 19 project.

If I were a more intense modeler, I might want a bit more fine detail, but I ended up with a great-looking plane -- which is what I wanted!

I was looking for an affordable 1/72 scale model of this aircraft for my collection. I have already recommended this model to friends.

I have built previous kits from Academy and they are good kits. I am helping my son with this kit and it seems ok so far.

Another great model from Academy. Would like to have had the option for open bomb bay doors but all around great.

Nice model in this size to represent this model. not much detail... torpedo bay closed on this one

Nice model kit. Very detailed and a challenge to build. parts fit well.

GREAT KIT FOR YOUNG MODELERS,PROP TURNS,DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR A GOOD VALUE

Great little kit. Recieved in great condition and promptly

Lot a lot of parts, good quality, would highly recommend