Has anyone built the Acc Min TBM-3d kit #3406?

Hey paul,

This should be a great kit, their TBM/TBF series is wonderful. Accurate Miniatures are very well detailed and engineered models, also very challenging. Make sure you check out the AM website, on the build-up page for they SBD-1 they have tips for installing the turret on the TBM/TBF series. It is very helpful.

www.accurate-miniatures.com

I assume the radar will just be an additon to the wing and cockpit and the a/c could be built without it, but why would you want to. If you want a TBF-1C or TBM-3 the type without the radar, AM is releasing one (a TBF-1C) around Feb 2004 with decals for George Bush Sr.'s aircraft.

The markings on the tail depict the carrier and squadron.

The kit is a new release but I am sure it will include bombs and torpedoes.

nwilliams,
Thanks for the note. I am actually building this to replicate the type my uncle flew in WWII. He was in VC-42 and flew off of jeep carriers in the Atlantic - flying sub patrol. He said the he flew off of the Guadalcanal and also the Shamrock Bay. I have on order the Superscale decal sheet #48-740 that has markings for VC-42 while stationed on the USS Brogue in 1944 and hope to use those. I've asked him if he served on this ship and haven't recieved an answer yet. I got this version of the Accurate Miniatures TBM because that is all they have in stock right now and they had already shipped the rest of my order.

I have also ordered the Eduard photo etch kits (2) for this.

I was just wondering re the above questions on decals and bomb vs torpedo etc.

Thanks for any help,
Paul

I'm building it right now.
Yes it can be built without the radar.
Can't remember the squadron and I'm at work and can't go look.
My version came with 1 torpedo, no bombs.

Your gonna love this kit. I've got weeks into mine and its finally coming together.
Its a very tight fitting kit.
just getting the halves of the fuselage together took time getting just right.
The rear gun turrent is supposed to be a bear to get installed. I'll find out in a couple of days with any luck.
The interior is a very busy place.
Enjoy it..I am.
I'm gonna feel great when its finished.
I have the Dauntless waiting in the wings.
AM is one of my favorite kit builders.

Paul,
It's really a great kit.
Make sure you have a look at Accurate Miniatures website.
They have an online build section - go see the following for the turret installation:
http://www.accurate-miniatures.com/builds/sbd/sbdbuild.htm
Enjoy the kit - I did.
Cheers
LeeTree

LOL
I already printed of that page after I heard several horror stories about installing that piece.

Lee,
Yes I've been to the Acc Min web site and have printed out the onliine build of the TBM. I'm aware of the problems with the turret.

I've just received the Acc Min SBD-5 and the B-25B in the mail today. I've spent about 10 minutes looking them over and all I can say is that they seem incredible. I can't wait to get into them.

I'm currently painting 70 z-scale guys for my Nichimo Yamato then I'll move onto one of these.

Thanks for the info,
Paul