TBM-3

As usual Stik beat me to it! :)

Welcome to the forum Bakster! Bob

Just take it one step at a time and have fun as you do so. Every build is part of the learning curve, wether you're just coming back or have been building non stop for decades. The hobby is constantly evolving, with new materials, tools, and techniques being introduced. Try this and that, keep what you like, and discard what you do not.

BTW, I posted the movie clip since you already had the info requested, and just thought that you and the others here might enjoy seeing some real TBMs Hollywood style... Such a lovely big old girl they are!

Bakster, I was a total start-again modeller too. After 40-some yrs off, and having no intention to model, I received the kit as a gift. Best gift I maybe ever got, as it got me fired up about modelling again!

I was dreading airbrushing and decal-ing too, btw. And lots of other things. Lotsa help avail here, that's how I made it through mine, so don't hesitate to do the same. Friendly folks here with lots of experience who just love to help.

BrandonK and the rest of you....thanks!  You guys are great.  Very helpful.  I knew I could count on you.

Bick-- thanks.  That is helpful.

Greg--thanks for the encouragement!  How neat to hear that you chose that kit as well and that you loved it.  This will be a slow process for me because I need to relearn so much.  I dread the day when it comes to airbrushing and decals.  About the time I came up with a good process, I had left the hobby.  Now I have to start over.  Egads.  If I go slow though, I think I can get through it ok.  

Thanks again!

Bronto--thanks.  That is helpful!

Hi Bakster:

Lots of pictures here - do any of these help?

www.google.com/search

ANA 623 Glossy Sea Blue started in use on June 1944. All web searches I did for Flight 19 shows this paint scheme

Owen

Whoa, been decades since I saw that. Totally forgot about it. Cool! Thanks, Stik.

did somebody say Flight 19?

I have a TBM-3 USS Bunker Hill from Accurate Miniatures. I have the TBF/TBM Avenger Warbird Profile No. 2 for that and here is what it states for colors.

PTO:

Camouflage Colors 1941 USN/USMC

Non specular Blue Gray M485

Non specular Light Gray M495

1943 USN/USMC

Semi Gloss Sea Blue ANA 606

Non specular Sea Blue ANA 607

Intermediate Blue ANA 608

Insignia White ANA 601

1944 USN/USMC

Glossy Sea Blue ANA 623

Interior Color:

Interior Green ANA 611

ATO: Prior to 1943 colors same as PTO,

Beginning 1943 USN

Dark Gull Gray ANA 621

Insignia White ANA 601

"Note: The color mentioned as Graded Tone Areas is described by Grumman as a gradual transition from Non Specular Sea Blue to Non Specular White. This was probably achieved by mixing both colors together in specific quantities. When examining photographs, in some cases one can see this demarcation of color quite evidently. Other photos seem to show this as in intermediate Blue."

-Warbird Profile no. 2

Hope this is useful,

Brandon

If I recall correctly, the TBF-1C boxing from HobbyBoss had the decals for one of the planes in Flight 19.  I seem to remember noting those and looking them up because it reminded me of an "Unsolved Mysterious" episode with Robert Stack where I first learned about it growing up. I just put a search to double check this but I'm starting to rethink that.  It wouldn't be hard to paint those markings anyhow.

=]

Welcome Bakster.

I have nothing to offer re your specific question, but couldn't resist mentioning that the Academy TBM-3 USS Bunker HIll was my first build back after my hiatus. I hope you have as much fun with it as I did, what a great kit.

The TBM's at that time would have been overall Sea Blue ANA 623.