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TBM / TBF Wing Fold Conversion
Dangerboy Hobbies
Reviewed by Brett Green
I am sure that Accurate Miniatures 1/48 scale TBM/TBF Avenger family of kits would rate in many modellers' "TopTen Models of All Time" list. In fact, this kit did gain the most votes in the "Favourite 1/48 Scale Kit" category in the 1999 HyperScale Wish List survey. Dangerboy Hobbies TBM / TBF Wing Fold Conversion will add a new dimension to this superb kit. Eight parts in cream-coloured resin are packed securely in bubblewrap and a small, sturdy box. The parts comprise two complete wings broken down into outer and inner sections, plus wing fold drop panels and inner-wing bulkheads. The outer wing panels are free of any casting blocks. The inner wing sections are cast onto a block that will best be removed with a cautious application of razor saw. The small parts will be easily removed from their skinny casting mounts. The only surface imperfections are two tiny pinholes on one outer-wing panel. This is truly remarkable for this complex and delicate resin set. Detail is stunning and cleverly done. I cannot imagine how Dangerboy Hobbies have managed to represent the structural and plumbing detail on the inside of the wing parts - but they have. This approach makes assembly a breeze. The outer wing panels slot into holes in the inner wing sections. The outer-wing spar is quite substantial for a solid join, but will be invisible when assembled. The spar is covered by a bulkhead supplied as a separate part.
The only slight issue is the requirement for a butt-join between the kit fuselage halves and the resin inner-wing sections. The kit wing is secured using a plastic spar, but this is not usable with this conversion due to the solid resin. It is not a big problem as the kit fuselage has a recessed section for the wing. I recommend using two-part epoxy to secure the inner-wing section to the fuselage before the outer wings are fitted. Take note of the instructions however, and trim the spar before assembling the fuselage halves. The conversion instructions are quite straightforward but the photocopied pictures are a bit fuzzy.
Dangerboy Hobbies TBM / TBF Wing Fold Conversion is a worthy companion to the superb Accurate Miniatures Avenger kits. It is beautifully detailed, cleverly executed, simply assembled and will make a striking change to your 1/48 scale Avenger kit. Highly Recommended. Thanks to Dangerboy Hobbies for the review samples. Dangerboy Hobbies Wing Fold Conversions are available direct from Dangerboy Hobbies website Review Copyright © 2000 by Brett
Green
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