Grumman TBF-1 Avenger 1/72 Academy 12452 Full Build Video | RWO Models

The Grumman TBF Avenger (or TBM manufactured by General Motors) is a torpedo bomber from World War II. It entered service in 1942 and was used by various air and naval aviation services around the world. The TBF-1 was the original model with more than 1,500 built. More than 9,800 TBF/TBM were produced in total, and the plane remained in service until the 1960s.
The video shows my build of Academy’s older but still available TBF-1 kit in 1/72 scale originally released in 1987. Details and fit are not quite up to today’s standards but I wanted to build a nice Avenger to add to my small Pacific War fleet. Paint and weathering are inspired by vintage photos and film footage. It may look a bit intense but I think this is what the planes looked like during their hard service. Let me know what you think of this build. Your comments and opinions are highly appreciated.
Stay tuned to my channel and don’t miss out on upcoming build videos and more! I consider myself an advanced beginner in the world of scale model building and I am doing my best to improve my skills and techniques. Please Comment, Like, Share and consider becoming a Subscriber to my channel. Cheers, Oliver/RWO

[@tonyperez4791]

Great build ! That's the old 1973 Frog kit , redone. The Frog stand is the giveaway . Built a few of them in my lifetime and still have 3 to go. Love your painting and weathering !!! Hope you and your loved ones are well ! Take care, Tony

[@RWOModels]

Thank you very much Tony! I did not know the kit was actually that old, but it was fun building it anyway. Stay safe and all the best from Germany, Oliver/RWO

[@Enevan1968]

which makes it a Tarpon 🙂

[@simonosmotherly7418]

Thoroughly enjoyable watch. Thanks for sharing. As a model builder just getting back in to the hobby after a thirty odd year hiatus, this is giving me some inspiration.

[@RWOModels]

Thank you so much Simon, that‘s awesome! I know there are a lot of better and more experienced modelers out there but this hobby gives me so much peace, fun and relaxation I want to share with you guys in my videos. I’m really happy you like my work. Keep on modeling, stay safe and have fun! Greetings from Germany, Oliver/RWO

[@lorenwoodson9164]

Beautiful. Wonderful detail dedicated to getting it as historically accurate and realistic as possible. Thanks!

[@RWOModels]

Thank you very much, appreciate your comment! Paint job and weathering were the primary focus of this build so I'm happy you like it!

[@ianbeeston2881]

I built this kit about 30 years ago and thought it was a great kit back then, excellent build, keep them coming, and thanks for bringing back some of my modelling memories 👍👍

[@RWOModels]

Thanks for your kind comment, really appreciate it! I‘m sort of a newcomer, started building in 2019, but I enjoyed this particular build a lot. 🙂Cheers!

[@joebringas4807]

Beautiful build of an old kit 👍🏼

[@RWOModels]

Thank you very much! Yes, the kit was quite old but it is still one of my favorite builds. 🙂 Thanks for watching!

[@joecalobeer6396]

Another great job on a bad kit! You made the fit issues disappear so easily. Beautiful!!!

[@RWOModels]

Thanks Joe! The build required a bit of extra effort but in the end it was OK. I've had far worse kits, and after all it was fun building and painting the Avenger. Happy you like it! :) Cheers, Oliver/RWO

[@septiccalling8341]

That’s a bit of alright......nice one! 👍🏻👌🏻

[@RWOModels]

Thanks, I’m glad you like it! 🙂

[@rolandpinter4292]

Beautyful work ! Very nice model ! ♥️💯

[@RWOModels]

Thank you very much, happy you like it. 👍🙂

[@SprueFascinationChannel]

Excellent work Oliver 👍

[@tiane73]

Next model next awesome build! Very very nice and perfect pictures!

Impressive !!!

[@stevenpuderbaugh821]

For a kit originally tooled in 1987, your construction and painting have really brought out the best!

[@RWOModels]

Thanks, appreciate it! It was quite a simple kit but one of my favorite builds. 👍 Cheers!

[@edwarddillon4950]

I have the 87 kit and was going to build it today. Thanks for the up date and I formation.

[@RWOModels]

Thanks for your comment and enjoy your build! After all I had great fun putting together this kit. Cheers!

[@joseluiscastanorestrepo]

Magnificent work.

[@RWOModels]

Thank you! 👍🙂

[@joseluiscastanorestrepo]

@@RWOModels You welcome

[@michaelvirtuoso3432]

I really Love your channel. You build a lot of Grumman planes which is all I try to build. I have some trouble finding kits for them but the fun is the search for new models to build. Thanks so much for the memories of a great aircraft company.

[@RWOModels]

Thank you, appreciate your kind comment and your support! Stay safe! Cheers, Oliver/RWO

[@douglasstreet7304]

GORGEOUS

[@halukaygin9274]

Super build.Good weathering too.

[@RWOModels]

Thank you, I’m happy you like it! Cheers!

[@vh4329]

Amazing job !

[@RWOModels]

Thank you! 🙂

[@hankrol7830]

Great build of a simple aircraft. My kudo's to you.

[@RWOModels]

Thank you! When I started the build I had a few doubts since it is not the most sleek or elegant plane and the kit is not quite up to date, but for now I‘m quite happy with how it turned out. 🙂 Cheers, Oliver/RWO

[@wilsonandlucy]

Nice work---one of the best I've seen.

[@RWOModels]

Awesome, thank you! It was indeed one of my favorite builds so far. 👍🙂

[@darrenplace3410]

Just found you. Great build. I've subscribed and watched a few more videos. Great work.

[@RWOModels]

Thanks and welcome! :)

[@nackdibby7960]

Very very nice! Great free hand with the airbrushing!

[@RWOModels]

Thank you! It was the first time for me to try this so I'm happy you like it! Cheers! :)

[@GoldTopPoland]

👍👍very nice as in 1:72

[@RWOModels]

Thank you! 👍🙂

[@chancerNW]

Good build vid, it looks like a good kit that is showing its age, especially in terms of the wheel wells bomb bay and cockpit. At the end of day it looks like an Avenger. Excellent end result especially the paint job and weathering. Well done.

[@RWOModels]

Thank you very much, appreciate your expertise and your profound comments. I mainly focused on painting and weathering with this build, so I’m happy you like it! Greetings from Germany, Oliver/RWO

[@lesthiele4921]

Excellent build sir, you should be very pleased with the result, keep doing grszt modelling, keep safe and well.

[@RWOModels]

Thanks, I appreciate it! Stay safe! Oliver/RWO

[@b.vhidalgo4817]

Beautiful model sir. You gained another subscriber

[@RWOModels]

Thank you, much appreciated!

[@julioabdala1202]

Gran trabajo! Lindo modelo

[@RWOModels]

Thank you! 🙂👍

[@julieblundell7421]

Great build and skill mate, I've always wanted to do the Grumman Avenger.

[@RWOModels]

Thanks for your comment! I also like the Avenger a lot even if it’s not the most elegant aircraft. 🙂 Cheers!

[@wbpsmodels3452]

An excellent job again!

[@RWOModels]

Thank you, appreciate your kind comment! Cheers!

[@andrewgray9663]

Really nice build. Like the restrained weathering.

[@RWOModels]

Thank you very much. I exactly knew how I wanted the model to look like and the result is very close that. I'm happy you like it! :) Cheers!

[@snoopy8469]

amazing👏

[@RWOModels]

Thank you! 👍🙂 My next video build will be another WW II U.S. Navy bird, maybe that could be interesting for you as well. 😉

[@brinx8634]

A great build of a well used Avenger....a most ungainly looking aircraft, especially on the ground.

[@RWOModels]

Thank you! When I put the model on my shelf next to the little Wildcat I had recently built I realised what a single-engined behemoth the Avenger actually was... pretty chunky indeed. Thanks for watching!

[@Olivier02000.]

Super !!!! vraiment un très très beau travail, un grand merci pour ce plaisir des yeux 🤗🤗🤗🤗👍👍👍👍👍😁😁😁😁😁😁

[@RWOModels]

Thanks for your kind comment, I try to improve with every build and video. 🙂 Cheers, Oliver/RWO

[@nackdibby7960]

Well dang! That’s beautiful! Great video and that antenna wire, don’t think I would ever attempt that! Not while I enjoy my sanity!!!

[@RWOModels]

Thank you! 🙂 The antenna/rigging wire produced and sold by Uschi van der Rosten is in fact easier to handle than it appears because it is extremely stretchable. Thanks for watching! Cheers, Oliver/RWO

[@nackdibby7960]

RWO Models Thank you for the manufacturers reference on the wire! I will try it out on a P-3 Orion build I have planned! Been enjoying the rest of your videos as well! Keep this brilliance coming!

[@DaCostaStudio]

Nice build :)

[@robertsalanon2909]

Très beau montage ...Congratulations ...

[@RWOModels]

Merci beaucoup, happy you like it! 🙂

[@xfa33lupisrex52]

For a kit from 1987 sure looks better than some of the more modern kits

[@RWOModels]

Thanks for your comment! The kit has a few shortcomings but the overall fit was not too bad and I actually like the overall impression of the model. Turned out better than I expected, to be honest... 🙂 Cheers!

[@plasticmodelstobuild9649]

very nice work just subscribed!

[@SkyofBlueLagoonspace]

Nice model , well done, bleiben Sie gesund !

[@RWOModels]

Vielen Dank! :) You stay safe as well!

[@jonasbeltran3627]

👍👍👍top!!!

[@RWOModels]

Thank you! 🙂

[@michaelvalenzuela2528]

Very nice build. The kit is a retooled version of the old FROG kit.

[@user-kt9zo1yr9v]

Да, эта модель - по сути копия модели ФРОГ, но у моделей ФРОГ есть особенность, на которую иногда не обращают внимания, а именно: практически все модели американских самолётов - это экспортные/ленд-лизовские модификации, имеющие зачастую заметные внешние отличия по сравнению с оригинальными машинами.

[@izoroza]

Excellent build! Thanks for teaching us. Just built mine but did not dare paint the color boundaries freehand (masked everything delineating with blue-tac which is a lot of work). What compressor pressure should I use to attempt the same freehand painting as you did? thanks.

[@selcukgundogdu9421]

It is very nice.

[@RWOModels]

Thank you!

[@FredWilbury]

Just started one of these if I can get near half as good as this I’ll be well chuffed, anyways nice job 👌😎

[@RWOModels]

Thanks so much for your kind comment! Enjoy your build! 🙂

[@charliebowman785]

Wow!

[@happyfuntimemusic7500]

Loving the content, I was wondering if you're ever going to build any plastic scale kits or flying models. I myself have a channel surrounding model aircraft and documenting builds its great fun!

[@MASTOMOKUCRUSH]

Love peeling the canopy

[@RWOModels]

I really enjoy that too, always a very satisfying moment when the masks come off and the model comes alive! 🙂 Thanks for watching!

[@MASTOMOKUCRUSH]

@@RWOModels yeahh.. wonderful moment for every modeller for me.

[@cjdavis2684]

Very nice build looks exactly like it should..... I have this exact same kit on my shelf waiting for me to build I'm working on a hellcat right now and the avenger will be next your model has definitely inspired me for when I work on mine. Would love to see you build the Revell 1/72 scale PT -109 model kit. I think it would be interesting to see how you would build that kit.

[@RWOModels]

Thanks for your kind words, glad you found the video helpful. Regarding PT-109, I'm actually not that much into boats and ships (my small Type VII C U-boat build being an exception 😉). But it definitely is an interesting model! Thanks again!

[@paspantou1267]

Great video and excellent final result. I wonder how you managed so subtle shading with Vallejo Air paints. I think that I would have to clean the nozzle every 30 seconds. With these paints my airbrush clogs very often.

[@RWOModels]

Thanks for your comment! I agree, many of the Vallejo Model Air paints are a bit tricky to spray and clog the airbrush frequently if not thinned down properly. Manufacturer says they can be used directly from the bottle but I think this is nearly impossible if you use smaller nozzle sizes for detail painting and shading. So I thin down my Model Airs pretty heavily and sometimes add one or two drops of Flow Improver. There are easier paints to use for sure, but I like their color shades, and also Vallejo products are quite easy for me to obtain so that's why I frequently use them. :) Thanks for watching!

[@KJ-kn8pg]

Nice build rwo , i am suggesting you to use a thick alluminium foil for seatbelts just because it looks way more realistic ,nearly as good as a photo etched seatbelt if painted properly .Hope this helped !

[@RWOModels]

That is an excellent idea and helps a lot since I actually was not too satisfied with my masking tape seatbelts. I think I will follow your suggestion on my next build starting right now. 👍Thanks again, Oliver/RWO

[@KJ-kn8pg]

@@RWOModels Glad that it helped you!

[@davidkaminski615]

I built a TBF kit years ago and really enjoyed it. It had movable folding wings. Unfortunately, I had to move and my model box couldn't fit in the van so I had to leave it and several other kits behind, to my sadness. I'll replace them someday.

[@RWOModels]

That’s pretty sad to read, I hope you’ll be able to replace your models soon and enjoy them again. TBF with foldable wings sounds great! Thanks for watching! 🙂

[@stephenbridges2791]

You did an extremely fine job on what looked to be a very problematic kit. I wish Tamiya would do an Avenger. I've thought about using masks that were not brand specific and have always wondered how that might turn out. Nevertheless, good job!

[@RWOModels]

Thank you Stephen, appreciate your comment! The Academy kit definitely has its weaknesses but after all it wasn’t too bad, I’ve had much worse kits before. 😉 I would also love to see a Tamiya Avenger though, would order it in an instant! The Eduard mask set for the Hasegawa kit I used for this build actually worked quite well, not 100% accurate but at least it looks clean. I’m pretty sure I would not have achieved this kind of result by cutting all of those masks myself from tape because I’m too lazy and impatient. 😬 Thanks again, greetings from Germany, Oliver/RWO

[@joseluiscastanorestrepo]

I just got that model.

[@wilsonandlucy]

Question for the group....Why is my Vallejo Air War acrylic paint "gumping" up when I add Mr. Hobby 400 thinner to it? Looks like the same thinner in this video.

[@natalebabbo-gunplaanddioramas]

Nice! I like that you use the Ak weathering pencils. I like them too. I weathered a gunpla only with those pencils. I have a video of it on my channel.

[@MFD541]

Great Build! Do you still have this TBF Avenger ?

[@powwah1735]

I really like the finished model is beautiful.Btw are you only using tamiya thin cement?

[@RWOModels]

Thank you! I'm using Tamiya Extra-Thin cements (regular and quick-setting) wherever I can, maybe 95% of the time. For those situations requiring more "volume" I have a bottle of Revell Contacta Professional but it is rarely used. 🙂 Thanks for watching!

[@stand-redoxszone6362]

I watched this to see should i buy it on sale, or not. Im still thinking.

[@philski24]

This kit is much more simplistic than the Hasegawa kit - which is now reboxed as the Arma Hobby offering. The price cant be beat (I see them for 8-14 usd often) and would be worth getting. The decals need SUPER HOT water to lay down, for whatever reason Academy decals only react to near boiling water to lay down right. That might be something to look at aftermarket options for.

[@stand-redoxszone6362]

@@philski24 thanks m8!

[@gianluigimarino8264]

🤩🤩🤩

[@anubismodeling]

hi i wanted to ask how do you dilute the colors of Vallejo Model Air and compresor air?

[@robertjohnston8290]

Do you have problems with airbrush tip drying when using model air? Do you add retarder to the paint?

[@grahamaker1648]

Hi can I know what psi were you using to airbrush? I’m having issue with getting any Vallejo paint out from my airbrush properly. It constantly clogs and jams my airbrush

[@RWOModels]

I use a Harder & Steenbeck airbrush with 0.2mm nozzle and pressure is around 15psi. I‘m not sure which type of Vallejo paints you use, I only use the Model Air range. I thin these down with Vallejo Airbrush Thinner, mixing ratio somewhere between 10-50% thinner (can‘t tell exactly because not all of the paints are of the same consistency and I usually mix „on the fly“). Unfortunately I don‘t have any experience with the other Vallejo ranges.

[@grahamaker1648]

@@RWOModels ok tq so much. I'm using their model color range and their primer. I'm using a 0.3 iwata eclipse at 20 psi yet the paint just won't come out after thinning. Anyways thanks for your setup.

[@jesusm.3776]

Sorry if I bother you with very basic questions. When you paint with Vallejo Model Air (heavily thinned I guess), at a close distance, like at 3:35. What pressure do you usually use as a starting point?

[@RWOModels]

No worries, I'm happy to help. For detail painting close to the surface I usually spray at 12-15 psi, sometimes even a bit lower. For larger areas around 20 psi. It also depends on the airflow the airbrush generates and how well it can atomize the paint (there are significant differences). Also I find that Model Air can be a bit tricky in that they seem to have different viscosities/properties across the range, so take your time and experiment with different pressure settings and thinning ratios. Good luck! Cheers!

[@jesusm.3776]

@@RWOModels I really appreciate your instructions. If you can get such good results, I "almost" can too. By the way, your photography is top notch as well. Thank you very much.

[@antonioromanoneto7054]

O kit é muito legal, mas a Academy nao se atentou para o detalhe das janelas laterais em bolha que sao do Avenger britânico.

[@amuxpatch2798]

Now 1/72 F 18 Hornet please in its two tone grey color ., Revell has good kit to start with .

[@dietmarhoelzner7082]

No forward firing machine gun on this version? fine bit of work from your modeller though. 👍

[@RWOModels]

Thank you! 🙂 Not sure about the forward firing gun actually... wouldn’t be the only inaccuracy with this kit. 🤔

[@royr.3602]

What liquid did you (he) dip the canopy part in?

[@RWOModels]

Hi, I dipped the clear parts in a floor wax polish called „Emsal Voll-Glanz“ which is sold here in Germany (I don’t know if it’s available in other countries). It is similar to Future/Pledge used and recommended by many modelers, you’ll find a lot about it on the internet. It improves the shine of the clear parts and fixes minor defects in the surface. Hope this helps. Cheers, RWO/Oliver

[@thebobloblawshow8832]

👍👍

[@mrobsidian1977]

9:42 what grit you used Here🙂

[@RWOModels]

Can’t quite remember but I guess I used something like 600 first and then something a bit finer like 1000. Depends on the softness of the plastic, so it’s always a good idea to have a good variety of sanding papers in your inventory. 🙂 Thanks!

[@micahrigdon3744]

5:30 , what’s the name of the song

[@robertjohnston8290]

Do you have problems with airbrush tip drying when using model air? Do you add retarder to the paint?

[@RWOModels]

Yes, Model Air paints can be tricky, I usually add approximately 20 to 50% Vallejo Airbrush Thinner, sometimes even more, and/or add a bit of Flow Improver. The Model Air range is being advertised as pre-thinned and ready to be used directly from the bottle but when spraying with smaller nozzles and lower air pressure like I usually do I cannot confirm that.

[@mrobsidian1977]

And at 10:32 what glue is this?

[@RWOModels]

It’s basically what it says on the bottle, Revell Contacta Professional. 😉 I use this when I need a glue that’s a bit thicker and has more volume.

[@kevinfredericks3237]

Nice job. However this is not a TBF 1 or 1c. These kits like the Airfix kits are British versions Tarpons. The bulging windows in the radio operator compartment were Fleet Air Arm modifications of the TBM/TBFs that they used. Sadly Academy has not released a true 1C or3. There are TBF 1 in 1/72 not in 1/48. Monogram 1/48 is a 1 so to speak. The only decent 1/72 TBF kit I’m aware of is the Hasegawa. Excellent build and available on eBay

[@RWOModels]

Hi Kevin, thanks for sharing your detailed knowledge regarding the different TBF versions. Maybe I will also get the Hasegawa kit and build it some time. I‘m sorry my model is historically incorrect and of bad quality. I have just started building scale models last year after having a bad accident in 2017. For me it’s a kind of self-therapy, it helps me to recover and be a little creative again. I’m aware I’m not the greatest or most accurate modeler out there, my primary goal with this channel is just to share the fun and relaxation I experience with this great hobby. 🙂 Thanks again and stay safe! Cheers, Oliver/RWO

[@kevinfredericks3237]

Oliver, absolutely no need to apologize. You did a fantastic job building the kit. The Hasegawa kits are hard to find and right now very expensive! Periodically check eBay. Sadly 1/72 is light on Avengers, many options in 1/48. May I suggest you get another Academy kit and do a Fleet Air Arm version? The camo scheme is really nice. You can snag a decal sheet on eBay : RAF WWII " SEAC ROUNDELS 1938-45" ALMARK DECALS 1/72. With your airbrushing abilities it would be nice addition to a collection. Cheers. Keith aka Kevin.

[@RWOModels]

Hi Keith, in fact I have another Academy TBF kit waiting at my local hobby shop (ordered it a while ago, forgot about it, and now it’s ready to be picked up). 🙂 So trying the Fleet Air Arm version is a brilliant idea, will add that to my build queue! 👍 Thanks for your support! Greetings from Germany, Oliver

[@kevinfredericks3237]

RWO Models looking forward to seeing the finished product. I’m working on two requests; an all aluminum b24j KentuckyBelle (first alclad lacquer) and a Halifax (replica of a friend’s uncle’s plane).

[@kevinfredericks3237]

Update. Sword has released a decent 1/72 TBF. Actually a true -1. Decent molding.

[@fuckingchina884]

Perhaps the kit is older than your age.

[@OgrabliatorKorovanov]

Great job. But imho Academy kits don't worth that much effort. May be Academy do have some good modern kits, but from what I've tried myself, academy's p-47/zero/bf-109 look like toys compared to models of those from Tamiya.

[@RWOModels]

Thanks for your comment! I see your point and there are definitely better kits out there, no doubt about it. With this build I wanted to primarily focus on the paint job, and after all I had a lot of fun doing it which made it worthwhile for me. 🙂 Cheers!

[@andersonbatata8051]

👍🏻🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷👍🏻.... 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@beaverchicken]

Well you can't quality that matches modern stuff from a $10 1987 tooling kit

[@alesbonk240]

Nice video, but you made big mistake. Clear parts have to be sprayed with interior colour first! And then camouflage colour :) Next time...

[@user-tn4en6xf9e]

Old FROG.....

[@lancerevell5979]

You have an annoying squeaking in your audio. Had me thinking my AC was going bad..... 🤔

[@RWOModels]

I’m sorry you don’t like the style of music in this video. It’s from the KZbin music library, nothing wrong with that on my studio monitors I used for the audio mix. Thanks for watching.

[@lancerevell5979]

@@RWOModels The music is fine. But the background squeaking had me shutting things down til I pinpointed it. Good video otherwise. I built this kit awhile back, and don't recall any problems. Amazon reviews are all over the board, from one star up to five stars. I'd give it a four star, even with the lack of cockpit detal and crew figures.

[@kevelliott]

@@RWOModels I really enjoyed the music! Helps me to concentrate.

[@MVeminor7]

Thanks for building some Grumman planes (the A6 and the Tomcat). Friends and Dads were old work acquaintances. Keep up the good work. Cheers mate

[@RWOModels]

Thank you Michael! It is always my pleasure to recreate some of these great aircraft engineered, built and flown by great people! Thanks again and greetings from Germany, Oliver/RWO