Air Power Series>1:72 die-cast display model>TBM>HA1204

General Background

The TBF/M "Avenger" was the biggest single engine aircraft during the WWII. She was ordered into production in Dec 1940 with first delivery just in time for the Battle of Midway. The "Avenger" was characterized by its rigid and strong body and its versatilities. She started out as a torpedo bomber but it soon took the duties as a close-support bomber, a patrol aircraft and even a trainer. After the war the Avenger was also used as crop dusters and forest fire water bombers.

The Aircraft

The Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) operating 48 TBF-1s from 1943-1959 and the planes were assigned to the 30 and 31 Squadrons for dive-bombing, spraying and drogue towing.

In 1943 the NZ2518 was assembled for the 30 Squadron and the pilot Fredd Ladd, later a well-known aviation author, named it "Plonky". Since Ladd, a teatotaler, didn't drink alcohol so he thought it funny to have a comic beer barrel pouring the contents down on the enemy. The "Plonky" went to 31 Squadron in June 1944 and it was hit by flak during a mission and burst into flames, killing the pilot F/L C. Prior and the crew. It was several years before the wreckage could be found.

Specifications :

Grumman Avenger AS Mk.IV / TBM-3S (post war designation)
Wingspan :	52 ft. 2 in.
Length :	40 ft.
Height :	16 ft. 5 in.
Empty Weight :	10,843 lbs
Maximum Weight :	18,250 lbs.
Power-plant :	one Wright R-2600-20 rated at 1,900 hp
Performance :	267 mph @ 16,000 ft.
Service Ceiling :	23,400 ft.
Crew :	three