At the end of WWII, large numbers of TBF/TBM Avengers found work in fields far removed from their original design purpose. Some as transports, some as airborne early warning aircraft, some as crop sprayers. 

My example, N5168V was an Avenger of Hemet Valley Flying Services in California.  This aircraft (BuNo 53592)  fought fires with HVFS from 1963 to 1972.

The basic kit is the Accurate Miniatures TBF Avenger, with the removal of all military equipment, the deletion of most of the glazed areas, and the addition of Lone Star Models’ (www.lonestarmodels.com) TBM Fire Bomber resin conversion.  This conversion set includes two large pieces of resin:  one to cover the glasshouse and turret aft of the cockpit glazing; and the second to provide the large ventral tank in lieu of the bomb bay.  The decals are also included.

The Accurate Miniatures kit was a delight to assemble, and the Lone Star conversion fitted in without any fuss.  The decals were also trouble free. 

I hope you enjoy this old-timer as much as I do – it fits neatly into my collection of offbeat aircraft.

Brent 

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