Reviews : Academy TBM-3 Avenger Bunker Hill

This kit is a reissue of the original Accurate Miniatures kit, which was stunning in its detail and accuracy when it was released years ago, and is still the best Avenger in this scale. It should be attempted only by experienced modelers who have the patience to follow instructions, as AM kits are complex, exceptionally well engineered, and do not respond well to modelers whose first move is to toss the instructions aside because I don't need no stinkin' instructions ;) One area that caused some headscratching is the rear turret installation. It CAN BE installed after the fuselage is assembled, but requires a bit of finesse and patience to keep from ruining it. A complex kit requires complex instructions, and can be a bit involved. AM kits require more time studying the assembly than most. A web search for Accurate Miniatures TBM TBF Avenger build yields both articles and videos. Informative detailed build narratives can be found at http://www.cybermodeler.com/hobby/builds/am/build_am_480120.shtml http://www.hyperscale.com/features/2000/avengerrl_1.htm If the instructions are followed, the results are magnificent out of the box, and with some attention to some minor weathering, a masterpiece can be the result

I have built model aircraft for over sixty years. This is the best aircraft kit in 1/48th scale I have ever build, period. Every single part fit together properly, once I figured out how from the strange instructions. I believe that the illustrator was doing has job in another language I had a hard time understanding. There is a support piece for the turret I still haven't figured out how to place it. I spent more time on this kit deciphering the plans. All the time was worth it. the cockpit/fuselage was done extremely well, as were the bomb bay and bottom turret, and landing gear. It was fun and satisfying to do. Not for beginners or those who don't need no instructions.

I would only recommend this kit to experienced/advanced modelers. The instructions are not very clear in many places. I recommend downloading the Accurate Miniatures instructions which are clearer. The overall engineering and fit make this a very challenging build even for an experienced person. However with patience, this kit can produce a very nice final product that is even more satisfying given the difficultly of the build.

In The Box Review: Received this kit yesterday. The kit is awesome, with a LOT of detail. But I could only give it 4 stars because of the instructions. They are very lacking. The decals beautiful and include a lot of the tiny little notations found on airplanes. I've used Academy's decals previously on the SBD and they were wonderful. I expect the same from this set. Recommended for experienced modelers.

I'll give it 5 stars for the amazing detail. Truly a very intricate model with tons of fine detail. However the instructions fall short. The instructions seem to relate to crude cave drawings but is you have patients and dry fit pieces into place before cementing you will get through it and don't be afraid to google other peoples builds. But I would definitely build this kit again and recommend it.

It was a really great kit to work with. The details were amazing, and the build was quite excellent. Had a little tough time assembling the turret, but was worth the time. I was quite surprised to see that the TMB was larger than most planes. Decals were also nice to work with, and is a great addition to my collection. Once colored, it looks really great. Totally worth the price.

Over the past year or so I have assembled some fifty or more models This TBM model was probably the worst in my limited experience. The instructions were terrible. The decals refused to separate from the backing paper. I was using warm water which has always worked very well. This was my first and last Academy kit. Gary Richardson

Everything fits brilliantly, once you figure out how it fits. I read these reviews before ordering it. Crude cave drawings is a fair assessment. Once you crack the code, it goes together, it might take an hour or three to fit a piece, but that's the challenge. The details are amazing. It's worth the extra time and effort.

This is a pretty tricky kit with some notable fitment issues and very vague instructions. However, if you stick with it, the results can be very satisfying with impressive detail. I personally loved the thin decals that melt into the surface, but am not happy with the bomb bay doors which should fold accordion style.

This kit is a brilliant reproduction of the TBM-3. The detail is impessive and the build smooth with clear intruction. Parts come cleanly of the sprues and fit well wit out any difficulties. The result is very lifelike and a fine addition to anyone collection.

I did not like the instructions or the assembly The details for assembly are to faint. The gun. Current took a lot of time and experience to assemble. The instructions were very poor. The molding and fit was very good.

very nice enjoyable build-good easy to follow instructions