TBD-1
Devastator

About This Build

The Subject

The Douglas TBD-1 Devastator was the US Navy's primary torpedo bomber at the outbreak of the Pacific War — a monoplane that had been considered advanced when it entered service in 1937, but was painfully obsolete by 1942. At the Battle of Midway, Torpedo Squadron Six from USS Enterprise pressed home their attack against the Japanese carrier fleet despite heavy fighter opposition and near-total losses. Their sacrifice drew the Zero fighters down to low altitude and left the Japanese carriers exposed to the dive-bomber attack that decided the battle.

The Kit

This is the Monogram TBD-1 in 1/48 scale — a vintage kit originally released in 1974 that, while not matching modern standards of fit and detail, can still yield a very satisfying result. I built this model about four years ago and always intended to release it once I had the matching Tamiya figures to complete the scene. A scratch-built carrier island made from cardboard — painted by brush with acrylic colours — provides the diorama setting. The reference markings are BuNo 0289, "Black 1", flown by Lt. Cdr. E.E. Lindsey, Torpedo Squadron Six, USS Enterprise (CV-6).

Colours & Markings

The profile reference is from Valiant's "The Battle of Midway — Airframe Extra No. 10", page 35. Colours are AK Real Colors throughout. One small detail that amuses me: on one photo you can see that a steel strap holding the torpedo has come loose. Vintage kit, limited accuracy — but the right figures and a little scenery can make up for a lot.