Matthew Robeson takes a look at the TBD-1A Devastator in 1/48th scale from Great Wall Hobby and shares his thoughts on it.

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Thanks!

An impressive model. Thanks for the detailed review.

Darren,
Very nice review.
I'm currently just about done with my build of the TBD-1 Midway version. The parts fit is excellent, although I had some slight issues with the main wing/fuselage joint. Nothing major, but it did require some work & a little putty. The decals are truly excellent. I was able with the use of the Microscale system of Set & Sol to get the Stars to settle down just fine over the wing corrugations. I had thought about using the supplied masks, but worried about the paint spray getting under the masks as they certainly would not conform to the corrugations, but rather lay on top of them.

I opted for a combination of open and closed canopy sections, so I used the individual sections. The issue as noted in just about every build review is that the individual sections do not stack, as they are just too thick. I found that out the hard way. I've ordered the Squadron vacuum form canopy so hopefully I can stack the last 3 sections as planned. If not, then I'll just cut the one piece closed canopy as needed.

The main wheels/tires present a real challenge as the wheel lip on the outside isn't defined enough to use as a paint guide. The only solution is masking. That can be a real challenge. Mal of Mal Masks has masks that makes this a non-issue.

I'm folding the wings, and GWH has included white metal castings for the folding wing mechanisms. That should really help over the long run as plastic will eventually succumb to the constant weight of the wing panels. They also left out the wing tip supports that attach at the end of the outer wing and are secured to the fuselage just below the greenhouse. I've made mine out of steel rod.

Over all, your assumption that this is a 91% rated kit, is somewhat conservative, I would rate it even higher. It's that good. I also have the Wake Island version, that I plan to backdate to the Golden Yellow Wings pre-War era.

Joel

Joel this is Matthews review I only did an edit and add the pictures for him.

Darren & Matthew, so for my error. Matthew, thanks for taking the time to prepare and present such a well organized and detailed review.
Joel