Looking for photo etch for Trumpeter 1/32 TBM-3

[Adam Baker]

I know that Eduard makes several photo etch sets for the Trumpeter 1/32 TBM-3, but I was wondering what, if anything, else is available for it.

I know that Avionix has a resin cockpit, G-factor has brass landing gear, Scale Aircraft Conversion has white metal lander gear. I'm leaning strongly toward the G-factor set b/c of its strength and price.

 

[jknaus]

You can make a very nice model oob. Having said that the PE will give you a bit more umph. I dont know if the resin cockpit adds more or not. I havent really seen it in use. The brass landing gear by G Factor are the best and a good addition. The SAC gear I wouldnt touch with a ten foot pole. They seem to copy the original and cast in soft white metal. I believe Contact Resine makes an engine.
The last one I made I just added wiring and fixed a few things according to my refs and I liked the results. One thing to be aware of though is the interior paint. Although TBM's and TBF's where the same plane they where made by 2 different companies and the interior colours where different.

TBM General Motors
TBF Grumman

JAmes

 

[Adam Baker]

Thanks for the info James. I took a look, and it looks like Contact Resin did an R-2800, but not the R-2600 used in the TBF/TBM, and its just as well b/c it doesnt appear to be available anyway.

I did find a site for a company doing the R-2600, but its only available in 1/48 & 1/72.

I guess I'll take a look at the Avionix set, and decide how good it is, and go from there. I also think that I'm going to try gathering as much reference info as I can, and then decide whether I want to attempt making my own parts for it or not.

If I could find the right info, I suppose I could try to make my own R-2600 3D model, and have it 3D printed. Since I've started doing some freelance design work for a couple people, I might be able to get it done cheaper. The nice thing would be only having to do 1 cylinder and just resin casting it as many times as needed.

 

[jknaus]

Dont mean to hijack your thread, but here is what I did years ago.

Oh and sorry MP, but thats where they are.
James

 

[moon puppy]

I did find a site for a company doing the R-2600, but its only available in 1/48 & 1/72.

Must be Vector, first site I checked out for the engine.

I'm not finding much more than what we've already talked about.

Squadron shows the Avionix cockpit set in stock.

http://www.squadron.com/ItemDetails.asp?item=BLC32029

 

[Adam Baker]

Thanks for the pictures James, looks pretty good.

I've heard from a few people over the time I've had this kit, that the kit cockpit is pretty nice, so I may just leave it as is, and build the kit out of box, except for any additions I decide to create myself.

 

[Sharkmouth]

That engine looks fine! If you MUST, then you may replace the nuts and bolts plus add better placards and stencils to it. As James did (great job on it btw) wire the ignition harness.

If you really want to go nuts doing your own detailing, I may have some images and illustrations to help. The R-2600 was also used on the B-25 and A-20.

Regards,

 

[moon puppy]

Oh and sorry MP, but thats where they are.
James

Well worth the wait James. Fine work there!

Adam, that engine looks fine, add some wirin' to it like James did and it'll look as good as anything out there. I got the Vector Engine for the Wildcat just because that OOB engine was just awful.

 

[Adam Baker]

Yup, that was what I was kinda thinking I would do. It was something else I'd heard, that the engine is pretty good, just a little detailing will make it look even better.