Atlantic sub hunters?

[TJTX]

I had the light bulb moment for a build I am really excited to try.  But here's the rub, I'm not sure exactly what plane and kit to go with.  I need something single engine that would be sub hunting in the Atlantic.   It can be US or British.  I want to keep it single engine because a Lanc or B-17 would be to big for my diorama idea.  Any ideas on planes and kits that would work for this? 

[BlrwestSiR]

Avenger would the first to come to mind. Especially in the white and grey camo scheme. 

Another choice would be the Wildcat but I think they would be more escort fighter than sub hunter. 

Kit wise, the Trumpeter 1/32 Avenger is supposed to be one of their better kits. Folks have said it's basically a scaled up version of the Accurate Miniatures 1/48 kit. That kit can be found in other boxes these days. Academy has the moulds now. 

@Martinnfb and I were discussing Wildcats and the Trumpeter kit. I can remember which one is suitable for an Atlantic one. Eduard has you covered in 1/48. 

 

Carl

[Martinnfb]

Trumpeter F4F-4 can be converted to FM-1/ Martlet V by filling the outboard guns and adding extra bomb racks. It's an only option in 1/32 scale, fairly decent.

[HubertB]

My first reaction was to say « Martlet » aka F4F-4 (for the Martlet 1, as the later marks were in fact FM-2s).

But then I had a second thought: the Swordfish was used as ASW in the later years of WWII. You’ll want to use the Mk II for this, with bomb racks and sans torpedo. And the Trumpeter kit, based on the Tamiya 1/48, is definitely A-team.

Hubert

Edit PS : the Stringbags sank 14 U-boats … not bad for an outdated biplane.

[Landlubber Mike]

I was going to say Avenger too.  I have a 1/48 Accurate Miniatures kit on the work bench that I want to start in the near future.  

On converting a F4F-4 to an FM-1, I recently did just that in 1/48 using the really nice Tamiya F4F-4 kit coupled with the Wolfpack FM-1 wing fold set.  If you're looking to go with a smaller scale like 1/48, I'd highly recommend the Tamiya kit.  It goes together really nicely.  I wanted mine with a wing fold, but you can easily modify the wings as Martin noted if you don't want to display the model with the wings folded.

 

[TJTX]

Definitely 1/32.  I think the Swordfish will be perfect for it.  Imposing but not obscene in it's size.  Thank you all so much for the help and ideas!  Now to track down a Swordfish. 

[belugawhaleman]

22 minutes ago, TJTX said:

Definitely 1/32.  I think the Swordfish will be perfect for it.  Imposing but not obscene in it's size.  Thank you all so much for the help and ideas!  Now to track down a Swordfish. 

I think Trumpeter is the only Swordfish in 1/32.

The 1/48 Tamiya Swordfish is very nice.

[JohnB]

Should make a interesting model. Swordfish, TBF or FM-1 Wildcat would fill that bill. 🙂

[TJTX]

Might still do an Avenger instead.  Tough choices!

[JohnB]

13 hours ago, TJTX said:

Might still do an Avenger instead.  Tough choices!

I think that's the way I'd go. 🙂

[Winnie]

Could do a Gannett. not single engine but single shaft... 

 

Doesn't exist in 32nd though

 

H.

[Martinnfb]

[BlrwestSiR]

1 hour ago, Martinnfb said:

 

Stop it Martin, you're making me want to find an Avenger kit.