This is Monogram’s 1/48 scale Douglas TBD-1 WWII U.S. Navy torpedo bomber. The model carries the color scheme and markings of the plane flown by Ensign George Gay of Torpedo Squadron 8. The plane was shot down during the Battle of Midway on June 4, 1942, with Gay being the only survivor in the squadron.

I built this model in 1999. Listed below are the modifications/additions that were made:

>Detailed interior Photo-etched and scratch built parts-

>Repositioned rudder and stabilizers-

>Detailed engine with spark plug wires/ignition ring/oil line-

>Rib detailing added to landing flaps-

>Scratch built pitot tube-

>Wheel well detail added inside the wing tops-

>Added brake lines-

>Added a balsa wood plywood guidance tail to the torpedo-

This is an older kit but still has good detail. A construction article of this model was featured in the October 2001 issue of Fine Scale Modeler magazine.