SkyMax Flying Heroes SM8009
1/72 Douglas TBD-1 Devastator
USN VT-8, Black T-3, William Evans, USS Hornet, Battle of Midway, June 1942

TBD Devastator T-3 c/n 0297 and in 1940 was delivered to VT-2 as 2-T-2. The aircraft was transferred to VT-2 where it was flown by Ensign William R. Evans of VT-8 aboard the USS Hornet during the Battle of Midway. On June 4, 1942 VT-8 departed to attack Japanese aircraft carriers and due to a series of errors arrived at the carriers without any Wildcat protection. As a result all fifteen TBDs were lost and there was no damage inflicted on the Japanese carriers. Only one crewman survived.

Douglas TBD-1 Devastator

Designed to meet a 1934 US Navy requirement for a carrier-based torpedo-bomber, the Devastator was first flown on April 15th, 1935. The TBD was an early shipboard monoplane built large enough to carry a heavy torpedo and achieve speeds of just over 200 miles per hour. Its design included folding wings, an inclusive canopy, and all metal construction - innovations that would be used by future carrier aircraft. Sophisticated for its time, the Devastator’s strong points were eventually surpassed by enemy forces. Its lack of maneuverability and slow speed made it vulnerable to the high performance of the Japanese Zero.

SkyMax's 1:72 scale TBD Devastator is a well made model constructed almost entirely from diecast metal. The large solid metal wing features simulated corrugated surfaces and a masterfully replicated fairing that blends the wing almost seamlessly into the fuselage. The unusually large greenhouse canopy is removable providing an unobstructed view of interior features like the pad-printed instrument panel, flight controls, ADF antenna and rear mounted machine gun. Engine details such as pushrod housings and cylinder head cooling fins can be seen inside the engine cowling. Releases in this series feature a variety or ordnance configurations such as a removable torpedo and wing mounted bombs (see photos).

SkyMax Flying Heroes

The SkyMax "Flying Heroes" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft. SkyMax offer the more price-sensitive collector a cheaper alternative to models from leading manufacturers like Corgi and Century Wings.

SkyMax"Flying Heroes" diecast airplanes feature:

• Diecast metal construction with some plastic components.
• Realistic panel lines, antennas, access panels and surface details.
• Pad printed markings and placards that won't fade or peel like decals.
• Interchangeable extended/retracted landing gear.