Academy 1/48 USN TBF-1C Avenger Battle of Leyte Gulf Model Kit – ACD12340

Academy 1/48 USN TBF-1C Avenger Battle of Leyte Gulf Plastic Model Kit

Recreate one of the most recognizable American naval aircraft of World War II with the Academy 1/48 Grumman TBF-1C Avenger "Battle of Leyte Gulf" plastic model kit (ACD12340). Developed as a carrier-based torpedo bomber for the United States Navy, the Grumman Avenger became an essential part of American naval aviation during the Pacific War, participating in major carrier battles, anti-submarine patrols, and attacks against enemy shipping.

This 1/48 scale aircraft model represents the TBF-1C Avenger, an improved variant of the famous three-crew torpedo bomber. With its distinctive broad wings, large fuselage, enclosed defensive gun turret, and torpedo-carrying bomb bay, the Avenger is an impressive subject for World War II aircraft enthusiasts and naval aviation modelers.

Academy TBF-1C Avenger Model Kit Features

• 1/48 scale Grumman TBF-1C Avenger torpedo bomber
• Battle of Leyte Gulf-themed United States Navy aircraft model
• Distinctive three-crew torpedo bomber configuration
• Detailed aircraft fuselage, wings, and tail surfaces
• Characteristic dorsal defensive gun turret
• Reproduction of the Avenger's radial-engine aircraft design
• Plastic model components for assembly and painting
• World War II naval aviation display subject
• Unassembled scale model kit requiring assembly and finishing

History of the Grumman TBF-1C Avenger

The Grumman TBF Avenger was developed to replace the Douglas TBD Devastator as the United States Navy's primary carrier-based torpedo bomber. Entering service in 1942, the Avenger quickly became an important part of American carrier aviation during World War II.

Powered by a Wright R-2600 Twin Cyclone radial engine, the Avenger featured a large fuselage, three-person crew, internal weapons bay, and defensive machine guns. Its rugged construction, long operational range, and ability to carry torpedoes or bombs made it suitable for attacks against enemy ships, coastal installations, and submarines.

The TBF-1C variant introduced improvements to the aircraft's armament, including wing-mounted machine guns. Avengers continued operating throughout the Pacific campaign and played important roles in American naval victories as Allied forces advanced toward Japan.

Battle of Leyte Gulf – October 1944

The Battle of Leyte Gulf, fought October 23–26, 1944, was one of the largest naval battles in history. The engagement took place during the Allied invasion of the Philippines and involved major American and Japanese naval forces across several connected battles.

American carrier aircraft, including Grumman Avengers, participated in attacks against Japanese warships as the United States Navy sought to prevent enemy forces from disrupting the landings on Leyte. Carrier-based torpedo bombers and dive bombers were essential to American naval strike operations throughout the campaign.

The Battle of Leyte Gulf resulted in devastating losses for the Imperial Japanese Navy and helped secure Allied control of the seas around the Philippines. Academy's TBF-1C Avenger kit commemorates this important chapter of World War II naval aviation.

Build a 1/48 Scale World War II US Navy Torpedo Bomber

The Academy TBF-1C Avenger offers an engaging modeling project for builders interested in American carrier aircraft and Pacific Theater aviation history. The aircraft's distinctive silhouette, enclosed gun turret, broad wings, and large fuselage provide opportunities for careful assembly and realistic finishing.

Modelers can recreate a historically inspired US Navy aircraft appearance using appropriate wartime camouflage colors, panel line washes, exhaust staining, and operational weathering effects. The completed model makes an excellent addition to a World War II carrier aviation display alongside aircraft such as the Douglas SBD Dauntless, Grumman F6F Hellcat, and Vought F4U Corsair.

Explore additional historic warbirds, carrier aircraft, bombers, and military jets in our Academy Airplane & Helicopter Model Kits collection.

Complete Your Academy TBF-1C Avenger Model Kit

This plastic aircraft model kit requires assembly and painting. Model cement, paints, and hobby tools are sold separately. For realistic US Navy camouflage, cockpit colors, primers, clear coats, and weathering effects, explore our model paints and hobby painting supplies.

Discover more military aircraft, tanks, naval ships, and specialty models in our Academy Models collection, or browse our complete plastic model kits collection at Fusion Scale Hobbies.