1/48 WWII Douglas TBD-1 "Devastator" - VT-8 at Midway 1942

The Douglas TBD-1 Devastator was a standard US Navy deck torpedo bomber introduced into service before the US entered World War II. It was a modern design at the time of its creation, but the rapid development of aviation technology meant that by the earlyat the start of the war, the type was more limited in performance and tactical capability than newer aircraft. Despite this, Devastators carried a significant portion of the torpedo attacks by the U.S. Navy in the early stages of the war in the PacificAir Force and are among the types that well illustrate the transition period between pre-war concepts and more modern airborne aircraft.

Historically, the TBD-1 is closely associated with the Battle of Midway in June 1942, where torpedo squadrons attempted attacks on Japanese carrier groups in extremely difficult conditions. Torpedo Squadron 8 (VT-8) is famous because its attack was one of the most tragic episodes of the entire battle: The squadron's aircraft went into action with minimal chance of recovery and suffered extreme losses. It is this particular historical link that gives the execution of "VT-8 at Midway 1942" a clear context and makes the model not only an attractive airborne aircraft, but also a reminder of a very specific moment in the naval air war.

Great Wall Hobby's 1:48 scale model kit is a glue-together model aimed at depicting the Devastator in a form appropriate to the Midway period. Scale 1:48 allows the characteristic shapes of the deck torpedo aircraft to stand out well, while giving room for realistic finishing, especially on the surface finishand cabin glazing, where the moderate operational wear, localised scuffs and soiling typical of aircraft carrier service often apply. The package does not include paint or adhesives required for assembly.