The US Navy’s most widely-used torpedo bomber of World War II, the Grumman TBF Avenger filled a critical gap in combat capability shortly after the United States’ immersion into the war. The Grumman TBFs and license-built General Motors TBMs replaced the aging and obsolete Douglas TBD Devastator. Avengers operated in a host of roles through 1954, including torpedo bomber, level bomber, and anti-submarine duties.

With a host of Avenger kits available in various scales, this latest edition from Mr. Doyle is a welcome addition to the modeler’s reference library. This all-new installment in Squadron/Signal’s long-running In Action series is packed with 212 photos, 29 of them in full color, 5 color profiles, and 5 line drawings into a hefty 80 pages chronicling the aircraft’s origin, development, and combat operations. Content of the photos is wide-ranging, with numerous and excellent views of aircraft armament, crew stations, unit markings, and “in-action.” The photos are accompanied by extensive captioning and narrative making for an interesting read and providing a thorough context for the visuals and accounting of the “Turkey’s” service life.

A great reference and an informative read, I highly recommend TBF/TBM Avenger in Action to any modeler or aviation aficionado looking for an affordable, picture-packed account of this legendary torpedo bomber’s service life.

Thanks to Squadron Products and IPMS/USA for the review sample!