Post-war, the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) made wide use of the proven Grumman Avenger in the dedicated anti-submarine role. Initially the only difference was replacing the American insignia with the Canadian markings. However, this versatile platform morphed into a variety of configurations with the final manipulation, the AS3M2, being perhaps the most unique-looking Avenger ever flown.

AS3 Prototype (Short canopy, overall blue scheme)
AS3-1 (Short canopy, grey/grey scheme)
AS3-2 (Long canopy, grey/grey scheme)
AS3-2 Target Tug (Long canopy, grey/grey scheme)
AS3M (Long canopy, external MAD boom housing, grey/grey scheme)
AS3M2 (Bulged canopy, external MAD boom housing, grey/grey scheme)

Scobie-Do supplies a complete stand-alone conversion, as the canopies, resin interior parts and decals are all supplied. A detailed instruction sheet is included, and one of the positives is that each conversion is covered individually and that includes photographs of the different interior configurations. Also included is a scale drawing of the turret ring seat support frame, that requires you to scratch build it from brass wire or a similar product. Additional information on the sheet are the wing locations for the various markings and a photograph parts list with each part numbered and labelled individually. This is much appreciated and makes the assembly a much easier task; however, the quality of the photograph should be better as some of the individual parts are hard to identify. Also included are photographs of the completed interiors of the individual versions showing the location of the dedicated parts. Nice touch, but again the photograph could have been better.

Both the canopy and decals are state of the art; I cannot apply that accolade to the nice, but basic grey resin parts. While Scobie-Do does supply the main shape, the smaller electronic additions are basic shapes only; no instrument faces, dials etc are offered. Likewise, the harnesses will need to be added to the three seats provided. On the plus side, the resin is very user friendly (IE not brittle) and cleans up in short order and they do fit well.

Conclusion
For those that model the RCN Air Arm in 1/72 scale, then this set is a required addition. No doubt, some folks will find the asking price a little steep. I would ask you to keep in mind the cost of a special decal sheet, or the price for three vacuum formed canopies. By using this set to its full potential, three Avengers can be made as long as one is willing to modify (or not) two of the interiors.

Reference
The Grumman Avenger in the Royal Canadian Navy, Leo Pettipas

Review by Vic Scheuerman, C#2408, IPMS Edmonton