Grumman TBF-1C_846_910
Tarpon 1
CFS3 - V4.00.168

This aircraft was built by GregoryP using version 4.00.168 of the AvHistory 1% Assembly Line process.  It is based on the outstanding TBF visual created Corrado La Posta.

It has been painted by Brian TEMPEST Hill  to represent the Tarpon 1  FN910 White 4F of 846 Sqn, Macrihanish, Scotland, December 1943.

Rene 'Greycap' of Steve's "O-1 Driver" effects team installed the lights & exhaust flames.



This aircraft was among the second batch of Tarpon 1's delivered to the British in the autumn of 1943, this aircraft was issued to No 846 Sqn after the unit had flown off HMS Ravager and taken up residence in Scotland. It was heavily used during the subsequent work work-up period, being photographed in colur by the legendary Charles E Brown whilst participating in a press day that served to introduce the new type to the British public- No 846 Sqn was the first unit to operate the Taron 1 in home waters.



While the Douglas Devastator had been "state of the art" when it was introduced in 1935, by 1939, the US Navy determined that it needed a more potent torpedo bomber, one with greater range, larger payload, faster speed, and tougher resistance to battle damage.

The requirements for the new aircraft included: a top speed of 300 MPH, a (fully loaded) range of 1,000 miles, an internal weapons bay, 2000 lbs. payload, and a ceiling of 30,000 feet.



The Grumman "Iron Works" almost inevitably would be the supplier. Leroy Grumman, an engineer by background, helped design the torpedo bomber that would meet the navy's specs. The prototype was designated XTBF-1: eXperimental, Torpedo Bomber, F = Grumman, 1st variant.

Two aircraft were built, one of which crashed in the woods near Brentwood, Long Island. But the program continued at the rapid pace which was a hallmark of Grumman's production.



On the afternoon of December 7, 1941, Grumman held a ceremony to open its new Plant 2 in Bethpage and display the new torpedo bomber to the public.

During the program, Grumman vice president Clint Towl was called to the phone. "The Japs have bombed Pearl Harbor. We're at war."

No announcement was made and the festivities continued. When the crowd filed out of the plant, they locked the gates, swept the plant for saboteurs, and went to a war footing, which they stayed on for almost four years.

BEAR
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