May 24, 2017 | 1 VR 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6, Daily Image 2017, Grumman TBF/TBM Avenger, Nikon 1 V3
Rivets & Rain On every life, a little rain must fall. Fly-ins are no exception. Some of my best images come from rainy and/or snowy days. Sometimes, one must get just a tad bit creative to find a good subject. Of course, not everyone necessarily agrees with my choice of subjects. This image would benefit from my PCE 24mm lens back at the office. As so often is the case, the best camera and lens are the ones in your hands. Even with the rain, any day spent around airplanes is a good day.
May 20, 2017 | 1 VR 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6, Daily Image 2017, Grumman TBF/TBM Avenger, Military Aircraft, Nikon 1 V3
TBM Avenger at the 2017 Gathering The rainy weather finally started to subside mid afternoon for the 2nd Annual TBM Avenger Gathering held today at the Illinois Valley Regional Airport in Peru, IL. Seven Grumman TBM Avengers beat the weather to get to this year’s event. Five T-6 Texans and a Stearman as well as a F-86 Sabre and a MiG-17 Fresco also made it to the gathering. The crowds were quite a bit lighter this year, but everyone who stuck around into the late afternoon still had great time. This TBM Avenger, owned by the Heritage Flight Foundation, came all the way from Rhode Island to participate. Hopefully, next year’s event will see better weather and more TBM Avengers. Looking forward to it already!
May 19, 2017 | 1 VR 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6, Daily Image 2017, Grumman TBF/TBM Avenger, Military Aircraft, Nikon 1 V3
TBM Avenger Gathering 2017 The 2nd Annual TBM Avenger Gathering will be held tomorrow at the Illinois Valley Regional Airport in Peru, IL. At least 14 Grumman TBM Avengers are expected to gather at this year’s event. Other warbird’s may also fly-in including B-25 Mitchells, A-1 Skyraiders, and P-51 Mustangs, F4U Corsair, F8F Bearcat, F4F Wildcat, F-86 Sabre, MiG-17 Fresco, and T-33 Shooting Star. The only dampener this is, of course, the weather. Today has been rainy all day and tomorrow will likely be the same. The crowds may be a bit lighter this year, but it will still be a great event, if the warbirds can get through the weather.
Feb 23, 2017 | 1 VR 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6, Aviation, Daily Image 2017, Grumman TBF/TBM Avenger, Military Aircraft, Nikon 1 V3
TBM Avenger The 2nd annual TBM Avenger reunion will soon be back to Peru, IL. Yes, on Saturday May 20, 2017, many Grumman TBM Avengers will gather at Illinois Valley Regional Airport; possibly making it the largest gathering of airworthy Avengers, at least, since last years event. Really looking forward to it; last year’s reunion was a wonderful event; close to home.
Apr 16, 2016 | 1 VR 30-110mm f/3.8-5.6, Aviation, Daily Image 2016, Grumman TBF/TBM Avenger, Nikon 1 V3
The Grumman TBM Avenger is a torpedo bomber developed for the Navy and Marine Corps. It entered service in 1942 and first saw action during the Battle of Midway. Although five Avengers were lost at Midway, it became one of the outstanding torpedo bombers of the war. It remained in service until the 1960s after several modifications.
Oct 12, 2013 | AF-S 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR, Aviation, Daily Image 2013, Grumman TBF/TBM Avenger, Military Aircraft, Nikon 1 V1
This Grumman Avenger was practicing landings just as I was taxiing back after a training flight. Luckily he continued practicing until I could shutdown the engine. Again, the Nikon 1 V1 came in handy as my carry camera. I just grabbed it and made a few simple clicks.
Jun 15, 2013 | AF-S 70-300mm f4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR, Aviation, Daily Image 2013, Grumman TBF/TBM Avenger, Military Aircraft, Nikon 1 V1
When you hang out at the airport, sometimes you just get a lucky shot. This Avenger came to an air museum open house today next to my home base. As you can see, the Nikon 1 V1 with the FT-1 and updated firmware, make the Nikon 1 V1 a much improved aviation camera.
The Grumman TBF Avenger was a WWII torpedo bomber. Those designated TBM were manufactured by General Motors. They were developed for the United States Navy and Marine Corps and entered service in 1942. They first saw action during the Battle of Midway and went on to become an outstanding torpedo bomber in WWII.
While flying a TBM with VT-51, future President George H.W. Bush was shot down on 2 September 1944 over the Pacific island of Chichi Jima. Both of his crew mates were killed, but he released his payload and hit the target before bailing out. He received the Distinguished Flying Cross. Paul Newman also flew as a rear gunner in an Avenger. He hoped to be accepted for pilot training, but did not qualify due to being color blind.
