Is it true? TBD-1 in ML-KNIL

[murphyaa]

To throw in my two cents, when I was researching version for my TBD model, I never came across even the whiffer. So it's also relatively recent.

[rickstef]

If you look at the credit in the bottom right, a person named lauhof or lanhof created it, so you might want to contact him, and it seems that he created it in 2014

[MichaelS]

My Sweet Lard DB. If this is what you call brief research what do you get when you really put your heart int it!??

[modelperry]

Found this from the Artist, Lauhof, on a forum Lauhof's profiles

"Following the actions of the Royal Navy, the Dutch Government in London bought several TBD-1's to strengthen their airforce in the Dutch Indies. They were used as scout-bombers with the ML-KNIL. Several TBD-1's escaped after the occupation by the Japanese to Australia and fought further more under the command of the RAAF. Here is one from 120 Sqn in 1944:"

greg

[Don Boose]

Thanks, Greg. It is quite clear from the context that these excellent paintings are of imaginary aircraft: TBD-s and biplane "SFBD-1" floatplanes in Royal Navy, RAAF, and Polish markings. All great fun, but not real - although I can imagine a plausible account of how an old TBD-1 could have ended up being flown by the Dutch in New Guinea in 1944 (but not with the orange triangle markings).

For future inquiries into Dutch aviation in the Pacific War, I have ordered a copy of Tom Womack, The Dutch Naval Air Force against Japan; The Defense of the Netherlands East Indies, 1941–1941, Jefferson, NC: McFarland & Company, 2006.

Thanks for some head-scratching fun, Kacper, and for solving the mystery, Greg.

Don

[cafe]

He's also a member of whatifmodellers, from which Beyond the Sprues spun off.

[OgdenBob]

It's still a great what-if.




Bob

[Don Boose]

It certainly is. All of Lauhof's alternate universe aircraft are beautiful artwork and have thought-provoking plausibility.

If that Dutch TBD-1 had existed, it would have been found on the drome with other 120 Squadron aircraft, including Kacper's current SNAFU Kittyhawk project. 1/100 P-40N Kittyhawk Mk.IV "Snafu" NEIAF (S&P, PacificWind's Recolors)

Don

[MichaelS]

Kacper,

Just because it is a Whiffer doesn't mean you can't repaint it. Embellish the story a little and I am sure we would all enjoy it.

[PacificWind]

Originally Posted by MichaelS

Kacper,

Just because it is a Whiffer doesn't mean you can't repaint it. Embellish the story a little and I am sure we would all enjoy it.

... not a bad idea, but I would have to make some corrections. Change these triangles to Dutch flag and color to something more greenish/khaki.

Anyway my next recolor, after P-40N "Snafu", will be either RAAF Norseman or Ki-84 "Frank".