I learned a valuable lesson a couple of weeks ago, never underestimate the TBM or any plane.
I was providing some cap in my F4U1 near the CV when I spotted to low cons. Headed off to intercept. First up, TBM, low and headed for the CV. I make a pass on his 9 o'clock and miss. He turns out away from me and reverses his direction back to where he came from. As I pull up to come around to follow him I spotted another plane (dont remember what) think it was a spitfire headed straight at me from a slight altitude advantage. I fire in front of him and break right and up to avoid his the fire from his headon pass. I decided the Spitfire was the greater threat and I would catchup to the TBM after I dealt with the Spitfire. Spitfire overshoots my F4U1 and I slide in behind him and hit'em with all the guns. At the same instant I hear ping, crack, snap. Spitfire is going down, but someone has snuck up on me when I wasnt looking. I had looked all around before engaging the spit and the only other plane I saw was the TBM heading away. I check my six and sure enough, theres that TBM blasting away, with damaged rudder and aierlons I couldnt get out of the way and went down.
Perk the TBM.........