**** DONE: 1/72 B-25J - Night War of WWII

[Wildcat]

User Name - Wildcat
Name - Andy
Category - Intermediate
Kit - Airfix
Extras - DK Decals sheet 72007

I thought I would join in this group build with a quick OOB build of the Airfix 1/72 B-25. This model will represent A47-27 of No2 sqn RAAF, which flew bombing and anti-shipping strikes against Japanese targets on Timor and the many small islands South of the NEI's. This aircraft was painted in the RAAF's night scheme of Olive Drab over black.

 

[Wildcat]

This Airfix kit looks like it is showing its age with lots of flash etc. I'm building it OOB so as long as it looks like a B-25, I'll be happy.

 

[Airframes]

Nice one ! That kit was 'state of the art' when first released in the 1960s, and still not too bad even by todays standards.
Looking forward to seeing the build - a slightly unusual colour scheme for a B-25.

 

[Wildcat]

These are the decals I'll be using. The aircraft I'm going to model is KO-A.

 

[Wildcat]

Interior painted and cockpit done. Main wheels also joined and painted.

 

[Wildcat]

Nice one ! That kit was 'state of the art' when first released in the 1960s, and still not too bad even by todays standards.
Looking forward to seeing the build - a slightly unusual colour scheme for a B-25.

Thanks Terry. Here's an example of what I'm talking about. Notice the chunk missing out of the LH side of upper fuselage - looks like mice have been nibbling at it
I've also painted the top turret, there are no panel lines on it so I copied an example I found on the net.

 

[Wurger]

Going well so far.

 

[Jeff Hunt]

Nice.

Jeff

 

[Airframes]

It's certainly showing its age ! The kit was originally moulded in a fairly hard, 'silver' plastic, which, for the time, showed some nice detail, although by today's standards, somewhat basic. Last time I saw one was back in the late 1980s, when I converted one back to a Mitchell II (B-25C/D), and it was still well mouled then.
Although I'm very happy to see Airfix getting back to quality products with their new kits, I still think it's rather cheeky asking 'modern' prices for some of their 40, 50 and 60 year old kits.
It's looking good so far, and I hope you can correct that 'mouse bite' without too much hassle.

 

[T Bolt]

Very nice Andy. Never really thought of a B-25 as part of the night war but it should look cool in that paint job. I remember building that kit long ago as a kid. It was the first Airfix kit bigger than a fighter that I had ever done and I remember liking the kit quite a bit

 

[JKim]

Very unexpected entry but a good find! Nice work to start her off.

 

[Crimea_River]

Good one Andy!

 

[Wayne Little]

Good on ya Andy...

 

[Wildcat]

Thanks guys. I've got the nose weight sorted, I found a 30g tyre weight on the road which fit perfectly under the cockpit decking. Hopefully this should be enough to keep it from being a tail sitter. Also been working on the tail and have done the front lading gear and side guns. These windows glue from the outside which will take the hassle out of that job.

 

[rochie]

Nice work Andy

 

[Wurger]

 

[Wildcat]

Thanks guys.

 

[JKim]

Good work there! That looks like bulletproof glass in front of those guns.

 

[Gnomey]

Nicely done so far!

 

[Airframes]

Coming along nicely.