Airfix 1/72 B-25 Mitchell - COMPLETED
- Thread starter Tommergun
- Start date
blakeh1
Well-Known Member
Great job on that old kit, especially adding some of those missing interior details!
I have the more recent retooled 1/72 one and I can see how much they improved it
I have the more recent retooled 1/72 one and I can see how much they improved it
kevin
Well-Known Member
Way to improvise, adapt, and overcome. 
That's a beer (or your favorite beverage) well earned!
With the framing so small, I thought masking the canopy would be difficult so I decided that I would try to use strips of Bare Metal Foil instead. It proved to be equally as difficult.
I'll brush some matte clear over it so its not so shiny.
I'll brush some matte clear over it so its not so shiny.
... looks like it worked! Never have used that stuff, how does it stay on?
Adhesive back.
lacrosse dad
Well-Known Member
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- Oct 16, 2024
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- 165
This is awesome, this is exactly the reason I'm here on this forum to see how other modelers boss their way through problems....bravo, looks great, gives it more 3D and looks like a window frame....will consider this myself on my B-36 I have waiting in the wings.
Thank you and agreed. I've only been on here a couple months but have learned a lot from the guys that walk you through their builds, even pointing out their mistakes. Lots to share and learn here.
locomotive
Well-Known Member
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- Mar 2, 2025
- Messages
- 337
I remember building this kit when I was 9 or 10.
Never came out looking like this though!
Especially after I threw out my 4th floor bedroom window.
Never came out looking like this though!
Especially after I threw out my 4th floor bedroom window.
kevin
Well-Known Member
Did you cover the wings with glue and light in on fire first?.....that's what me and my little brother did with B-17.Especially after I threw out my 4th floor bedroom window.
Looking good Tommergun!
Ah, yes, didn't think of that. Excellent point. Thanks!
That turned out great! 
Any display plans?
Any display plans?
locomotive
Well-Known Member
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- Mar 2, 2025
- Messages
- 337
Wow!
Nope, just throw it on the shelf with the others collecting dust!That turned out great!
Any display plans?
airdave
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- Oct 11, 2012
- Messages
- 280
The window "frames" are nothing more than the spaces within the inner framework cage.
Over top of the frame components, thin strips of fuselage metal are attached
to create a smooth extension of the fuselage outer skin.
These strips cover the edges of window panels that are installed from inside.
Whatever the aircraft colour, painted or bare metal, the window "framework" is exactly the same finish.
The exterior colour(s) should extend to help hide the transition to "window frames".
Ideally everything on the nose has a very close fit, leaving virtually no gaps or seams.
Behind the cockpit is truly an extension of the outer fuselage (with no seam like whats on your model).
If the model were larger, I might have used putty to mold the nose and cockpit cages into the fuselage.
Then score some very fine lines wherever needed.
At this scale, that might not even be feasible.
Obviously Airfix did not impart that kind of accuracy or fit into this model.
I do not understand those big bulging side panels just below the cockpit (and behind the nose cage).
Airfix had something in mind that doesn't fit with reality.
I believe this is supposed to simulate the modification of at least one of the "Doolittle Raiders" B-25s.
"Panchito" had some sort of removeable panel in place, probably to allow access for gear, avionics?
But it was a large flat, smooth door (with a flat frame).
It did not bulge out from the fuselage or affect the fuselage shape.
I may be wrong, but I don't believe the nose anti-glare paint was used on Pacific B-25s.
I think I've only seen it on northern B-25s and when it was used, it was very dark (most likely black).
But that's another topic.
Anyway, you've done a fine job with a not so perfect Airfix kit.
The fuselage aluminum colour looks spot on to me.
The idea of using the metal tape makes sense, even though the colour/finish doesn't match.
Once again, a by-product of the scale (frames and glass molded as one part).
1/72 is too small for my abilities, I bow to your skills.
Over top of the frame components, thin strips of fuselage metal are attached
to create a smooth extension of the fuselage outer skin.
These strips cover the edges of window panels that are installed from inside.
Whatever the aircraft colour, painted or bare metal, the window "framework" is exactly the same finish.
The exterior colour(s) should extend to help hide the transition to "window frames".
Ideally everything on the nose has a very close fit, leaving virtually no gaps or seams.
Behind the cockpit is truly an extension of the outer fuselage (with no seam like whats on your model).
If the model were larger, I might have used putty to mold the nose and cockpit cages into the fuselage.
Then score some very fine lines wherever needed.
At this scale, that might not even be feasible.
Obviously Airfix did not impart that kind of accuracy or fit into this model.
I do not understand those big bulging side panels just below the cockpit (and behind the nose cage).
Airfix had something in mind that doesn't fit with reality.
I believe this is supposed to simulate the modification of at least one of the "Doolittle Raiders" B-25s.
"Panchito" had some sort of removeable panel in place, probably to allow access for gear, avionics?
But it was a large flat, smooth door (with a flat frame).
It did not bulge out from the fuselage or affect the fuselage shape.
I may be wrong, but I don't believe the nose anti-glare paint was used on Pacific B-25s.
I think I've only seen it on northern B-25s and when it was used, it was very dark (most likely black).
But that's another topic.
Anyway, you've done a fine job with a not so perfect Airfix kit.
The fuselage aluminum colour looks spot on to me.
The idea of using the metal tape makes sense, even though the colour/finish doesn't match.
Once again, a by-product of the scale (frames and glass molded as one part).
1/72 is too small for my abilities, I bow to your skills.
blakeh1
Well-Known Member
Excellent work on that subpar kit!
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- Apr 29, 2024
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- 1,574
That plane looks cool. Good job on the aluminum
Edbert
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- May 16, 2024
- Messages
- 3,121
I think you captured the weathered cowl covers very well!
Do those exhaust stains look right to you guys? Now I'm wondering about this museum piece, think some modeler got a hold of it!
Regarding Bare Metal Foil—It's also excellent for masking canopies! 
And a very nice result from a difficult kit!
And a very nice result from a difficult kit!
