Anyone know of a good B-25 kit? I have a Revell kit (from a “swap meet” type package deal)I was going to build but after spending extra money on aftermarket decals,I have discovered that it is a really crappy kit.The interior details are ok but the fit is terrible and the exterior detail sucks.I could go ahead and build it but I think that even with maximum effort it would come out too good.
Academy molds the old Accurate Minitures B-25, the one out now is a G model and I bet you could find a B model from Accurate on Evilbay
Yup, the Accurate Minatures B-25s are the best ones out there in 1/48. But they are all early models, up thru the G version. Italeri has accquired the Accurate line of molds so you will see a jump in price due to their MRC dealings. They are not inexpensive kits unless you find a guy getting rid of one who does not know of care what they are worth. If you want an H or J you have to go Revellogram. But seriously, aside from the raised panel lines (not an accuracy issue at all) the Revell B-25 does not have exterior detail that sucks. At least in my view. Now fit may vary as the molds are coming up on 40 years old now. The real B-25 is covered in raised rivets and overlapping panel skins, not flush rivetted butt joined panel skins. She is a bumpy old bird.
If you have the original Revell kit it is the B-25B, and is from the 60’s. The moldings are not near as good as the current Revell kit which is from Monogram moldings. The AM kits are a little fiddley to build and I don’t like some of the shapes, the nose transparencies and the cowls bother me but I am fussy about the B-25. I really like the airplane.
As others have said, the Accurate Miniatures B-25 molds are the best bet in 1/48 scale. However, to the best of my knowledge, they are out of production. And, these days, few and far between if you’re lucky enough to find one. Someone earlier said that Italeri has acquired the AM molds. That’s good news, but the down side is they undoubtedly will be more expensive (Italeri prices have gotten absurd in recent years). Bottom line answer - if you can find one, go with the Accurate Miniatures 1/48.
Curt
As much as I’d like to agree with everyone, I can’t give the the Accurate Miniatures a thumbs up. The 1/48 Monogram/Revell B-25 is far superior IF you want an accurate B-25. If you check all the reviews you’ll see that the AM nose is off, the rudder lacks definition, the cowl openings are too small, the pilot’s canopy is just plain weird, the nav dome is too big, and yes, it goes on and on…The release of Accurate Miniatures was the start of the downfall of AM, and I told Bosworth so, in person. But “It Looks Like A B-25”! Hope That Helps.