I want to build a WWII bomber and the B-25 has always been my favorite. Is there a really big kit out there that a good number of aftermarket upgrades are available for? I want to build a B-25 that looks like the real thing. I’m thinking good detailed cockpit and engines mostly. Also, is it worthwhile to put lights in a model? With the small LED lights that are available it seems a shame to overlook lights.
Medric,
The Accurate Miniatures B-25 series in 1/48th is really about the best you’re going to get.
If you can overlook an odd shaped cowl opening (easily remedied, by the way), then these kits just can’t be beat.
There are a number of aftermarket detail sets for them - such as an Aires cockpit set (much of which you won’t see when the fuselage halves are closed), a Pavla nose interior, True Details wheels, Eduard Photo Etched details, Cutting Edge corrected cowls, Quickboost gun barrels, and Verlinden detail sets (includes nice engines).
You certainly CAN add all these parts to the Accurate Miniatures kit, but much of it isn’t really necessary, as the AM kit really is that good.
Besides, it gets nasty when you turn a $50+ kit into a $120+ kit by buying all those bits.
Yes, I’ve been scouring around on the various model sites and I see that Accurate Miniatures has a couple nice ones. The Doolittle version is one that really piques my interest. Maybe engine upgrades? I hear you on price, it does get to be a drag spending so much but if I didn’t fritter it away on toys, then what else? Anyway, I’d like to do a really nice WWII bomber and have it be my best ever so far. Thanks for the tip.
Medric,
Have a look at the Hannant’s page for 1/48th B-25…this’ll give toy a good idea of what’s available. Have a look at:
Good luck mate!
I’m doing the AM B-25 air apache right now. I agree, for the detail and fit, you can’t go wrong with these kits.
Andy
Check outthe Vector engines. Here’s the link
http://www.buffiesbest.com/products.php?catid=1003
(thanks again Smokinguns)
If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous you could try the old Revellogram B-25J in 1/48th with some of the previously mentioned aftermarket items. It looks like a Mitchell when you’re done.
I used Eduard’s photoetched detail set and Squadron vac canopies on this one that I built a little while ago: http://www.pix.prettyneatinc.com/mitchellbuild.htm
Hope this helps !
Here are a few pictures of an old 1/48th Revell B-25B I built over 30 years ago and then “refurbished” it into a gear up “wall hanger”. I motorized the props and had working landing lights. I put a battery pack and micro switch in the back of the frame so the motors and lights would still work. I’ve got another Monogram B-25J on the “assembly” line for a motorized ground diorama along with a B-26C Invader as a “wall hanger”. The Accurate Minature kits are great except for the funny looking engine cowls. Too bad they “missed” the outline on that one! I’ve opened my up a bit more but think you need to add a little more plastic filler to the back of the ring to get the curved lip effect better. I had another kit I opened the cowling up on so you could see the engine detail. You can see the open cowl in the night run up.
Pixilater, thanks for the link to your build! Looks great!
wrt lights, the Accurate Miniatures interior is very nice OOB but it’s a shame since you can’t see it unless you illuminate it or do a cutaway. So by all means bring on the LEDs! If you also mean exterior lighting, you might get some ideas here: http://www.dynamicscalemodeling.com/b25.htm
Just too damn cool! The lights and the turret moving are amazing. YEAH!!! This is what I’m talking about! That link is the portal to Nirvana. Take a gander at the engine and interior detail. If that’s the box stock Accurate Miniatures kit, well, you guys weren’t just whistling Dixie. I think I’m seeing a vision. My eyes aren’t watering because I’m homesick.
Fair Dinkum. Man if that isn’t just the ducks whatsies, I don’t know what is. Geez. The only thing missing I reckon, is a smoke generating unit to blow a big puff from the exhausts when she kicks into life. Would love to see something similar adopted for the Fort.
Medric: AccuMin kits are simply great. It’s a different airplane, but check out what another user, kielers, has done with his Avenger:
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The detail in the kit is amazing and with some care a real eye-popper can be built. I’ve heard the B-25 is similar in detail.
Oh, and Mel…great idea on your “refurb”!. Looks great.
Oh Boy! I just watched and heard the videos of the B-25 lights, engines, and turret. The detail in the AM kit is nothing less than outstanding. I have never seen such a model kit. I’m running right up to the LHS and getting one or ordering it. That will be the finest kit I’ve ever bought. I’ll probably start throwing rocks at Revell kits after I open the box. I’ve never spent more than twenty bucks on a model ever. It looks like you DO get what you pay for. I can’t wait!!!