Matchbox B-25

[phat trev]

Can anyone offer any opinion on this model please?

Is it easy to move the top turret back towards the rear of the fuselage to make a B-25C/D or RAF Mitchell MkII ?

Edited May 25, 2011 by phat trev

[Test Graham]

Never had it I'm afraid, but the rear fuselage is different in shape between the B-25C/D and the J so unless it's the wrong shape to start with... If I were you, I wouldn't start from here.

Some decades back I did convert an Airfix J to a D (ah simple days) so I can say that moving turrets isn't a particularly difficult job, but why not just make an RAF J?

[Jennings Heilig]

It's typical Matchbox - very clunky and chunky. Orders of magnitude more crude than any more recent kit, especially the jewel-like ones from Hasegawa.

[Work In Progress]

The J-man is correct, as is Graham.

What you want is an Italeri B-25 C/D

Edited May 24, 2011 by Work In Progress

[Test Graham]

I'm not sure about the Italeri rear fuselage. I don't remember the exact comment but I think it is either right for a J or some compromise between the two. But it's a pretty good kit otherwise.

The side window position is different between a J and C/D, although there was some variation in late production. The engine cowlings are also different. Maybe also the top turret? (Not sure about that.)

The Frog kit,although crude, makes up to a nice looking C/D. As the man says, the best is Hasegawa, by a considerable margin.

[phat trev]

Thanks for your views. The kit is clunky but fits rather well I think, and I can do some DIY detailing also.

Personally I think the Mitchell looks better with the turret moved further back this is why I want to do this conversion (if indeed it is possible with this kit!, If not hey I will have to look for a scheme that suits the model as-is)

As for the shape of the rear fuselage, may I ask how does it differ from each variant? I can see that the large side windows will have to be removed (prehaps glue the clear parts inplace and sand flush with a little filler) and then cut out the smaller windows as needed. I could cut out the area where it top turret is located, cut out the rear section and swap the pieces -creating an astrodome just behind the cockpit when all is re-fittend and dry.

[Gmat]

The Monogram Snaptite kit has the best shape for an early model B-25. You could improve it by adding parts from the Italeri or Hasegawa kit.

The B-25G and later models had the rear fuselage deepened in height starting from behind the bomb bay. This was to provide extra room for the gunner in the new tail gun position. Italeri made a compromise to produce both the B-25B/C/D and B-25H/J from the same molds by making the rear fuselage a compromise between the two. It is too deep for an early model and too shallow for a late model. The Fairfax Depot and Hawaiian Depot fitted a fairing and guns to a number of B-25Ds and Gs. The turret fairing is similar but different from those installed on later models and the fuselage was not deepened. The Hawaiian Depot mod had the gun or guns installed on a post. The waist gun positions, almost identical to those on later models, were also installed but not staggered.

Best wishes,

Grant

Edited May 24, 2011 by Gmat

[Ed Russell]

There was an article by Len Thompson in a SAM in the last few years about converting the Hasegawa J to an earlier model - this will give you an idea of the differences. He chose to modify the Hase kit in preferce to the Italaeri kit as he considered it to be that much better!

Edit - correct author and it is SAM Vol 30 No 2 April 2008 p92-95

Edited May 25, 2011 by Ed Russell

[phat trev]

There was an article by Len Whalley in a SAM in the last few years about converting the Hasegawa J to an earlier model - this will give you an idea of the differences. He chose to modify the Hase kit in preferce to the Italaeri kit as he considered it to be that much better!

It would be good to hunt this artical out, thanks for the heads up Ed.

Odd because I cannot find in any books or references that the fuselage was deepened in later models? (Not saying anyone is wrong btw!)

[modelldoc]

Here you can have a look inside (and outside) from the B-25.

Last version, made by Revell has different decals.

http://www.matchboxkits.org/product_info.php?products_id=427

modelldoc

[phat trev]

Here you can have a look inside (and outside) from the B-25.

Last version, made by Revell has different decals.

http://www.matchboxkits.org/product_info.php?products_id=427

modelldoc

Thats an interesting site, thanks for the link. The issue I have is moulded in slime green and has decals for 1st Air Commando Group and 18 Sqn Netherland Indies Army.

[Work In Progress]

It would be good to hunt this artical out, thanks for the heads up Ed.

Odd because I cannot find in any books or references that the fuselage was deepened in later models? (Not saying anyone is wrong btw!)

Nevertheless, it is well known and oft documented, plus you can see it in photographs. Accurate Miniatures C/D vs Monogram J in 1/48 shows it clearly, and accurately.

[Ed Russell]

It would be good to hunt this article out,

Scale Aircraft Modelling Vol 30 No 2 April 2008 p92-95

[phat trev]

Nevertheless, it is well known and oft documented, plus you can see it in photographs. Accurate Miniatures C/D vs Monogram J in 1/48 shows it clearly, and accurately.

I see the differences now.. Better stick to a latter type.