"ami" North American B-25B Mitchell

I assume you are refering to the Accurate Miniatures kit. I built the Doolittle version some time ago when the kit was first released. No major problems with fit, but it is not a beginners kit. My molding had some warpage on the top of one fuselage half which complicated the build somewhat, but I don't think this was a systemic problem. Take your time, dry fit before you glue and you can end up with an impressive model. My biggest problem was where to store it when completed. It;s Big.

Rick

Accurate Miniatures has an online build at their website. You can find it here :
http://www.accurate-miniatures.com/builds/b-25/b25_build.htm
Enjoy the kit, its great !

I am currently in the middle of building this kit. There are a few well known problems with this kit as far as accuracy goes. Here they are:

1. Engine cowling inlets too small, should be 3/4"
2. Engine cowling too short, shold be .020" longer
3. Propeller sits too far forward of cowling, should be 1/16" clearence
4. Fuel vents on rear of nacelle were not on "B" models
5. Engine exhausts very inaccurate, aftermarket parts are better
6. Windows behind the wings are the wrong configuration for a Doolittle Raider.
7. Wing tip lights are the wrong configuration, should have a nav light on the upper and lower wing, the single nav did not show up until the "G" model. The three ID lights on the lower tips should be removed too, these started with the C/D model.
8. I believe that the instrument panel is based on a "D" model that was converted to a "B" at the USAFM. It's identical to reference pictures that I have of the "D". Unfourtunately the "B" panel is different. I've E-mailed AM asking them if this is the case. This will need to be corrected on my model. I'm modeling it as a cutaway to display the interior

These are all minor problems in an otherwise outstanding kit thats been a joy to build.

Darren

i order one from hanants c/d model, any daren do u think i should get some PE stuff for it ? accordingt o u it might sound like need some dressing up and wat PE brand u would suggested ?

Sentry,

It depends on how you are going to display your model. If you build and display it as a complete model then I would only deal with external issues, the interior is not really visible once assembled. That being said, this is what I know is available.

1. Verlinden makes 2 sets for the "AM" B-25B. The first is a resin/pe detail set. It includes resin engines, seats, armor plating, ammo cases, ordinance, guns and other items. Pe includes intrument panel, ignition harness and turret details. Lots of good stuff for a reasonable price ($15.00 US)

Verlinden also makes a full set of resin flight controls that come in handy if you want to repostion them with less headaches ($12.00 US)


2. Aires makes a detail set that consists of the entire interior nose section of the aircraft from the bomb bay forward ($35.00 US), I would not spend my money on this.

3. Cutting Edge makes a set of resin cowlings (early style for the "B") that corrects all those issues ($18.99 US), a bit priecy if you ask me but still worth it. I modified the cowlings myself, it's easy.

4. Parts R Parts makes a resin update set that includes the correct exhaust stacks, engine fronts, cowl flaps and air scoops ($18.00 US) reasonably priced for what you get.

They also offer ammo, gas cans and incendiary rounds which were carried by Doolittle raiders ($9.00US)

5. Engines and Things offers resin R-2600 engines ($11.70US). Verlinden also offers a R-2600 engine and front w/pe set ($ ?)

I would go with the Verlinden detail set, Cutting Edge cowlings and Parts R parts update set at minimum. These will correct and improve most problem areas on this kit.

Check out this web site for details on many of the fixes I spoke of.
http://partsrparts.homestead.com/B25Bparts.html

Goodluck
Darren

Well my B-25B got here today. darrenbb, Why don't you like the Aires detail set ?

Thanks darren i be on the look out for it then

Buts its hard to get any of them here , need to import most of it then

Old soldier,

It's not that I don't like the Aires set, It appears to be a very nice kit. But the $35.00 price tag for something that you will hardly see when finished is too much IMHO. If you build the kit as a cut away, then it might be worth the money.

Darren

darrenbb, I know what you mean. Thank you