Work in Progress "WIP" B-25J Mitchell.

I had started the most important facet of a build, many people that I talked to would dismiss this process. I placed the entire B-25J in our sink, filled it with hot water and some Dawn.  While I await the drying of the B-25J,  I buffed all the clear parts and began to spray the clear parts with Model Master Acrylic Gloss Clear #4638.  This next statement goes to GMorrison, at Hobby Lobby there were several 1:72 kits by Academy.  On one kit, someone opened the box of which was a F4F Wildcat.  I'm glad I got to view this kit in hand prior to me purchasing this item.  So at this point, once again, Cleveland lost just like the Browns.

Toshi

Please disregard my prior entry, some of what I wrote doesn't make sense.  It's one of those days that I have a hard time with my cognition.  Please except my apologies.

Toshi

Toshi,

Looking forward to your build on this one.It looks like a mighty impressive kit.I'm going through a slump with my own modeling right now.I can't seem to get motivated on any given project.Hopefully that will change soon...Douglas

If you are building the gun nose version be careful. My buddy ran into all kinds of issues with the guns not fitting correctly. They would not go on level. They would face in every direction, but straight ahead. So do a lot of dry fitting before hand.

Toshi,

This is a great kit and you should have a lot of fun building it.  I have built three of them and enjoyed each build.  The only issues is that the gap around the engine narcels tends to be pretty wide, the nose gear is a little weak, and there is really no room to put lead to weigh down the nose.  But overall, a fun kit.

To roger_wilco,

Yes it is very impressive, I've never made a B-25J Medium Bomber.  The closest I've gotten was a Intruder and a invader both by Monogram.  As you've read, I'm still anxious in receiving my 2 products from Mrs. Toshi.  You can bet, I'll be running a detailed step by step build on both the Zero and the Visible B-17G build as well.  

In regards to motivation in ones own personal acquisitions of model kits, if I may be so bold, check out other hobbies that might interest you.  That's what I've done.  I collect Football cards and have several several high end autograph cards with a piece of jersey included on the card itself.  In general, these rare cards can become a huge investment program if you so choose to.  I collect football cards not as an investment strategy but because I love watching them play and win.  I promised GMorrison that I'll take photos of my best cards from my collection.  I'll make sure you do as well.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart in supporting my FSM builds

Toshi

How about that! I started a build log on  the same model!

Sort of an un intended group build !

I am sure your version will be leaps and bounds beyond mine.

I kind of hit a stopping point while I work on other projects but here is the thread so far!

cs.finescale.com/.../165832.aspx

Toshi,

Looking forward to your build with great enthusiasm! And don't worry about your postings not making sense - we all understand completely, and always look forward to your posts. They are always very upbeat and positive!

To scottrc,

Thank you for the heads up.  I guess I'll have be careful with the landing gears on this one.  I was considering hanging the B-25 from the ceiling right next to my B-24 Liberator.  I'm definately enjoying this build.  Thank you for the read and reply.

Toshi

To Ulteriormodem,

Wow, did you cut the window masks by hand?  Even if you didn't, just the placement is absolutely perfect.  As for the build, that's really cool as how we both picked the same kit.  You humble me, I wish I could build kits half as good as anyone on the forum, I'll be a happy camper.  Good luck on your B-25J endeavor, I'll be following your technique.  That way I can pick up a few things from you.  Thanks for the read and reply.

Toshi

To Devil Dawg,

Thank you for the encouragement, I try my best to keep up with everyone here on the FSM Forum, including my postings.  Everyday, if I can be better than the past day, I feel I've advanced that much more.  Its members like you that inspire me.  Thank you for the read and reply.

Toshi

Toshi,

Yes all the masking was hand trimmed. First I cleaned and soaked them all in Future polish and let it sit up overnight. Then it took a long time and lots of skinny pieces of tape and trimming. After the masking I sealed them all with future polish. All told its probably about 3-6 hours of work just for the masking. Wont know how it came out till much later.

Which reminds me. you will find two sets of clear parts. The only difference between the two is the uhhh.... nose bubble. One has more holes for guns than the other. So two things. One is you have lots of parts for practice or do overs if it gets messed up and second you have to choose which set you wish to use. I also had to enlarge the gun holes ever so slightly with a pin vise drill and made sure it would fit prior to masking.

I am doing the "Jaunty Jo" version which had the 5 guns in the nose. 4 fixed and one swivel mount. Other than that there is little difference between the two versions except for paint and decals of course. The Finito Benito version calls for Aluminum finish. Metallic finishes and I do not get along very well. I used Vallejo Air 'US dark green' 71016 which seems like a fairly good match for the Jaunty Jo version. I did have a small issue with the paint as I had to buy a second bottle same serial number etc but they did not match! Oh well.

One other 'gotcha' is to mount the bomb load (if you choose to do so) BEFORE joining the fuselage halves. I joined the halves first and had a real hard time getting the bomb racks in there.

To UlteriorModem,

Yes, I saw the 2 sets of canopies.  Your technique is fascinating and extremely detailed.  I am amazed!  Interestingly enough, I have chosen the "Fenito Benito, Next Hirohito".  I agree that painting a silver color on a aircraft will be difficult at best, but I will do the silver.  Since the silver is so bright due to it's matelic base, I took it a step further and purchased via Hobby Lobby, Master Model Enamel "Silver Chrome Trim" #273409.  This will be exciting to see how are B-25J fairs.

Thank you so much,

Toshi

To my fellow forum members,

This is as far as I got in regards to the B-25J.  I know in real life the aircraft ribs are not specifically painted, as a practice, I wanted to see how well my dexterity fared, hence the outlining in black of the ribs.  In the end, no one will know anyway.  Soon, I'll assemble the wings and then it's off to sanding and priming.  Thank you all for visiting my thread.

Toshi

Looks good so far. I did not go as far with the interior detailing. Looks like you got a pretty tight fit with the fuse halves. Mine went together well also!

Oh... don't get glue on those glasses!!!

LOL!  I glue everywhere else except my glasses.  LOL!

Here I have masked the glue ridges and added putty to clean it up.  This is my first time masking the aircraft as such.  Here are the results below.  Next up?  Wings and tail prior to primer.  

Toshi

Nice job on the seams. I always dread that part. Was that squadron white putty?

Thank you, yes, I completely agree with you in that I too dread and dislike this part of the build.  As for the Squadron Putty?  On one of my threads, I can't remember which one, I inquired about the putty the veteran model makers were utilizing.  Of course many forum members replied with what they feel works best for themselves and their assembly process. I was leaning toward automotive branded items like "Bondo".

I just happened to end up at Hobby Lobby only to find out they just started to carryTamiya's proprietary "White" putty.  For the sake of convenience, I wanted to see how well it works compared to what I was using of which was Testors proprietary putty.  

Without question, the Tamiya won hands down compared to Testors putty.  Once I use up the Tamiya putty, I'll purchase some "Bondo".

How is your build coming up?  I'm eager to see what type of technique you are utilizing.  I can learn so much from you and especially your skills and experience.

It is going slowly at this point. Most of the major pieces are complete. Just a lot of odds and ends left. I hope to get some more pictures up soon.

As to the putty it is hard to beat "Perfect Plastic Putty" it is water soulable and pretty easy to sand etc.

Thing is though it is not available locally and to get it through amazon takes like a month. I have no idea why.

I would only use bondo for large gaps but I am sure other's out there are getting good results with it.

I fully agree with the high quality and ease of use of Perfect Plastic Putty.Being an acrylic putty,the one thing you have to look out for is getting any water on it after sanding.In other words it's not advisable to wet sand it like you can conventional putties. What I do after sanding it is to seal it with a light coat (usually brushed on) of a neutral enamel color such as Testors Flat Grey in the small 1/4 ounce bottle. This helps to seal and protect the putty seams until you're ready to paint.

To UlteriorModem,

Yes, I've been recommended by several forum members to purchase this product, and in due time I most likely will.  Thank you for the heads up!

Toshi

To roger_wilco,

Thank you for the input, it's always great to here from other forum members in regards to technique and building supplies.

Toshi

In other words it's not advisable to wet sand it like you can conventional putties.

Yup found that out the hard way!

I hope (To those fathers) out there, that they enjoyed their "Fathers Day".  I was happy to stay at home and work on the B-25J Mitchell, instead Mrs. Toshi took me out to Michaels and bought me a Monogram 1:48 A-10 Warthog, my first.  After that we went to a Chinese Restaurant called "Hunan of Solon".  It was very relaxing and a great way just to wind down.

Once home, I took my time on the current build and this is how far I've gotten.

Hey Toshi,

That's a lot of putty work. I did not do the seam at the tailfin. Might go back and touch it up.

Heads up the fit of the engine / nacelle assembly is almost impossible to glue up with solvent glue. I used epoxy.

Thanks for the tip, I take a look at that right now.