B-25 Mitchell In SEAC markings

[Robomog]

Hi All

Between working on the Stirling, finishing the diorama and completing the Tilly I've started another build as a between builds filler.

I'm using the Vintage FROG B-25 mitchell  circa 1964  as the subject  in its original box its probably a sought after collectors piece, but as a collection of pieces, some dodgy decals and the original instructions I think it's fair game.



There are a few sink holes but on the whole it seems to be in good condition, detailing is minimalist but I like that in a kit.
I have some spare bits from an Airfix Mitchell but I probably won't need them.

The instructions are quite interesting



I'm going to put it in SEAC markings from an Xtradecal sheet, lots of choice on this but I've gone for the pretty Oxford Blue paint scheme not sure if it's a gloss or matt finish.



More when it happens......

Mog
>^-.-^<

[Robomog]

Hi All

And now it begins........

The previous modeller had already started the interior paintwork which looked fine to me, so first job is to mask and install the windows.



The pilots had already been painted so I made the decision to use them as well, I don't usually include the pilots  seem a shame to waste a good paint job.

The cockpit is a bit sparse so I added a control panel and some instrumentation, also made a couple of control yokes out of fuse wire



This aircraft is unarmed so I removed  the turret support ring, the seat stays however because this becomes an observation station, I will need to find  a clear dome to go over the top or manufacture one. Unfortunately the turret is insufficient.



Found a problem with the nose glazing, a glue patch, I tried to Buff it out but it go's all the way through. I'll have to do some ' local modifications '  a bit further down the line.



Thanks for looking ..........

Mog
>^-.-^<

[Buzzbomb]

Great to see more "old gold" builds.

Even more to see the Frog "Mutt and Jeff" pilots getting a run 

[Old Wombat]

Referring, of course, to Joseph Summers and Jeffrey Quill.

With the exception of Eric Brown, I can't think of two better pilots to be flying a plane if I was a crew member.

 

[Robomog]

Thanks chaps, a bit more progress.

The fuselage has been closed up



And the wings have also been started, this is one of those annoying kits that requires you to install the undercarriage early in the build, but fortunately if you don't glue the joints you can retract it out of the way



The wings are on, for an old kit the parts fit remarkably well, there is some filling to be done there's a lot of sink holes, but nothing like the Sterling that is a younger kit



More when it happens......

Mog
>^-.-^<

[Robomog]

Hi all

Things are moving quite fast now, bracing myself for somthing to screw things up.

All assembled........



All masked and a coat of primer applied leading to  some more tidying up of sink holes and join lines....



First coat of paint, a moody Oxford Blue....



Thanks for looking....


Mog
>^-.-^<

[Kerick]

That’s a nice look for the old Mitchell! Carry on!

[Frank3k]

Looks great for such an ancient kit - the blue looks gorgeous.

I thought this was a reboxing of the old Airfix B-25, but it seems to have been an original mold. No massive rivets to deal with, from the looks of it.

[Buzzbomb]

Things are moving quite fast now, bracing myself for somthing to screw things up.

it is an old kit from simpler times, getting them together was meant to be a weekend job, not 800 parts and a Pontifical High Mass. 

[Robomog]

Thanks chaps

The part count is quite low, no rivets and minimal raised panel lines.

What's not to like ? 

Mog
>^-.-^<

[Kerick]

No rivets?! What’s happening!!!!!!

[Robomog]

Hi all

On the final stretch now.

The Decals are on and it's been given a coat of matt varnish to seal them on. The undercarriage is now down and locked in place with liquid cement. The undercarriage doors have been installed and just needs the paintwork to be patched.



The main canopies have been painted ready for installation.



And I've had dome fun smash molding the new dome over what was  the  top turret.



Once all this is done just some aerials, the propellors and a last touch up of the paintwork and were done.

Thanks for looking

Mog
>^-.-^<

[apophenia]

Looks great for such an ancient kit - the blue looks gorgeous...

Wot he said! I kinda like that rivet-free look. It is old school ... but also a bit more visually realistic 

[Frank3k]

The canopy frameworks look perfect. Did you mask them?

[Kerick]

Looking very good! Nice and simple. Good for the mind!

[Robomog]

Thanks chaps

The canopy frameworks look perfect. Did you mask them?

No masking on this one, they are hand painted and tidied up with a bit of sharpened sprue.

Mog
>^-.-^<

[DeeBob]

That blue is positively gorgeous!

[Robomog]

Hi all.

Finished this one as while back but have only just got around to taking the display photographs.

So here they are :-
















The smash molded rear canopy came out particularly well ...









And finally the scale shots....





Given the age of this kit, circa 1964, it went together remarkably well and was a joy to build, it barely fought me at all. The lack of rivets and minimal raised detail adds to its looks.

All comments and criticisms gratefully accepted,  as always

Mog
>^-.-^<

[Old Wombat]

Nice work! 

[Frank3k]

It came out great. Those old Frog kits usually went together without too much trouble.

[Buzzbomb]

Very nice, looks quite sinister in that scheme

[Robomog]

Thanks guys.

Its curious that it looks darker under the ring light.
I need to check if it has a daylight setting

Mog
>^-.-^<