Revell Box Scale B-25 Mitchell

The early B-25 was immortalized in the daring Doolittle raid of April of 1942. If you are unaware of the event, I suggest looking it up. That was performed with a B-25B, the first reliable production version of the aircraft. It was actually built in fairly small numbers, before being superseded by the B-25C/D version that was more combat capable. The only difference between the C and D version was where it was built. It went on to be used in all theaters of operation, but was particularly successful in the Southwest Pacific once additional guns were added to the nose. This vastly improved its ability to strike ground targets and to go after ships and smaller watercraft.

This particular kit was initially released in 1954 and while it is somewhat crude compared to current kit technology, it is a fairly accurate representation of an early B-25. It was the norm in those days to design kits to fit into standard boxes and both Revell and Monogram did so. The B-25 fit into the larger of two standard boxes, hence the 'giant' appellation on the box art.  From my understanding, it scales out to something like 1/64-67. Larger than 1/72, but smaller than 1/48.

This kit is part of the resurgence of nostalgia kits that eventually became known as the SSP line. The box is identical to that of the initial release, save that there is a copyright date of 1995 on the outside of the box. This is in such small lettering, that unscrupulous sellers were foisting this off as an original until Revell started making it very obvious that it was a reissue.

So what were 1954 kits like? Well, all the crew members are molded into their seats. The exterior surface detailing is raised and there are rivets, though really, they are quite small. Canvas control surfaces have the standard 'hills and valleys' to represent fabric. Landing gear are simplified and the wheels have huge holes in the center to plug into equally large axles so the model can roll. Engine detail is molded into the cowlings and while rather generic, isn't all that bad.

The kit has a lower turret that is in the extended position. Both it and the upper turret are light on details and only have gun shapes. One of the more unusual aspects of this is that all the framework for the canopy and bombardier's nose is molded on the inside. While this makes for a smooth exterior, masking the frames will be difficult. I doubt if anyone does a masking set for this. Though it isn't shown, the kit can be built wheels up simply by leaving off the landing gear and gluing the doors closed. There is an original S-stand and it includes the metal ring to hold the ball in place. This ball is installed on the bottom of the fuselage, the slot for it already being opened.

Instructions are printed as the original and generic color information is provided during the build. The decals are also like the original with the nice decal for the display stand and inaccurate markings. Insignia are especially poorly proportioned. There is no placement engraved on the parts, but it is shown during the build.

Serious modelers will want to stay away from this one, but it will make into a nice model with some work. Part of that work will be filling some rather large sink areas on the wings, fuselage and other large parts. The decals are thick and that sort of glossy plastic look of the 80's and 90's. Despite being sealed, the backing has yellowed. Still, this is a nostalgia build for anyone seeking to go for it. The insignia and serials can be replaced if the kit markings prove to be too horrible.  

June 2018

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