Official FlightLine 1600mm B-25J Mitchell PNP Thread

[Gilatrout]

Found this interesting montage of nose designs for the B-25



Got excited when I came across these images because they would be perfect to get the scale curves for reverse engineering the nose design. Alas this H variant isn't representative of the J gunship nose which appears to be unique

I’ve also noticed that the glazing on the canopy isn’t necessarily correct for some B-25Js. The drawings you posted show 4 panels in front which is consistent with my reference photos. I was wondering about that and you confirmed it. Easy enough to fix.

[Tom]

Another quick update - At this point the movement of the B-25 is looking more concrete. It looks like we will receive the shipment (finally) on Sept 27th or 28th next week. It took US Customs 9 days to officially release the container even though they told us the inspection was complete. We just had to sit and wait and wait some more. I apologize. We're pushing everyone we can in every way possible.

[rlcamden]

Another quick update - At this point the movement of the B-25 is looking more concrete. It looks like we will receive the shipment (finally) on Sept 27th or 28th next week. It took US Customs 9 days to officially release the container even though they told us the inspection was complete. We just had to sit and wait and wait some more. I apologize. We're pushing everyone we can in every way possible.

Thanks for the update. You guys are amazing.

[marwady]

Another quick update - At this point the movement of the B-25 is looking more concrete. It looks like we will receive the shipment (finally) on Sept 27th or 28th next week. It took US Customs 9 days to officially release the container even though they told us the inspection was complete. We just had to sit and wait and wait some more. I apologize. We're pushing everyone we can in every way possible.

I can't believe the BS customs is putting you through.

Absolutely no regard for American businesses.

Thanks for hanging in there.

Cheers 🥂

[Fast N Light]

Here is an update on the B-25J Gunship conversion
1) Up-sized the Nose to approximate size of the model - Thank you Larry D
2) Developed a gun barrel and attachment design - 2mm CF rod with a 3D printed skin for scale appearance

Still much to develop before this is ready for prime time, but it's progressing nicely....

[borntoolate]

Very nice work!!

[William Gregory]

Nicely done !! Can’t wait to see the finished product.

[rcflyerf4u1$]

Does anybody know if tamiya paints make an exact match for the green and grey colors. If so what numbers the colors would be?
thanks for yor help

[Elbee]

Does anybody know if tamiya paints make an exact match for the green and grey colors. If so what numbers the colors would be?
thanks for yor help

RCF, What are the Federal Standard (FS) Numbers you are trying to duplicate?

Historically, the colors were/are:

1) "The Green Upper Surface Parts": Olive Drab 41 which was changed to ANA 613, a close cousin to FS34088 Olive Drab which in Tamiya 'speak' would be "XF-62 Olive Drab – 6 parts & XF-49 Khaki – 4 parts".

2) "The Gray Underside Parts": US Neutral Gray 43 which was changed to ANA 603, another close cousin to FS36173 Dark Gray which in the world of Tamiya is "XF-54 Dark Sea Grey – 3 parts XF-24 Dark Grey – 1 part XF-2 Flat White – 4 parts".

So, there you have it. Keep in mind that many of these airframes were delivered in 'natural aluminum' and painted in the field, so colors will vary and your results might be different.

The real caveat here is that none of these are a guaranteed match to the OEM FlightLine B-25J Mitchell colors.

Best, LB

[davegee]

RCF, What are the Federal Standard (FS) Numbers you are trying to duplicate?

Historically, the colors were/are:

1) "The Green Upper Surface Parts": Olive Drab 41 which was changed to ANA 613, a close cousin to FS34088 Olive Drab which in Tamiya 'speak' would be "XF-62 Olive Drab – 6 parts & XF-49 Khaki – 4 parts".

2) "The Gray Underside Parts": US Neutral Gray 43 which was changed to ANA 603, another close cousin to FS36173 Dark Gray which in the world of Tamiya is "XF-54 Dark Sea Grey – 3 parts XF-24 Dark Grey – 1 part XF-2 Flat White – 4 parts".

So, there you have it. Keep in mind that many of these airframes were delivered in 'natural aluminum' and painted in the field, so colors will vary and your results might be different.

The real caveat here is that none of these are a guaranteed match to the OEM FlightLine B-25J Mitchell colors.

Best, LB

My approach to getting colors matched as closely as possible to the OEM colors, in this case the B-25, would be to take it to a good paint store. For instance, I had a few scratches on my B-2 Spirit model, and I wanted to get the exact color and sheen to do the minor fixes. I found that our local Sherwin Williams paint store was up to the task, and they did a thorough job to match the paints. I brought in a outer wing panel, and their scanners and expertise did the rest.

I have used Ace, Home Depot, and a few others in the past to do paint matches, and they were all reasonably good. But for my money, I will go to my local Sherwin Williams store in the future!

Good luck with the paint matching!

Davegee

[Jdcrow]

Had a chance to Maiden the B-25 this weekend. Another Fun aircraft and glad to see a Bomber actually have a working bomb bay.

The cutout on the battery board is a perfect location for the HobbyEagle Gyro. Recessed just below the surface and clear when battery is installed.

Be sure to check out Victory Girl Vinyl Decals – Tagged "Historic Nose Art" – Victory Girl if you are looking for nose art decals

[Evan D]

Congrats. Will you be adding more decals to her?

[rcflyerf4u1$]

I want to thank Elbee for his reply to my post. I was wondering what the exact tamiya colors would match the model for touch up.
Thanks

[Gilatrout]

I’ve always felt that the manufacturers are missing out on an opportunity to make money by not also selling the paint they use. I guarantee that just about every plane would have add on sales of paint for touch up alone.

Seems like free money to me

[William Gregory]

Due to a malfunction on its maiden flight my B-25 received some damage. I took the top hatch to Home Depot and they matched the paint perfectly in a satin finish. A little airbrush work and the repairs look perfect !!!

[Evan D]

I agree about paint but have seen previously where the colors change slightly from batch to batch. Plus it adds to the issues of shipping hazardous materials, though I'm not sure water based latex paint is hazardous.

[tab28682]

I agree about paint but have seen previously where the colors change slightly from batch to batch. Plus it adds to the issues of shipping hazardous materials, though I'm not sure water based latex paint is hazardous.

It s so easy and inexpensive to get an 8 oz sample jar of matching latex touch up paint that it just doesn’t make much sense for the manufacturer to include or sell a tiny quantity of touch up paint.

[f4u ausie]

Most planes would req more than one color for t ups... hobby king had both the black and the white available ,, for the mig 17.... not that ill ever buy another hking plane.. to much work to get flying

[Elbee]

I want to thank Elbee for his reply to my post. I was wondering what the exact Tamiya colors would match the model for touch up.
Thanks

You are welcome, Sir.

My lengthy reply seems unnecessary now that I understand you wanted 'touch-up' paint.

The Home Depot color sample of exterior latex is the way to go for OEM touch up paints.

I had mistakenly made a presumption that you were doing a complete repaint and wanted documented color options.

All is good and post pictures often, we love pictures here at the "Squawk".

Best, LB

[rcflyerf4u1$]

thanks guys for the help on the paint
rcflyer