Iliad Design have released a beautifully printed set of decals for 1:72 kits of early B-25 Mitchell versions. The sheet covers the B-25B, 'C and 'D, with schemes ranging from 1942 right through to 1945.
The sample decals are exquisite - wonderfully thin, with minimal excess carrier film and pin-sharp registration. The colours look excellent, with deep Insignia Red and Blue in stark contrast to the unrealistic garish interpretations we sometimes see on models.
The aircraft featured are:
1. B-25B, s/n 02312, 3rd Anti-submarine Sqn., Westover Field, Massachusetts, circa 1942
2. B-25C, s/n 112883, used for advanced training, Columbia, South Carolina, 1942
3. B-25D, s/n 130008 "Screaming Meemie!", 487th BS,340th BG, Sicily, 1943
4. B-25C, s/n 12449, "Fat Cat", Dobodura, New Guinea, 1943
5. B-25D, s/n KL-147, 5 OTU RCAF, Boundary Bay, British Columbia, 1943
A really nice touch is that full markings, including both individual and national insignia are provided for every subject.
To build some of the options, some minor modification work will be needed. “Sceaming Meemie!” has field-modified waist gun positions and no ventral turret, while the final two aircraft have had both top and bottom turrets removed and the positions faired over. "Fat Cat" will undoubtedly attract attention in any line-up of Mitchells, sporting beer bottles for its mission tally where it was used to fetch provisions following its retirement from operations.
The decals are accompanied by an A4 sheet of full-colour instructions, with very nice side profile artwork, plus useful plan views. There are numerous notes pointing out details specific to each of the featured aircraft.
Sheet #72019 is available now - Price: $12.00
Conclusion
This is another excellent sheet from Iliad Design that deserves to be a great success. Anyone tackling a B-25B, ‘C or ‘D in 1:72 will find plenty of inspiration among the subjects. I have to say, I think it would be great to see the sheet in 1:48 too if Iliad Design think there is a big enough market to warrant it.
Please remember, when contacting retailers or manufacturers, to mention that you saw their products highlighted here - on AEROSCALE
SUMMARY
Highs: Superb quality decals, backed up by very good instructions. Full markings provided for all 5 colour schemes.Lows: None noted.Verdict: This is a great sheet, with excellent decals for 5 varied and interesting colour schemes.
Our Thanks to Iliad Design! This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.
About Rowan Baylis (Merlin) FROM: NO REGIONAL SELECTED, UNITED KINGDOM
I've been modelling for about 40 years, on and off. While I'm happy to build anything, my interests lie primarily in 1/48 scale aircraft. I mostly concentrate on WW2 subjects, although I'm also interested in WW1, Golden Age aviation and the early Jet Age - and have even been known to build the occas...
Comments