North American
B-25 Mitchell Pt. 2

Lifelike Decals, 1/72 scale

Reviewed by Floyd S. Werner Jr.

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Some of the most colorful marking schemes were carried by B-25s in Pacific theater of operations.  These aircraft carried a variety of intimidating nose art schemes and tactical markings.  While these have been well covered by various decal manufacturers in 1:48 scale, there have been few options in 1:72 scale since the demise of Aeromaster. 

Thankfully, Likelike Decals from Japan has stepped into the void to offer a new line of high-quality decals for B-25s with some helpful extras.

Part two of the series focuses on the D-model strafers and provides markings for five subjects covering four B-25 D strafer nose models and one with the conventional bombardier greenhouse.  They will be very useful for application on the new Airfix line of B-25s.  In order to use them, it will be necessary to make some minor changes for the nose gun installation on the strafer models, but the instructions provide helpful guidance on exactly what needs to be done to make the conversion.  Another option would be to use the decals on the old Italeri kits which are still quite nice. 

The decal sheets in my sample are printed in perfect register by Microscale with some of the nose art on a supplemental sheet by Cartograf.  The colors appear to be spot on.  They appear to be thin and should conform well to surface details using the tried and true Microscale finishing system of the blue label setting solution and red label softener.  Be sure to add plenty of water under the Cartograf marking, if used, as these tend to grab quickly onto the surface without it.

Another helpful item is a set of masks to reproduce the area behind the serial numbers for one of the subjects which is a nice touch and will make things much easier.

There appear to be enough markings to do at least two of the subjects on the sheet, though you will need to select different national insignia configurations and it may be necessary to source extra prop logos and small stencils. 

All in all, this is a great option to do some very attractive markings for these colourful Mitchells.  I am really glad to see Lifelike providing options in this scale and especially with such quality.

Thanks to Lifelike Decals for these samples.

Text and Images Copyright © 2020 by Floyd S. Werne Jr.
Page Created 28 January, 2020
Last updated 28 January, 2020

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