Pre-order - HK Models 01F009 - 1:48 B-25J Mitchell Strafer

Pre-order item! Your order will be fulfilled once the manufacturer releases the product. Estimated availability: late September 2026. The delivery date is approximate and subject to change for reasons beyond our control.

Plastic model kit of the American North American B-25J Mitchell "Strafer" medium bomber in 1:48 scale

HK Models 01F009 represents the North American B-25J Mitchell in the "strafer" version – the attack variant with a solid nose housing a battery of heavy .50 calibre machine guns instead of the glazed bombardier nose. Such aircraft were used intensively in the Pacific and South-East Asia for devastating low-level attacks on ground targets and shipping.

The model is based on HK Models' new tooling, known for its refined surface texture and well-thought-out assembly engineering. The kit comprises 224 parts, includes photo-etched parts and nose weights needed to balance the model correctly on its tricycle undercarriage. Colour instructions are provided.

What's in the box:

• Plastic sprues (224 parts) with fuselage, wing and attack-nose components
• Clear glazing parts
• Photo-etched parts
• Nose weights
• Decal sheet for two marking options
• Colour, illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:48
• Catalogue number: 01F009
• Manufacturer: HK Models (Hong Kong Models)
• Assembled length: approx. 336 mm, wingspan: approx. 429 mm
• Difficulty level: intermediate

Note: This kit does not include cement, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Assembly:

This is a large, well-detailed model of a twin-engine bomber. The cockpit and compartment interiors are worth painting and finishing before closing the fuselage, as much detail remains visible through the glazing. Remember to fit the weights in the nose so that the model sits correctly on its nose gear. Masking the glazing during painting is recommended.

For painting, US schemes from the Pacific theatre are recommended – depending on the chosen option, natural metal or olive-grey colours with the appropriate unit markings. Decals are best applied over a gloss coat to avoid silvering, with a matt or satin coat as the final finish. Exact paint codes are given in the manufacturer's instructions.

Required tools:

• Modelling side cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Modelling knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Cyanoacrylate glue for photo-etched and metal parts
• Masks or masking tape for the glazing
• Brushes of various sizes and an airbrush for large surfaces
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel) and a wash to emphasise detail

About the aircraft – North American B-25J Mitchell (Strafer):

The North American B-25 Mitchell was one of the most famous American medium bombers of World War II, used in every theatre of operations and by many allied nations. The aircraft gained fame, among other things, through the daring Doolittle raid on Tokyo in 1942, flown by bombers launched from an aircraft carrier.

The J version was the most numerously produced variant of the Mitchell. In the "strafer" form the glazed bombardier nose was dispensed with in favour of a solid nose with a battery of heavy machine guns, which – combined with additional guns along the sides of the fuselage – gave enormous firepower. So armed, these aircraft were used above all in the Pacific for low-level attacks on enemy airfields, transport and shipping.

In the attack role the B-25 earned a reputation as a fearsome and effective weapon, and the distinctive, richly painted nose art of many examples made them among the most recognisable aircraft of the period.

Original aircraft specifications (B-25J Mitchell):

• Length: approx. 16.13 m
• Wingspan: approx. 20.6 m
• Height: approx. 4.98 m
• Empty weight: approx. 9,580 kg; take-off weight: approx. 15,900 kg
• Powerplant: two Wright R-2600 radial engines of approx. 1,700 hp each
• Maximum speed: approx. 440 km/h
• Ceiling: approx. 7,600 m
• Range: approx. 2,170 km
• Crew: 5–6
• Armament (attack version): numerous .50 cal machine guns and a bomb load
• B-25 production (all versions): approx. 9,800 examples

About the manufacturer – HK Models (Hong Kong Models):

HK Models (Hong Kong Models) is a manufacturer known above all for large, highly accurate aircraft kits in 1:32 and 1:48 scales, including heavy and medium bombers such as the Lancaster, B-17, B-25 and Mosquito. The brand's models stand out for their refined surface texture, full interiors and well-thought-out assembly engineering. For many releases HK Models works with multimedia suppliers, adding photo-etched parts, masks or 3D-printed components. The company's kits are aimed at aircraft modellers who value a high level of detail and impressive, large models.