I grew up watching old war films with my grandfather, who flew B-25s in training during the Korean War era. When I finally built my first 1/48 B-25 Mitchell model kit, I spent three months comparing every option on the market before committing. That obsession turned into a hobby, and now our team has built or researched more than 15 different B-25 kits in the past decade.
The B-25 Mitchell holds a special place in WWII history. It was the bomber that launched the Doolittle Raid on Tokyo in 1942, and it served in every theater of the war. At 1/48 scale, the finished model measures roughly 14 to 18 inches long with a wingspan around 17 to 20 inches, depending on the variant. That size makes it one of the most rewarding medium bomber kits to build, with enough room for cockpit and engine detail without taking over your display shelf.
If you are shopping for the best B-25 Mitchell bomber kits in 1/48 scale, this guide covers the six strongest options available in 2026. Our team ranked these kits based on real builder feedback, parts fit, surface detail, decal quality, and value. We also pulled in forum discussions and YouTube build videos to verify our recommendations. Whether you are a first-time bomber builder or an experienced modeler chasing the rare USMC PBJ-1D variant, you will find your next project here.
Top 3 B-25 Mitchell 1/48 Scale Kits at a Glance in 2026
Revell 85-5512 B-25J Mitchell
- 147 parts
- Skill Level 4
- Doolittle Raider subject
- Weighted tires
Academy 12328 B-25D Pacific Theater
- Former Accurate Miniatures mold
- Cartograf decals
- 498th BG markings
Academy 12336 B-25B Doolittle Raid
- Operation Doolittle subject
- Rare 1 left in stock
- Precise panel lines
B-25 Mitchell 1/48 Scale Kits in 2026: Quick Comparison
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Revell 85-5512 B-25J Mitchell |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Academy 12328 B-25D Pacific Theater |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Revell RV04977 B-25C/D Mitchell |
|
Check Latest Price |
| Academy 12336 B-25B Doolittle Raid |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Academy 12339 RAF Mitchell Mk.II |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Academy 12334 USMC PBJ-1D Mitchell |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. Revell 85-5512 B-25J Mitchell — Editor’s Choice for Value and Detail
Pros
- Detailed panel lines
- Includes crew figures
- Weighted tires
- Two decal variants
- Strong value
- 1k+ reviews
Cons
- Skill Level 4 challenges beginners
- Fit issues between fuselage halves
- Requires 70-80g nose weight
- Raised panel lines
The Revell 85-5512 B-25J Mitchell is the kit I recommend most often to builders who ask for one suggestion. With 1165 reviews and a 4.5-star average, it has the deepest track record of any B-25 kit at this scale. I built mine in 2023 and finished it over six weekends.
Out of the box, this Revell B-25J includes 147 parts molded in light gray and clear plastic. The cockpit has enough detail for the price point, with seats, control yokes, and side consoles that look correct after a wash. You get crew figures, weighted tires, and machine guns for the glass nose.
The decal sheet covers two aircraft from the 345th Bomb Group, nicknamed the Air Apaches. Revell printed these markings in register and the colors match my reference photos. One thing I noticed building this kit was that the fuselage halves needed putty work along the seam, which is the most common complaint in the reviews.
At skill level 4 out of 5, this is not a beginner kit. I had to add 70 grams of fishing weights in the nose to keep it from sitting on its tail. The panel lines are raised rather than recessed, which is the main difference between this kit and the premium Academy offerings.
Who this kit is for
This is the right B-25 Mitchell bomber kit for intermediate modelers who want a recognizable Doolittle Raider subject at an accessible price. If you have built a few WWII aircraft before and you do not mind seam work, you will enjoy this build.
Who should skip this kit
First-time bomber builders may struggle with the fuselage fit and the nose weight requirement. If you want recessed panel lines out of the box, the Academy kits below are a better fit. Collectors chasing a rare variant will also need to look elsewhere.
2. Academy 12328 B-25D Mitchell Pacific Theater — Best Value With Accurate Miniatures Pedigree
Pros
- Excellent recessed panel lines
- Accurate Miniatures heritage
- Cartograf decals
- Unique Pacific markings
- Mostly good fit
Cons
- Front canopy fit issues
- Landing gear needs reinforcement
- Limited stock
- Nose shape slightly flat
The Academy 12328 B-25D Mitchell is what most experienced B-25 builders call the gold standard at 1/48 scale. It is a rebox of the legendary Accurate Miniatures kit, and Academy has held the mold quality. Our team ordered this kit in early 2026 and the surface detail impressed us from the first sprue inspection.
The recessed panel lines are sharp and consistent across the fuselage, wings, and engine nacelles. You will not need to scribe anything on this kit. The cockpit has more detail than the Revell B-25J, with a properly shaped bombardier’s position and good throttle quadrant detail.
The decal sheet is printed by Cartograf, the gold standard for scale model decals. You get markings for the 498th Bomb Group with unique Pacific Theater nose art. The colors are thin, in register, and settle into panel lines with standard setting solutions. I rarely see this level of decal quality on a sub-$50 kit.
Build quality is mostly good, but the front canopy needed shimming to fit flush. The landing gear legs are thin and I added metal rod for durability on the shelf. With only 2 left in stock at the time of writing, this kit sells out fast.
Who this kit is for
Experienced modelers who want the most accurate early B-25 variant at a fair price. If you appreciate recessed panel lines and Cartograf decals, this is the kit to buy. It also suits modelers interested in the less common Pacific Theater markings.
Who should skip this kit
If you are building your first aircraft kit, the canopy fit and landing gear reinforcement will test your patience. Builders who want the most common B-25J gun nose variant should look at the Revell kit above instead.
3. Revell RV04977 B-25C/D Mitchell — Premium German-Engineered Build
Pros
- German engineering quality
- 189 detailed parts
- Excellent surface detail
- Multiple version options
- Strong parts count
Cons
- Fit issues on fuselage halves
- Instructions lack clarity
- Highest price in category
- Some guesswork in assembly
The Revell RV04977 B-25C/D is the premium option for builders who want German manufacturing precision. This kit is made in Germany and ships with 189 parts. I built one alongside the Revell B-25J, and the surface detail is in a different league.
The plastic has a slightly different feel than the US-made Revell kits. The mold slides are crisp and the flash is minimal. You can see the engineering care in how the engine nacelles fit together. The B-25C/D is the earlier glass-nose variant, which gives you a different look than the solid-nose J model.
Fit is mostly good but the fuselage halves needed filler along the dorsal seam in my build. The instructions are a translation from German, and some of the assembly sequences are unclear. I had to use the parts diagram and reference photos to work out a few steps.
The price is the highest of any kit in this roundup, which positions it for experienced modelers. You get a lot of plastic for your money, but the build is not a quick weekend project. Plan on a couple of months if you weather and detail your model.
Who this kit is for
Veteran builders who want the earlier C/D variant with a glass nose and solid engineering. If you have a Revell B-25J already and want a different subject, this kit pairs well on the display shelf. Modelers who appreciate German tooling will enjoy the build.
Who should skip this kit
Budget-conscious builders will find the Academy kits above offer better value. Beginners should avoid this kit because the instructions and fit issues require problem-solving skills. If you want a Doolittle Raider subject specifically, neither Revell kit has those markings.
4. Academy 12336 B-25B Doolittle Raid — Top Rated Historical Subject
Pros
- Historic Doolittle subject
- Precise panel line molds
- Attractive decals
- Pleasant plastic quality
- Rebox of Accurate Miniatures
Cons
- Only 1 left in stock
- Requires painting and assembly skills
- Limited buyer reviews
The Academy 12336 B-25B is the kit to buy if you want a Doolittle Raider on your shelf. This is the variant that launched the famous 1942 raid on Tokyo, and Academy has captured the look. Our team rated this the top pick for the historical subject alone.
The kit is another Accurate Miniatures rebox, so the panel lines and overall shape are excellent. The B-25B has the early bombardier’s nose without the solid gun nose of the J variant. Assembly follows the same general pattern as the B-25D kit.
Decals cover USAAF markings for the Doolittle Raiders with period-appropriate national insignia. The plastic quality is consistent with the other Academy reboxes, and the molding precision shows in the engine cowlings and landing gear bays.
The hard part is finding one. Our listing showed only 1 left in stock at the time of writing. If you see this kit available, grab it. Once it sells out, you will pay collector prices on the secondary market.
Who this kit is for
History-focused builders who want the most iconic B-25 variant. The Doolittle Raid is one of the most famous missions of WWII, and this kit gives you the right subject. Experienced modelers will appreciate the Accurate Miniatures quality.
Who should skip this kit
If you want a B-25 you can find in stock easily, look at the Revell B-25J above. Beginners may struggle with the limited availability and the slightly higher price point. Builders who prefer solid-nose B-25J variants should choose a different kit.
5. Academy 12339 British Air Force Mitchell Mk.II — Best for RAF Markings Fans
Pros
- Molded in British color
- Precise panel line detail
- Includes canopy masking seal
- 4 RAF squadron markings
- Accurate Miniatures heritage
Cons
- Decal color reported as muted
- Limited stock
- British designation correction needed
The Academy 12339 covers the British Air Force Mitchell Mk.II, which is the RAF designation for the B-25C/D in British service. This is the same Accurate Miniatures mold with new decals and molded-in color plastic. Our team found the molded color option a nice touch for modelers who do not want to paint the entire scheme.
The kit includes a canopy masking seal, which saves time during the painting stage. You get decals for four RAF squadrons, which gives you display options. The panel lines are as good as the other Academy reboxes.
The decal color is a recurring complaint in user reviews. Some builders note the colors look muted compared to actual RAF markings. A skilled paint drawer can correct this, but it is worth knowing if you are matching a specific aircraft.
With only 2 left in stock, this kit is also scarce. If you want an RAF Mitchell on your shelf, this is currently the best 1/48 option.
Who this kit is for
Modelers interested in RAF subjects and European Theater aircraft. The molded color is great for builders who want a finished look without extensive painting. Anyone with an interest in British WWII aviation will enjoy this kit.
Who should skip this kit
If you want USAAF markings, this kit does not include them. The muted decal colors may frustrate perfectionists. Builders who want the more common B-25J should choose the Revell kit instead.
6. Academy 12334 USMC PBJ-1D Mitchell — Rarest Subject With 5-Star Rating
Pros
- Rare USMC PBJ-1D subject
- Perfect 5.0 rating
- Good Academy quality
- Limited collector variant
- Navalized equipment
Cons
- Only 2 reviews
- Low stock availability
- Requires assembly and painting
The Academy 12334 PBJ-1D is the rarest subject in this roundup. The PBJ-1D was the US Marine Corps version of the B-25, featuring navalized equipment and different armament. This kit is a dream find for USMC aircraft collectors, and it currently holds a perfect 5.0-star rating from buyers.
The kit uses the same Accurate Miniatures mold as the other Academy B-25s, with parts modified for the PBJ-1D configuration. You get blue molded plastic and Academy-quality decals. Our team has not built this specific variant, but the mold quality matches the other Academy kits in this guide.
The buyer feedback is limited because only a few people have purchased this kit. With 4 units in stock at writing, availability is tight. Once this kit sells out, it will become a collector item.
This is a build for someone who knows what they want and has the skills to handle a detailed bomber kit. The PBJ-1D is unusual enough to stand out on any contest table or display shelf.
Who this kit is for
USMC aviation collectors and modelers seeking unusual WWII subjects. Anyone building a Pacific Theater aircraft collection will appreciate this variant. Experienced builders who want a kit few others own should jump on this one.
Who should skip this kit
Beginners should wait until they have built a few aircraft first. If you want the most common B-25 variant, this is too specialized. Builders on a tight budget will find better value in the Academy 12328 above.
Buying Guide: How to Choose Your B-25 1/48 Kit?
Picking the right B-25 Mitchell bomber kit in 1/48 scale comes down to a few key factors. Our team has broken down the most important considerations below to help you match the right kit to your skill level and interests.
Skill Level and Experience
The Revell B-25J is rated Skill Level 4 out of 5, while the Academy kits sit at the experienced modeler level too. If this is your first bomber build, look at simpler aircraft kits in 1/48 scale before tackling a B-25. For experienced modelers, all six kits in this roundup are buildable projects.
Forum builders on the r/modelmakers subreddit consistently rate the Academy Accurate Miniatures reboxes as the most beginner-friendly of the high-detail kits. The Revell B-25J needs more seam work but is doable for intermediate modelers.
Variant Accuracy and Subject
The B-25 came in several variants: B-25B (Doolittle), B-25C/D (early gun nose), B-25G (solid nose with cannon), and B-25J (most produced, gun nose). Decide which version you want before buying, because the nose and armament change between kits.
The Academy 12328 B-25D and the Revell RV04977 B-25C/D cover the early glass-nose variants. The Revell B-25J covers the most common late-war variant. The Academy 12336 covers the historic Doolittle Raid B-25B. The Academy 12339 covers the RAF Mitchell Mk.II, and the Academy 12334 covers the rare USMC PBJ-1D.
Surface Detail and Panel Lines
The Academy Accurate Miniatures reboxes have recessed panel lines, which is the modern standard and easier to weather. The Revell kits have raised panel lines, which means more work if you want to scribe new detail or weather aggressively.
If panel line detail matters to you, the Academy kits win this roundup. The Revell kits still look good once painted and weathered, but the panel lines will need attention.
Decal Quality and Marking Options
Academy uses Cartograf decals on most of their B-25 kits, which is the best decal printer in the industry. Revell prints their own decals in-house, and the quality is acceptable but not at the Cartograf level. If you want perfect registration and thin carrier film, the Academy kits deliver.
Consider what aircraft you actually want to build. The Revell B-25J gives you 345th Bomb Group options. The Academy kits offer Pacific Theater, RAF, and USMC options. Match the kit to the markings you want.
After-Market Upgrade Availability
The Accurate Miniatures molds have a strong after-market following. Eduard makes photo-etch sets, and Barracuda Studios offers resin wheels and interiors. If you want to super-detail your build, the Academy Accurate Miniatures reboxes give you the most upgrade paths.
The Revell B-25J has fewer after-market options, but Eduard does make some detail sets. Plan your upgrades before you start gluing parts together.
Price and Value
The Revell 85-5512 B-25J is the best value in this roundup, with a budget price and 1k+ reviews. The Academy kits sit in the mid-range with Accurate Miniatures quality. The Revell RV04977 is the most expensive but offers German engineering precision.
If price is your main concern, start with the Revell B-25J. If you want the most detail per dollar, the Academy 12328 is hard to beat.
For more on building scale aircraft, our team has also covered 10 Best 1/35 Scale Military Model Kits if you want to expand your collection. Modelers looking for smaller subjects can check out our guide on N scale model railroad kits for display ideas.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes the best quality plastic model kits?
The best 1/48 scale B-25 kits come from Academy (using Accurate Miniatures molds) and Revell. Academy delivers Cartograf decals and recessed panel lines, while Revell offers value and broad availability.
How much does a B-25 Mitchell cost?
Real B-25 Mitchells are extremely rare warbirds, with only a handful of airworthy examples worldwide. For model kits, 1/48 scale B-25 kits range from around $30 for the Revell B-25J to over $130 for the German-made Revell B-25C/D.
How big is a B-25 bomber compared to a 747?
A real B-25 Mitchell is much smaller than a Boeing 747. The B-25 has a wingspan of about 67 feet and length of 53 feet, while a 747 has a wingspan of 211 feet and length of 232 feet. The B-25 is roughly one-quarter the size of a 747.
Which was better, B-25 or B-26?
The B-25 Mitchell and B-26 Marauder were both successful WWII medium bombers. The B-25 had a shorter wingspan and better low-speed handling, while the B-26 was faster but earned the nickname ‘Widowmaker’ early in the war due to its high approach speed. Both were effective in combat.
How many airworthy B-25s are there?
There are only a handful of airworthy B-25 Mitchells left in the world, with most estimates placing the number under ten. Many more survive as static display aircraft in museums. The rarity of airworthy examples makes the model kits even more meaningful for collectors.
Final Verdict: Which B-25 Mitchell 1/48 Kit Should You Buy?
After comparing six of the best B-25 Mitchell bomber kits in 1/48 scale, our top recommendation is the Revell 85-5512 B-25J Mitchell for most builders. It offers the best balance of value, availability, and detail, with 1165 reviews backing up its quality. If you want premium detail and recessed panel lines, the Academy 12328 B-25D Pacific Theater is the upgrade pick.
For collectors chasing rare variants, the Academy 12334 PBJ-1D and the Academy 12336 Doolittle Raid B-25B are the kits to grab while you can. Whichever kit you choose, you are getting one of the most historically significant aircraft ever modeled. Pick the variant that speaks to you and start building. Your B-25 Mitchell shelf model will be a conversation piece for years to come.
Related Articles
