PBJ-1J Mitchell

HK Models, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

The North American PBJ-1J Mitchell was the ultimate development of the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps’ dedicated Mitchell bomber series. Derived from the Army Air Forces’ B-25J, the PBJ-1J retained the familiar twin-engine, mid-wing configuration but was tailored to maritime and close-support duties.

Introduced in 1944, the type was equipped with radar housed in a nose or wingtip radome, giving it a vital role in night interdiction, anti-shipping strikes, and long-range patrol. Armament was formidable: a solid nose with up to eight .50 caliber machine guns, additional side and dorsal positions, and a bomb bay capable of carrying bombs, depth charges, or rockets.

PBJ-1Js served extensively in the Pacific with Marine Corps squadrons such as VMB-612, operating from forward island bases. These aircraft flew dangerous low-level missions against shipping, airfields, and coastal defenses, often in challenging conditions. Although overshadowed by more glamorous types, the PBJ-1J was a hard-hitting, versatile workhorse that gave the Marines a true multi-role strike aircraft in the closing stages of the Pacific War.

HK Models has a reputation for producing large-scale subjects with impressive presence, but in recent years they have also entered the 1/48 arena with kits that aim to blend modern features with classic appeal. Their latest 1/48 scale release is the PBJ-1J Mitchell—a U.S. Marine Corps adaptation of the famed North American B-25J, bristling with forward-firing armament and naval modifications. For fans of twin-engine bombers, and particularly those who appreciate the Mitchell’s Pacific theater service, this is a highly anticipated release.

HK Models' 1/48 scale PBJ-1J comprises 225 parts in grey plastic, 15 parts in clear plastic, twelve parts in dark grey green resin, eleven photo-etched parts, one white metal part and markings for two aircraft.

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Thumbnail panels:

Surface detail is finely executed with restrained recessed panel lines and lines of incredibly fine rivets. These convey the Mitchell’s surfaces without appearing overdone.

Raised structual detail including stringers, stations and sidewalls are moulded onto the inside of the fuselahe halves.

The wings are broken down conventionally with upper and lower, port and starboard parts. Fine and intricate surface textures are especially noteworthy here.

New parts cater specifically to the PBJ variant: radar pods, underwing rockets, and the distinctive nose packed with .50 cals. the overall Sea Blue finish.

The radar pod and the underwing rockets are 3d printed.

Another useful feature is the inclusion of a substantial white metal nose weight to prevent this tricycle configuration airframe from becoming a tail-sitter.

The kit’s engineering reflects HK’s large-scale philosophy—major components are broken down into sub-assemblies that make alignment straightforward. The fuselage halves enclose a detailed cockpit, bombardier’s station, and mid-section with radios and gunner positions. Detail is crisp but not overwhelming, giving modelers the option to enhance with aftermarket photo-etch or resin if desired.

Wing fit will be positive thanks to substantial spars that set dihedral correctly and deliver strength for the engines and nacelles.

The Wright R-2600s are nicely represented with two layers of cylinder banks and separate gear housings. Ignition wiring would elevate them further.

Landing gear is robust and well-detailed, with tyres being bulged and flattened.

Clear parts are presented on a single sprue.

HK provides a full complement of clear parts, including the distinctive greenhouse nose and the separately moulded side gunner windows. HK Models has added a piece of soft self-adhesive plastic to protect the windscreen options and the upper turret.

HK’s 1/48 scale PBJ-1J captures the lines of the Mitchell well, with the correct late-style J-model nose armament, turret and gun arrangement. The radar pod and rocket armament will give it the distinctive Marine Corps personality. Some purists may note that certain antenna fits or minor cockpit arrangements varied by squadron, but these are easily adjusted by the advanced builder.

Markings

The instructions provide clear painting guides using common hobby paint ranges.

The overall Gloss Sea Blue finish typical of late-war Marine PBJs is a striking choice, while alternative schemes with partial white undersides or weathered high-traffic areas offer plenty of scope for creative finishing. Decals are thin, in register, and include stenciling.

For many years, modellers who wanted to build a PBJ-1J in scale had to either start from a standard B-25J kit and add the appropriate radar noses, antennas and weapons, or resort to resin conversions. Happily, HK Models has addressed this shortcoming.

HK Models’ 1/48 scale PBJ-1Jkit provides correct radomes and detail options straight from the box. Clear sprues are excellent, and surface engraving is finely restrained. The kit lends itself to super-detailing, with ample scope for adding wiring in the cockpit or plumbing in the bomb bay.

Aftermarket producers including Eduard and ResKit offer photo-etch interiors, fabric seat harnesses, resin wheels, and exhausts, all of which will enhance your Marines Mitchell even further.

Altearking marking options are rarer, but Kits-World and others provide Marine PBJ schemes with radar noses, over-water camouflage, and colourful squadron insignia.

For anyone looking to capture the purposeful stance of the Marine Mitchells, the PBJ-1J HK Models is the way to go!

Thanks to HK Models for the sample.

Text and Images Copyright © 2025 by Brett Green
Page Created 8 September, 2025
Last updated 9 September, 2025

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