B-25J c/n Question

[shuck]

Can anyone confirm the correct c/n sequence for the following block of B-25J's s/n 45-8801 to 45-8899. I have seen both 108-47552 to 108-47650 and 108-47652 to 108-47750 quoted. Thanks

[Todd Hackbarth]

I have found at least 21 different blocks of B-25 USAAF serial numbers where one reference gives one range of constructor's numbers and a second reference gives an entirely different range.

John Andrade's "U.S. Military Aircraft Designations" gives 108-47552 through 108-47650 as the constructor's numbers for B-25J-35-NCs 45-8801 through 45-8899.

For the exact same range of USAAF serials, Norm Avery's book "B-25 Mitchell The Magnificent Medium" and William T. Larkins' article "U.S. Civil B-25s" that appeared in the Spring 1978 Journal of the American Aviation Historical Society both list constructor's numbers 108- 47652 through 108-47750. I believe this to be the correct range for several reasons. It is my understanding that Norm Avery was a long time employee of North American Aviation and we all know Bill Larkins' long standing reputation for accuracy. I am involved with B-25D 43-3634 and have flown in it many times. Andrade shows it as 100-23460. Avery and Larkins both list it as 100-23960. I have personally inspected the original NAA dataplate and it is stamped "100-23960".

I have created a spreadsheet that shows all the variances in B-25 Constructor's Numbers. If you would like, I can scan the two pages and then email them to you.

Todd Hackbarth
Yankee Air Force
Southeast Michigan

[shuck]

Thanks Todd, I will send you a PM