NNAM B-25 restored as Doolittle's

[Warbird Kid]

The B-25J disguised as a PBJ has gone under a rather hasty but satisfactory restoration / overhaul from the looks of it. She's been finished as a B-25B replica in the markings of Doolittle's aircraft from the raid. Of course they forgot (or decided not to) remove the tail gunner position (among a few other smaller modifications).



https://www.facebook.com/NavalAviationMuseum/posts/10158556136260174

[flightsimer]

What is ironic is that the solid nose we took off of that aircraft when we restored it to send down there had the ruptured duck painted on it for display up here.

[Steve Nelson]

Looks like they painted the turret dome silver. No suprise..it was badly crazed and yellowed when I last saw the plane a year ago. Too bad, really..when I first saw it in 2005 it was crystal clear.

SN

[JohnB]

While I can certainly understand wanting to paint a B-25 in a 1942 scheme for the raid's 75th anniversary, it is odd (but understandable) that they left the tail gun position on.
Not what I'd expect from a major museum...unless the finish is going to be temporary.

The NMUSAF Mitchell was properly backdated from a D to a B by North American...but I understand they didn't incorporate ALL the "B" differences.
Still, the tail position is rather more noticeable.

[Warbirdnerd]

While I can certainly understand wanting to paint a B-25 in a 1942 scheme for the raid's 75th anniversary, it is odd (but understandable) that they left the tail gun position on.
Not what I'd expect from a major museum...unless the finish is going to be temporary.

The NMUSAF Mitchell was properly backdated from a D to a B by North American...but I understand they didn't incorporate ALL the "B" differences.
Still, the tail position is rather more noticeable.

Since it appears the B-25 is going to remain outside, this restoration is only a temporary one. It could very well become a "PBJ" again the next time around...

[Ken]

J-model aside, it does look as if they really tried to make the paint look good. Love that shade of OD.

Ken