B-25 PBJ-1 Mitchell: The US Navy and Marines’ Bomber in the Pacific (WWII Naval B-25 Guide)
Introduction
The North American B-25 Mitchell is one of the most iconic twin-engine bombers of World War II. While it served extensively with the USAAF, a lesser-known but equally impactful chapter unfolded in the Pacific Theater under the banners of the US Navy and the United States Marine Corps. These aircraft were designated PBJ-1, a navalized version of the B-25, and became multi-role strike platforms tailored for anti-ship missions, night interdiction, close air support, and maritime patrols.
This article dives deep into the technical modifications, combat roles, camouflage schemes, and scale modeling considerations of the PBJ-1 series.
PBJ-1 Designations & Modifications
Naval Variants
| PBJ-1 Version | Based On | Roles | Key Modifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| PBJ-1C/D | B-25C/D | Recon, ASW | Naval radios, radar scopes, minor structure mods |
| PBJ-1G | B-25G | Anti-shipping | 75mm cannon, .50cal nose gun, field mod rocket rails |
| PBJ-1H | B-25H | Low-level attack | 75mm cannon, 8x .50cal in nose, radar under wing |
| PBJ-1J | B-25J | Multirole | Solid or glass nose, radar, HVARs, forward-firing package guns |
Radar Systems
Naval PBJs were often equipped with radar systems for navigation, targeting, and patrol missions:
APS-3 Radar: Dome-shaped pod mounted under the starboard wing (common in PBJ-1H)
APS-4 Radar: Cylindrical radar pod under wing or nose-mounted in PBJ-1J late-war versions
These systems allowed the PBJ-1 to operate effectively at night, in poor weather, or over open ocean where visual references were scarce.
Weaponry Upgrades
Nose Configuration: Solid noses often carried up to 8x .50 caliber machine guns
Side-pack guns: Additional .50cal guns mounted on fuselage sides
75mm Cannon: Initially installed in PBJ-1G/H, often removed in the field
Rocket Armament: HVAR (High-Velocity Aircraft Rockets) added under wings
Internal Bomb Load: Typically 2,000 lbs of bombs or depth charges for ASW
Camouflage and Markings
Early-War Scheme (1943–44)
Tri-color camouflage
Sea Blue (FS 35042) – Upper surfaces
Intermediate Blue (FS 35164) – Mid fuselage
Insignia White (FS 37875) – Lower surfaces
Late-War Scheme (1944–45)
Overall Glossy Sea Blue (FS 15042)
Used primarily on PBJ-1J models
Interior Colors
Cockpit: Interior Green (FS 34151)
Bomb Bay & Gear Wells: Zinc Chromate Yellow or Green
Operational Squadrons (USMC VMB Units)
| Squadron | Aircraft | Area of Operation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| VMB-413 | PBJ-1D/H | Solomons | Night intruder missions |
| VMB-433 | PBJ-1H | Emirau Island | Heavy use of rockets and radar |
| VMB-611 | PBJ-1J | Mindanao, Philippines | Late-war precision strikes |
| VMB-612 | PBJ-1J | Okinawa, Iwo Jima | Close air support, patrol |
Modeling the PBJ-1: A Detailed Guide
Recommended Kits
| Scale | Manufacturer | Base Version | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/72 | Hasegawa | B-25J | Requires radar and weapon mods for PBJ |
| 1/72 | Airfix | B-25C/D | Great for PBJ-1C/D conversions |
| 1/48 | Accurate Miniatures / Italeri | B-25G/H/J | Highly detailed, ideal for PBJ-1H/J builds |
| 1/32 | HK Models | B-25J | High-end option; needs extensive mod work |
Conversion Sets & Aftermarket Accessories
Eduard PE sets: Cockpit, bomb bay, gunner stations (1/48 & 1/72)
Quickboost: Radar pods (APS-3/APS-4), corrected gun barrels, exhausts
Aftermarket Upgrade Table for B-25 / PBJ-1 Mitchell (1/48 Scale)
| Category | Manufacturer | Product Code | Description / Contents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engines | Quickboost | QB 48-379 | R-2600 radial engines (resin set with pushrods, exhausts, crankcase) |
| Eduard Brassin | 648190 | High-detail full resin & PE engine set with wiring and engine mounts | |
| Armament | Quickboost | QB 48-380 | .50cal machine gun barrels (solid nose, waist, tail guns – hollow tips) |
| Quickboost | QB 48-381 | Tail gun position correction set (resin turret + details) | |
| Master Model | AM-48-090 | Brass .50cal barrels with cooling jackets – ideal for visible nose guns | |
| Rockets | ResKit | RSU48-0045 | HVAR Rockets x8 with pylons (resin & photo-etch set for wing mountings) |
| Radar Pods | CMK / Scratchbuild | N/A | APS-3 / APS-4 radar pods (resin if found, or custom made from drop tanks) |
Scratchbuilding Tips:
Use drop tanks or bombs for radar pods
Custom wing pylons for HVARs
Modify fuselage side panels for .50cal packs
Painting & Weathering
Use salt weathering and faded sea blues for realistic effect
Emphasize oil streaks, powder residue on gun ports
Mud effects on wheels and lower fuselage (Pacific island strips)
The B-25 lends itself beautifully to extensive upgrades and detailed work, offering large surface areas perfect for applying weathering effects, operational wear, and Pacific theater grime. Its broad fuselage and wing panels invite careful chipping, fading, and oil streaking, while the engine nacelles offer a unique opportunity: one engine can be left exposed with accessories and wiring detailed, while the other remains fully enclosed to preserve the aircraft’s clean lines and symmetry. The PBJ-1 variant in particular boasts ample interior space visible through expansive glass sections, making it a rewarding subject for modelers who enjoy cockpit and crew station detailing. Given the complexity of the build and the wealth of potential enhancements, the PBJ-1 is best suited for experienced modelers. Its naval adaptations and battle-worn aesthetic also make it ideal for diorama placement—whether on a Pacific island airstrip or the deck of an escort carrier, it commands attention.
P-40 Warhawk “Miss Frances III” U.S.– 80th Fighter Group, CBI, May 1944
Conclusion
The PBJ-1 Mitchell served with distinction in a specialized role during WWII, bridging the gap between land-based bombers and naval strike aircraft. For modelers, it offers a unique challenge: rare color schemes, naval-specific equipment, and distinctive squadron histories. With proper research and careful building, the PBJ-1 can become the centerpiece of any WWII Pacific aviation collection.
http://www.microworks.net/pacific/aviation/pbj_mitchell.htm
https://www.flyingbulls.at/en/fleet/north-american-b-25j-mitchell