1/48 Tamiya Dornier 335

by Sinuhe Hahn

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2 years ago the theme of our modelling circle (www.matterhorncircle.ch.vu) was “prototypes”. As this time I became intrigued by the Do 335 and acquired two of the Tamiya kits: the twin seat trainer and the heavy armed version. As I have an aversion to sticking swastikas on any model, I decided to build these as captured or fallen eagles in service with the RAF and French Air Force.

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Modelling the French version was easy, as decals are included with the Tamiya kit. The colour was a bit difficult to hit correctly as photos indicate that it was an off green khaki colour. Anyhow, I sprayed it twice, and am still not sure that I have the correct shade.

 

The interpretation of the RAF version was more difficult, and here fellow “internet” modellers, such as Mr. Padriac Conway, were a great boon by providing me with heaps of detail, in particular regarding the mix of USAF and RAF markings and the various colours on this bird. A big thank you, gents! Anyhow, I hope that my interpretation is correct.

Even though these models were a fun build, with no real problems, my slow pace resulted in me completing them a year late. Ah, well, better late than never. Now I can continue with my 50’s jets, which was the topic last year.

 

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In real life the Do 335 must have been quite a beast. It was huge and powerful. When these aircraft were flown from Munich to France , they arrived 45 minutes ahead of the escorting P-51 Mustangs! There is little doubt that the heavy armed version with its twin 30 mm cannons could have done serious damage to a B-17. However, the problems which continually beset the Dornier engineers, persisted with the aircraft being tested by the allies. The twin seater crashed fatally at Farnborough after a fire in the rear engine, and the French aircraft was scrapped following a less serious incident with a collapsed undercarriage.

Sinuhe

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Photos and text © by Sinuhe Hahn