1/48 Tamiya  by Sinuhe Hahn

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2 years ago the theme of our modelling circle 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.

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. 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.

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.

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