Dornier Do 335 B-2

HK Models, 1/32 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

Eduard's Limited Edition 1/48 La-5 is available online from Squadron.com

The Dornier Do 335 Pfeil ("Arrow") was a World War II heavy fighter.

The Pfeil's performance was much better than other twin-engine designs due to its unique "push-pull" layout and the much lower drag of the in-line alignment of the two engines.

The first 10 Do 335 A-0s were delivered for testing in May. By late 1944, the Do 335 A-1 was on the production line. This was similar to the A-0 but with the uprated DB 603 E-1 engines and two underwing hardpoints for additional bombs, drop tanks or guns. It was capable of a maximum speed of 763 km/h (474 mph) at 6,500 m (21,300 ft) with MW 50 boost, or 686 km/h (426 mph) without boost, and able to climb to 8,000 m (26,250 ft) in under 15 minutes. Even with one engine out, it could reach about 563 km/h (350 mph). Delivery commenced in January 1945.

When the United States Army overran the Oberpfaffenhofen factory in late April 1945, only 11 Do 335 A-1 single-seat fighter-bombers and two Do 335 A-12 trainers had been completed.

French ace Pierre Clostermann claimed the first Allied combat encounter with a Pfeil in April 1945. In his book The Big Show (pages 273-274) he describes leading a flight of four Hawker Tempests from No. 3 Squadron RAF over northern Germany, when he intercepted a lone Do 335 flying at maximum speed at treetop level. Detecting the British aircraft, the German pilot reversed course to evade. Despite the Tempest's considerable low altitude speed, the RAF fighters were not able to catch up or even get into firing position.

The Dornier Do 335 B-2 was a proposed single-seat destroyer aircraft. Fitted with 2 additional MK 103 in the wings and two 300 litre (80 US gal) auxiliary fuel tanks.

Two Do 335 B prototypes, M13 and M14, were assembled and flown.*

HK Models has released three subjects to date - a Meteor Mk.4, A B-17G Flying Fortress and three variants of the B-25 Mitchell - all in 1/32 scale. These have all been impressive kits with crisp, fine surface detail.

HK Models' latest release is also their first Luftwaffe offering - the Dornier Do 335 B-2. It is important to note that the Do 335 B was not a "what if" paper project. At least two Do 335 B prototypes flew - M13 and M14 - and HK Models offers different parts and markings to accurately build either aircraft straight from the box.

This kit comprises 301 parts in grey plastic, eight parts in clear plastic, two white metal ingots and five photo-etched parts on a single fret. Markings for three schemes are included on the decal sheet.

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This is a long-run injection-moulded plastic kit with all the little luxuries that modellers enjoy, including locating pins, slots and tabs. The quality of moulding is extremely high. I could not find any sink marks, and there are no obvious ejector pin circles in areas that will be visible on the completed model. Sprue attachment points are quite modest too, considering the large size of some of the parts. Removal of parts from the sprues and cleanup should be quick and easy.

It would appear that the basic set of sprues will be used to deliver the entire Do 335 A and B family, with separate inserts for the fuselage spine, the wing leading edges and the wing tips.

Surface detail is first class. Larger areas feature beautifully fine rows of rivets, with restrained use of crisp and finely recessed panel lines. Different sizes are represented too, including recessed circles for larger fasteners and even slotted screws. Raised structural features are also present where appropriate.

Detail is also very good, but it is delivered using a relatively modest number of parts. The cockpit is simple should look fine straight from the box.

Decals are supplied for the instrument dials, and the ejection seat includes photo-etched harness straps.

The kit includes two nicely detailed DB 603 engines. In line with the philosophy of the rest of the kit, you won't have to labour too long on these. Each engine is made up from less than 40 parts, but the detail looks very good. Cleverly, the front engine will enclose the supplied white metal nose weight. This will definitely be needed to keep the stalky nose wheel on the ground!

The engines may be displayed via separate panels. Fuel tank detail and a bomb bay are included too. A spare fuel tank is supplied for the bomb bay. The bomb bay doors are also separate and may be posed open if desired.

Control surfaces are separate and should be able to be posed to taste. The undercarriage is well detailed, and the plastic wheels are bulged and flattened.

The kit offers a number of useful options including standard or extended wing tips, optional position cowl flaps (open or closed), raised or lowered undercarriage, optional position rear vents and optional gun camera.

The clear parts are thin and free from distortion.

Some care will be needed when fixing the bulged side windows to the canopy, but this is probably the only way for the manufacturer to mould the prominent blister.

Instructions are offered in a large A3 format 20 page booklet with clear illustrations over 39 Steps (shades of Hitchcock!). Colour callouts are provided for Tamiya and Gunze model paints.

Markings

Markings are supplied on a large single decal sheet. Colour and registation look good.

Markings for both prototypes, M13 and M14, are included, as well as French war prize markings and stencils. Swastikas are split diagonally to satisfy European laws.

The instructions suggest that the upper surface splinter pattern comprised RLM 81 Brown Violet and RLM 82 Light Green, but it is also possible that RLM 70 Black Green or RLM 71 Dark Green may have been substituted for one or both of these late-war shades.

HK Models' 1/32 scaler Dornier Do 335 B-2 is an excellent kit featuring crisp surface features, a high level of detail and many useful options.

300 parts is relatively modest for a kit with this level of detail too, so you should have a pleasurable building experience in front of you.

The model will look great straight from the box, but no doubt we will see after market cockpit and engine updates for the dedicated super detailer.

James Hatch has built a test shot of this kit and has nothing but praise for its engineering and fit. His impressions are detailed in a big Feature Article in Issue 43 of Military Illustrated Modeller magazine.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to HK Models for the sample

Text and Images Copyright © 2014 by Brett Green
Page Created 13 October, 2014
Last updated 14 October, 2014

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