Amodel's 1/72 scale
Dornier Do 26 V-2 Seefalke

by Roland Sachsenhofer

Bristol Blenheim Mk.I

Airfix's 1/72 Blenheim Mk.I will be available online from Squadron.com

The Dornier Do 26 is not one of the better known flying boats being constructed by Claude Dornier but it´s certainly one of the best looking seaplanes ever being conceived.

In the 1930s, the art of constructing large and enduring seaplanes had reached its height. Transportation of passengers, urgent needed cargo and, more important, mail over the great oceans of the world was preferable done by seaplane. No expensive airfields had to be build and, in those times a matter, in case of emergency the aeroplane could touch down on water.

The Do 26 was first flown in 1938, being powered by four 700 PS Jumo 205 diesel engines. It´s sleek and aerodynamically nearly perfect outline, combined with retractable floats, gave the Do-26 excellent performance. Sadly the outbreak of the war stopped the civil career after only a few transatlantic flights.

Signed in by the Luftwaffe, the six Do-26 produced where used for transport duties throughout the war years. A planned militarised version was cancelled because of the type’s proven vulnerability in combat. None of the Do-26 survived the war years.

My model shows the second prototype in attractive civil colours. I was very glad to find original colour photos of the “Seefalke”, because A-models descriptions have been a little vague in some details.

A-models Do-26 is a real challenge to build.

The kit suffers not only from rather cruel fit problems but is additionally hampered by an overcomplicated layout. For example I had to completely erase and scratch the prominent strakes on the fuselages top, running from the cockpit to the aeroplanes stern- not the easiest work to do.

Literally every part had to be sanded or adjusted in another way to fit or represent the correct outline.

Otherwise it has to be said that this A-model kit is the only opportunity to get that attractive seabird build- and that´s, in my opinion, quite worth this effort.

If you are interested in the building process, please have a look on the workbench at the JAM Forum.

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As ever, remarks will be appreciated: ro.sachsenhofer@gmx.at

Model, Images and Text Copyright © 2015 by Roland Sachsenhofer
Page Created 22 June, 2015
Last Updated 23 June, 2015

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