Dornier Do 335A-12

by Brian Criner

Tamiya's 1/48 scale Dornier Do 335A-12 is available online from Squadron.com

This is the recent release 1/48 scale Dornier Do 335A-12 from Tamiya.

This is the trainer version of the Pfeil.

After completing the single seat version out of the box, I promptly started the two-seater.

I've heard the Do 335A-12 called an ugly plane before and I suppose that description is accurate. I guess it is the unique configuration of the plane along with it's purposeful design that attracts me to the subject.

Since the last one was straight from the box, I decided this project would sport a few "extras". I used the decal set from Cutting Edge, the wheel well set and wheels from Warriors resin, the photo-etch set from Eduard and various bits and pieces from the Aires and Warriors resin sets for the cockpit. I used my imagination to fill in the blank spots in the bare rear cockpit.

The plane went together fairly well, with the usual grinding and sanding required to get the resin bits to fit.

If you use the Warriors wheel wells, be prepared to do some serious filing to the backside in order to get it thin enough to fit inside the chord of the wing.

When I started this kit I had hoped it would be done in time for the TamiyaCon competition at Tamiya America headquarters in Aliso Viejo this April. As it worked out, Saturday night before the competition I still had quite a bit to do. I had only returned from a business trip that night at around 6:30 pm.

After a quick "Hi Honey, missed you", I was out in the shop. I had promised my nine year old son we would finish his Brachiosaur model in time for the contest, so until 9:15 pm, we were painting and weathering dinosaurs. Finally, about 9:30 pm, I was able to start finishing my Dornier!

About 4:30 am, delirious and only semi-conscious, I staggered to bed. I was so exhausted the next morning, I almost overslept. I was just able to get to the contest in time to register, and fortunately, was able to finish second with the Dornier!

Model, Images and Text Copyright © 2001 by Brian Criner
Page Created 21 October, 2001
Last Updated 04 June, 2007

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