Manufacturer: Tamiya, distributed by Tamiya America, 2 Orion, Alison Viejo, CA 92656-4200, 800-826-4922.
Kit: No. 61074
Scale: 1/48
Price: $38
Comments: Injection molded, 112 parts (1 cast metal nose weight, 2 vinyl propeller keepers), decals.
Pros: State of the art molding and engineering, excellent fit, good cockpit interior, metal nose weight.
Cons: Still looking . . .

Big, radical, and intriguing, the Do 335 is one of those “what if” super weapons the Luftwaffe was developing at the end of World War II. Designated a fighter, the Pfeil (or “Arrow”) was really a multipurpose aircraft. Basically following the heavy fighter concept the Luftwaffe had pioneered with the Bf 110 and Me 410, it was a much more advanced design utilizing a unique push-pull engine layout. Other design features included an internal bomb bay and an ejection seat. Further development led to a two-seat trainer that eventually would have been produced as a night fighter version. Though numerous test and pre-production aircraft were built, the Do 335 never made it to squadron service.

Tamiya has issued a state-of-the-art kit of this unique Dornier. All parts are sharply molded and flash-free, and panel lines are sharp and crisp. A fair amount of thought was given to the main component breakdown, reducing fuselage seams to a minimum. Tamiya tackled the potential “tail sitter” problem by providing a substantial metal slug which fits cleverly into the nose. A bomb bay is provided along with a fair amount of internal detail. Ventral radiator parts are included but they’re pretty hard to see when the model is finished. Cockpit detail includes an accurate representation of the ejection seat and the canopy can be posed open. Optional parts for open or closed cowl flaps are provided. Two pilot figures (both with the same pose) are also included, hinting at a future two-seat kit.

I started assembly with the cockpit and internal fuselage parts. When you come to the ventral exhaust door (part No. C7), glue it to one of the fuselage halves and then dry-fit the two halves together to allow the part to set properly. In step three, take note of the parts and modifications needed if you plan to have the bomb bay open. When I glued the fuselage together I found the bottom center point between the bomb bay and nose-gear bay a tight fit. The aft fuselage cooling doors are designed to be posed in the open position – a nice touch. I drilled out the nose guns for better appearance.

The engine cowl ring (C1) has a six-spoke molding sprue inside the ring. Even with careful cutting I found it a pain to clean up. Take note the DF loop antennas were not used on all aircraft, so check the instructions and your references.

The wings mount to a substantial spar. On my first test I was surprised to find the fit on to the spar extremely tight. Checking the well-illustrated instructions didn’t provide an answer. After re-examining the wing-spar ends the answer was obvious – locking tabs! Trying again with a bit of pressure I was rewarded with a click and the wing was locked in place. I still needed to adjust the fit to the root; my right wing wasn’t a perfect fit and I needed a little filler to close the gap. This was the only place I used filler on the model.

The landing gear is well engineered and detailed. The main gear consists of four parts not including the wheels, doors or retractors! Unfortunately the gear’s oleo portions are marred by deep ejector-pin marks. Pin marks also scar the inside of the gear-bay doors. Each wheel is positively locked to the strut by a small peg. This may not be scale but this will keep this fairly heavy model from rolling off the shelf!

I painted my model Gunze Sangyo’s late-war Luftwaffe colors. These thin paints make the sharp panel lines stand out. Decals are provided for three different test aircraft, and they went on exceeding well over a gloss coat.

My primary reference was Monogram Close-Up No. 21 Do 335 by J. Richard Smith and Eddie J. Creek. I also found Wings of the Luftwaffe useful. The kit’s dimensions match those in the references.

I thoroughly enjoyed building this model due to its excellent engineering and molding. My Do 335 was completed in a quick 22 hours, with about six hours going to painting and decaling. I highly recommend this kit to the Luftwaffe enthusiast and general builder alike.

Jim Zeske