Revell 1/72 Dornier Do 335A-1 Pfiel "Arrow"

REVELL (DRAGON) 1:72 DORNIER DO 335A-1 PFIEL "Arrow"

Reviewer: Dave Godden (rec.models.scale)
Kit Review submitted: 17 February 2002

The Kit. Revell – Dornier 335A-1 1/72 Kit No. 04324 - reboxing of the Dragon Do 335 kit

The Aircraft. The Do 335 Pfiel (Arrow) was possibly the most unique development for the Lufwaffe to see some sort of service during the last few months of the war. It featured the push / pull engine arrangement with both inline engines in the fuselage, on in the nose and one in the mid-section driving a propeller in the tail through a drive shaft. The tail was cruciform and detachable in the case of emergency. This was especially beneficial if the pilot had to bale out, as the aircraft was one of the firsts to feature an ejector seat.

Parts. The kit contains 120 injection parts including 5 clear parts for two part canopy and lights plus gunsight. The parts come on eight sprues of grey plastic with engraved panel lines and control surfaces and two of clear parts. There is no flash at all and all parts are easily removable from the sprues. Sufficient weight needs to be added if the model is to sit on its well formed nose under cart. There are parts to enable both engines to be shown with removed panels but I opted to consign those to the spares box to enable the weights to be packed in the nose as opposed to the separate inboard wing leading edges as shown in the instructions.

Instructions. The instructions are A4 booklet form. A history is on the front a numbered view of all parts inside and then the assembly begins. There are 36 exploded stages which show internal and figure painting reference numbers relating to the guide at the beginning which alas only quotes a paint description and RLM and Revell numbers and the usual Revell unhelpful mixing guide (Do they not know these colours are available in one tin?). The painting guide is on the last two sides and refers to the same guide at the beginning of the booklet with graded grey chips to denote the markings.

Construction. With the exception of the previously mentioned edges everything fits perfectly with no filler required. The amount of detail present is superb especially in the undercarriage areas with umpteen parts to put together including door actuator arms and detailed bays. The top fuselage access panels appear a little proud but the construction was easy. The only gripe I have is those inboard leading edges, which no matter how you play with them seem to project forwards past the edge of the wing.

Options. There are two options both from Erprobungskommando 335 in 1944 and feature the standard splinter scheme of 81/82/76.

Versions. The A-1 is the only option catered for here but there are some unused parts so maybe another version in the offing as a separate kit?

Decals. These appear to be produced by the company and do not include Swastikas. They are easily applied and have no silvering. They did seem a little too ‘sticky’ and so were tricky to get into the right position without tearing.

Accuracy. The kits dimensions are exact when compared with those published. The antenna are all provided as is the entry ladder from the trailing edge and a split canopy enabling it to be set in the open position.

Overall. This kit is virtually excellent. No filler required at all. One reservation was the previously mentioned leading edges. I have seen a rumour that this moulding is ex-Dragon (several SMAKR readers have confirmed it is, and probably at a fraction of the price as the Dragon kit reputedly came with metal parts - Ed) at a fraction of the price that is certainly welcomed and I look forward to more to come.

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