The history and
description of this medium WWII German Luftwaffe bomber has been
covered in several past reviews, so I won't bother with this information.
This is an older kit that is currently out of production. Despite
its age, Revell-Monogram developed an excellent 1/48 kit of the 'flying
pencil'. The kit has recessed panel lines, the parts assembled very
well and possess sharp, crisp detail that is comparable with modern
Hasegawa/Tamiya kits. My kit represents Dornier Do217E-5 U5+KL
of 3/ KG2 based in France, 1942. Decals were from Aeromaster.
Click on
images below to see larger images
I added Eduard
photo-etch seat harnesses to the already very detailed cockpit and painted
it RLM66, followed by an acrylic wash and dry brushing. E-Z masks
were used on all canopy parts. Wheel wells and landing gear were
painted RLM02. All panel lines were pre-shaded flat black and the
underside was given an application of flat white primer followed by
several progressively lightened coats of RLM65. Next came the
RLM72/73 maritime splinter camouflage. There is little contrast
between the 72 and 73. Some modelers do not prefer this low contrast
camouflage and as an alternative, lighten either color with drops of
yellow and/or white to enhance the distinction between the two colors.
The result is a pattern with a high contrast similar to the standard
RLM 70/71 splinter camouflage seen on other Luftwaffe bombers/fighters.
If the desire in lightening the 72/73 is to provide more eye-appeal for
the aircraft, then by all means the modeler should do it this way.
However, if the modeler wants a reasonably accurate historical
representation of the aircraft, then lightening the 72/73 will be
incorrect. Indeed, informational materials on the 72/73
colors and examination of old photographs of this plane, validate that the
contrast between 72/73 should be subtle. In fact, the contrast between
72/73 becomes more or less apparent when viewing the real
aircraft at different angles (this is also true of the scale model as
seen in the photographs). Being a near-purist to historical
accuracy, I chose to maintain the subtle contrast of the 72/73 pattern.
I applied the 72/73 camouflage pattern with progressive lighter tints
inside panels, decals were applied, followed by pastel and oil wash
accents along the panel lines. I think the end result is pleasing
and more representative of the actual camouflage pattern. Propellers
and spinners were painted RLM70. I then sprayed a light mist of
RLM72 over the entire 72/73 pattern to 'fade' the decals. Weathering was
performed with a combination of airbrushing, pastels, oil washes,
and colored pencils. Because many of these bombers had short lives,
I performed only a moderate level of weathering. Exhaust stains were
a combination of airbrushing flat black, red brown and light gray (on the
dorsal surfaces) followed by pastels.
I am very pleased
with the end result and this kit makes a fine addition to any Luftwaffe medium
bomber collection. As always, submissions to ARC offer some of the best
tips and information for all modelers. Thanks!
Eric
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images below to see larger images
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