Dornier Do335A Pfeli w/Kubel T82

The Tamiya 1/48 Do335A Pfeil (Arrow) with Kubelwagen is a 2022 release. Prior to 2022, Tamiya's 1/48 Do335A Pfeil model kit was initially released in 2000. Sometime between 2000 and 2022 this kit was discontinued. However, in 2022 Tamiya re-released this 1/48 kit with the 1/48 Kubelwagen vehicle/standing figure parts. It is fortunate that they did this, because until the 2022 re-release, prices on this kit were excessively high due to it being in high demand and in short supply. The only aftermarket product recommended for this build is the Eduard canopy mask set (EX101). I used this set on my build and the results were excellent. I also attempted to purchase the LF Models 1/48 die cut camouflage masks for this build, however they were sold out from all of my regular vendors at the time of this build. I therefore had to use the masking guide diagrams in the kit instructions, in order to mask off the splinter camouflage pattern prior to airbrushing the historically accurate colors on this aircraft. To create an accurate camouflage pattern, I used Vallejo Model Air Black Green RLM 70, Vallejo Model Air Dark Green (Dunkel Grun) RLM 71 and Vallejo 70.907 Pale Grey Blue for the under wing and lower fuselage surfaces. For the pilot figures and the ground crew figure uniforms, I used Vallejo Model Color 70.900 French Mirage Blue. The pilot figures also had molded on life preserver detail which I painted using Vallejo Yellow, RLM 04, 71.078. In order not to interrupt the graceful fuselage lines of this aircraft I closed up the canopy with the painted pilot figure seated inside. If the builder opts not to use the seated pilot figure, then a seat belt decal is provided on the decal sheet. As the canopy was closed for my build, the provided instrument panel decal was sufficient enough detail to satisfy me. Parts fit was excellent with no filler putty required. As some interior bomb bay detail was provided, I installed the 500 kg bomb and I posed the bomb bay doors, in the open position. As with all of my aircraft builds, I made the landing gear in the down position which added more visual interest to my aircraft model. All of the landing gear parts were also a precise fit. As these aircraft were not used for very long during WWII, I did not weather this aircraft heavily. I therefore, only used Tamiya Black Panel Liner for the upper recessed panel lines and Tamiya Brown Panel Liner for the under-surface recessed panel lines. Decals were thick but they worked well with Micro Set and Micro Solve solutions. A good set of precision tweezers are recommended for the placement and application of the small stencil decals. After application of Johnson's floor wax to protect the decals and the final matte coat finish, negligible silvering was observed. I used Tamiya Weathering Master pigments to simulate exhaust staining on the sides of the fuselage. The Kubelwagen model also had a set of decals and precision fit parts. Instead of painting these parts individually prior to assembly, I built up the entire vehicle, except for the windshield, and then airbrushed it in Mission Model Dunkel Gelb 7028. I then went back to brush paint the individual parts that required a different color. Tamiya went so far as to provide the builder with a printed map, that is cut out from the instruction sheet, to use with the standing figures. Even though the kit's assembly, instructions and parts fit were excellent, I still recommend it for advanced to intermediate model kit builders due to the precision masking required for the greenhouse canopy and the detail masking needed for painting the two-tone camouflage pattern on the upper wing and fuselage surfaces

Being the best is always a great thing for Tamiya modelers and the Do335 is no exception. With attention to detail like a nose weightto offset tailsetter potential and the beautiful crafted Kubelwagen to add to the set. Great detail is shown in the engines and props as ell as the figures.