1/48 ProModeler Dornier Do 217E-5

by Eric Hargett

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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. 

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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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Photos and text © by Eric Hargett