HK Models 1/32 Do 335B-6

By Kevin Bower

I’m proud to present the outcome of my first LSP build thread.

This B-6 night fighter variant of the Do 335 is a ‘what-if’ which never entered production – but which was to be equipped with FuG218 ‘Neptun’ radar apparatus along with a second cockpit for the operator. I faced a bit of a dilemma deciding how to finish this aircraft in a scheme which had actually been used by the Luftwaffe and was therefore historically plausible – but which would also provide a nice contrast to the RLM 76/75 pale blue & grey mottle to be worn by the upcoming GB He 219 build which will stand next to it on a ‘Nachtjäger’ display base.

Whilst searching around for ideas, I chanced upon the Smithsonian’s excellent blog about the meticulously researched paint scheme for their NASM He 219 restoration.

Detailed spectral analysis of undamaged internal paintwork, plus near-forensic removal of a post-war USA repaint along with accurate pattern mapping of the heavily corroded remains on the upper surfaces revealed RLM 22 undersides and RLM 75 up top, overpainted with one of the numerous late-war incarnations of RLM 76 applied in a spectacularly wild Wellenmuster/Mäandertarn pattern.

So, I decided to replicate it.

The only real departure was that I mixed a slightly darker version of RLM 76 since the very pale NASM colour didn’t scale very well, looking far too ‘white’ against the RLM 75 on my practice mule. I have nowhere near the airbrush skills necessary to spray this - so I 'what-if' imagined a hard-edged brush application by Otto the groundcrew guy. Weathering is absolutely minimal – I wanted this to look like a relatively new aircraft which had only recently emerged from a ‘what-if’ factory which hadn’t yet been flattened by the USAAF and the RAF.

The photos revealed the 'Wellenmuster' should really have had a repeat application from the Molotow pump marker I used to do it. The paint has to be thinned to airbrushing consistency to flow properly, and it's now obvious that I should have done a second coat. So, another lesson learned but I didn't want to risk making things worse by attempting to do it retrospectively. It does look nowhere near as washed-out in real life.

Just for smiles, I’ve painted the undercarriage legs ‘mysterious red‘ as seen on some Bf109’s and discussed on here previously. The fire-starter was dutik who very kindly shared his photos of the Do335 at Rechlin - German aircraft. German museum. German researchers. German restorers and craftsmen. Photos sent to me by a top-of-the-range German: ‘mysterious red’ legs.

How much more convincing does a rookie need?

I’d like to once again express my enormous gratitude to all the talented LSP guys who’ve so graciously taken time out of their days to help me with their advice and encouragement as I’ve eased back into this and begun to find my feet. Thank you all very much.

For more information, check out my build thread in the Work in Progress forum.

HK Models 1/32 Do 335B-6

By Kevin Bower

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