Do 335A-12

The Do-335A-12 development began in early 1944. It was anticipated that even experienced pilots would require some amount of familiarization before transitioning to the 335. Two two-seat prototypes were built which were affectionately nicknamed the Anteater because of the humped shaped fuselage. The instructor sat in the elevated rear cockpit which was equipped with dual controls but lacked the standard ejection seat. The M11 prototype flew in October of 1944, the M12 was completed in September of 1944. Both prototypes were to be the forerunners for the planed A-11 series. To shorten the delivery time, eight production A-1's were modified to become A-12 series trainers. Of these only half were completed before the end of the war. It has been alleged by several post war authors that the two-seat trainer was adapted to night fighter duties but this assumption was incorrect.

The Kit

This is yet another adaptation of Tamiya's original A-0 machine. Thanks to Tamiya's excellent original engineering this version just requires a few different parts. Most of these are contained on a single sprue attached to sprue E, labeled sprue G and consists of a new upper fuselage deck for the instructors cockpit and the parts for that position. The other parts required are the windscreen and canopy for the instructors and these are added to A-0's clear parts sprue. See photos below.


The decals provide markings for two aircraft, tail numbers 111 and 112 which are the only difference between the two. The decals are moderately thin and are in register. Included are instrument panels for both positions and seatbelt and harnesses for both positions a few stencils are included as are swastikas. See below.

The instructions are for the most part identical to those described in the A-0 review located here.

After Market Goodies

In spite of the relatively well detailed interior these kits provide I decided to go with an after market kit for this model, the Aires [4114] Resin cockpit set with photoetch.

The set includes a one piece resin molded cockpit tub that is quite amazing in its complexity and level of detail. Also included in resin are the instrument panels and fittings for both cockpits, forward cockpit bulkhead, pilots ejection seat, and the instructors cockpit. The parts are molded in a tan colored resin and are crisply molded with no air bubbles present where they would be seen. Two parts were off their pour stubs and missing in action, the canopy release and ejection levers. Also one of the instructors rudder pedal cylinders was broken off the rudder pedal mount. Photos of the parts are shown below.

The set also includes a photoetch fret with instrument panels for both positions, seat belts and harnesses for both positions, rudder pedals for both positions throttle levers for both positions and a trim wheel and for the pilots pit. The instrument panels use a film for the individual gauges. See below.

The instructions are printed on sheet roughly 5" x 10" printed on both sides with a a parts map and illustrations showing how the pieces fit together

The only other item I intend to use with this kit is and Eduard mask set [XF104] made for this version.

Other items are available from True Details, Squadron and Verlinden.

Conclusions

This is yet another version of the excellent Tamiya A-0 kit which is reviewed here and it is highly recommended for modelers of all skill levels. The base kit provides a nice detail level and the after market items take it to the next level.

Links to kit build or reviews

A build / review can be found here.

References

"Dornier 335 Arrow"byJ. Richard Smith, Eddie J. Creek & Thomas H. Hitchcock

Back to the Do335 Series page

Last updated 4/27/08