review HK Models 01E08: 1/32 Dornier Do 335A

[Troy Molitor]

Well done Kev. Greatly appreciated. I'm not one for multiple open panels on my builds and this one fits the gap. Thanks again for your excellent review.

 

Troy

[Growler]

Ok. Thanks.

[BloorwestSiR]

Congrats on the 200 milestone Kev. I've only ever done 1 (ZM He-219) so you're way ahead of me

 

One thing I like about the HK kit is that it includes nose weights. In reading the Old Man blogs on ZM's website, he clearly mentions we're on our own there or use the included stick to prop up the rear. Which if I'd known about before my preorder, I might have gone with the HK offering.

 

Carl

[stevegallacci]

I'm finishing the build of the earlier 'B version kit and found it to be a bit of challenge. Some of the part fit is a little vague, in that some of the mating surfaces don't have a really positive "stop" to them, so could, for example, be clamp too hard and end up not fitting into the next step. The engine hatches are not really designed to be closed, so you'd need extra care if you do want to close them . They can be closed, just lack really positive fitting/mating surfaces. The engine exhaust pipes need to be installed in the correct sequence, as they progressively change, and too, suffer from a somewhat vague fit, so could be easily installed out of alignment, if you simply assume the sockets will line things up right. None of this is beyond an experianced modeler, but, as the kit gives the impression that it is all tight and dead on, it can lull one into a false sense of Tamiya-esque shake and bake precission  that isn't there.

[Wurzacher]

One thing I like about the HK kit is that it includes nose weights. In reading the Old Man blogs on ZM's website, he clearly mentions we're on our own there or use the included stick to prop up the rear. Which if I'd known about before my preorder, I might have gone with the HK offering.

 

Carl

 

Indeed no nose weight(s) are given in the Zoukei-mura kit. Also no stick is provided to prop up the rear fuselage, at least when I check the assembly manual on this.

Having no weight(s) given in the box is no omission in my eyes, as many kits are sold with out them, leaving it to the modeller to add weight where needed. The assembly manual advises of adding about 50gr of weight to prevent a tail sitter. No big deal adding this.

 

I already have filled the front engine block with lead and "Liquid Gravity". Same with the front landing gear wheel. Comparing this with the weight provided in my HKM test shot it should be fine.

[Bill_S]

Thomas, check the sprues carefully; the tail support might be hidden as part of it. The HK B-25 had one molded like that, and it was not in the manual either. (IIRC)

[alaninaustria]

Great review Kev! Thanks for that!! I've got one on order!! However, the kit of my life still alludes me.... The two seat version of the

Do-335..... Any news from Neil when this beast will be released?? I really can't wait for the two seater!!

Cheers

Alan

[LSP_Kevin]

Great review Kev! Thanks for that!! I've got one on order!! However, the kit of my life still alludes me.... The two seat version of the

Do-335..... Any news from Neil when this beast will be released?? I really can't wait for the two seater!!

Cheers

Alan

 

No idea on the date, but it's definitely coming. I'm guessing later this year, but it depends on what other kits are queued up for release, and what priorities each kit has. But definitely coming.

 

Kev

[alaninaustria]

Thanks Kev!! I really like how HKM lays out their kits! I can't wait!! Please let us know as soon as you hear anything mate!!

Cheers

Alan

[Bomber_County]

Great review. Congrats on reaching the 200 milestone, that's alot of words.

 

Just looked up Hannants here in the UK. They show 30+ in stock @ £162.99