1:48 Dornier Do-17E/Do-17F

A Dornier Do 17E and Do 17F decal sheet in 1:48 scale

A sheet of waterslide decals from the manufacturer Xtradecal for models of the early versions of the twin-engined Dornier Do 17 in 1:48 scale. The product serves for finishing off a model that has been built and contains neither parts nor the kit itself. Besides British subjects the British manufacturer also works up the markings of other countries, and this sheet belongs in the second group.

The real subject

The Do 17 came about in the mid-1930s as a fast twin-engined aircraft with a very slim fuselage, which earned it the nickname the Flying Pencil for its shape. The E version was a bomber and carried a bomb bay in the fuselage; the F version served for long-range reconnaissance and, in place of part of the bomb load, had photographic equipment and an increased fuel capacity. Both early versions were powered by liquid-cooled engines and differed from the later machines by a shorter, smoothly tapering nose without the newly shaped glazed cockpit. Technically it is a typical representative of the transition from fast mail planes to the combat aircraft of the late 1930s.

Application tips

Early German aircraft tend to have finely engraved panel lines on a model, and decals readily bridge over them. Once the decal is on and dry, therefore, run a light cut along the line with a new blade, add a drop of softener and the film will be drawn into the groove. Proceed the same way where it passes over raised rows of rivets. Do not forget that a softener also acts on the paint under the decal, so dose it drop by drop and let the area dry undisturbed.

Who the sheet is for

• Builders of pre-war and early wartime twin-engined subjects
• Modelers working in 1:48 scale
• Anyone interested in the early Do 17 versions, different from the later machines
• Those looking for markings outside the contents of the box

This is a decal sheet, not a kit. The model, paints and glue are not included in the package.