1:72 DO 217 K-1/K-2 with FRITZ X

Dornier Do 217 K-1/K-2 with Fritz X 1:72 (Italeri)

An injection-molded plastic model of the German Dornier Do 217 K-1/K-2 bomber in 1:72 scale from Italeri. What makes this set special is the Fritz X guided glide bomb (Ruhrstahl SD 1400), which the aircraft carried on an underwing pylon, one of the first guided anti-ship weapons in the world. The package contains plastic parts, clear glazing and a generous decal sheet. It allows both the K-1 and the anti-ship K-2 versions to be built.

The real subject

The Do 217 was a large German twin-engined bomber, following on from the Do 17 in performance and in size. The K version had a redesigned, fully glazed nose with no stepped windscreen. The K-2 version was modified for the use of the Fritz X guided bomb: it was dropped from high altitude and the operator guided it onto the target in flight by radio command, following a light trace in the tail of the bomb. This weapon sank the Italian battleship Roma in September 1943, so the Fritz X is among the first guided weapons ever used successfully in combat.

Building and painting tips

Glue the plastic parts with a thin modeling cement for plastic and fill and sand the large joints of the fuselage and the engine nacelles carefully. It pays to mask the glazed nose and the cockpit and to glue them only once the interior is painted. Apply a primer before painting and spray with an airbrush in thin coats; German schemes benefit from emphasized panels and a subtle wash. Assemble and paint the Fritz X bomb and its pylon according to the instructions.

Who the model is for

• Collectors of German Second World War aircraft in 1:72 scale
• Modelers interested in early guided weapons and anti-ship aircraft
• Builders who appreciate a larger twin-engined bomber for a display case

The model is supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints and accessories are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.