Revell 1/72 Do-28D

KIT #: 04193
PRICE: 7.50 Euros
DECALS: yes
REVIEWER: Carmel J. Attard
NOTES: Matchbox molding

HISTORY
The original Do28 series did not provide any more internal volume than the Do27 it was intended to replace and was therefore restricted in payload. Financial assistance by the German Ministry of Economics then helped Dornier to develop the basic concept of the Do28 into a bulkier, higher-powered STOL transport, which could carry up to 13 passengers. The redesigned version was designated as the Do28D and was named Skyservant. The redesign had little resemblance to the Do28B. The prototype made its maiden flight on the 23rd of February 1966 and the Do28D-1 secured the FAA certificate on the 19th of April 1968. The military type was approved in January 1970. Orders for 178 machines were placed for the then West German Air Force and Navy. The Do28D was originally conceived for the export market to countries in Africa, this however soon became impossible due to political considerations.

  

The role of the Do28D2 was mainly twin engine training for prospective C-160 Transall pilots on LTG2 (Air Training Group 2) and also as freight and liaison aircraft for flying units of the German Air Force. Each wing received 2-3 aircraft for this purpose, and sometimes even more. Unit’s jet pilots who therefore had to achieve additional qualification normally flew the Do28D2. The aircraft was mostly used for transporting personnel and materials for unserviceable operational aircraft but also for liaison of service personnel.

  

The Flight Service Squadron in Kaufbeuren also received 11 aircraft as target tugs for Air Traffic Control and Flight Control personnel. Alongside 101 aircraft for the German Air Force a further 20 were delivered to Naval aviation to serve with No2 Squadron of Naval Aviation Wing in Kiel, Holtenau.  Two of these aircraft were converted to pollution Control duties in order to monitor oil pollution of the seas with modern radar and infrared equipment. These were designated Do28D29 (OU). General economy measures of the German Air Forces in 1983 resulted in that 16 aircraft were released to the Greek AF and another 18 to the Turkish AF.

  

All Do28Ds were retired up to the end of 1993 with many receiving special livery for the occasion. One of the aircraft that belongs to the reconnaissance squadron 51 is represented in the Revell kit. Orders and options for 30 Do126-6 aircraft from African countries had been announced by autumn 1982, 16 of these going to Nigerian AF, a variant was delivered Cameroon for coastal patrol and others were delivered to Morocco.
THE KIT

 

  

The Revell kit of the Do28 has been around for the best part of 35 years even though the reissue has a revised decal sheet that can only be described as superb. The kit was originally issued by Matchbox as a 3-colour plastic kit offering Do28 of Federal German Naval Air Squadron, 1972 and alternative markings for a Swedish Red Cross Flying Doctor service during the Biafra/ Nigerian conflict in 1969. The kit now comes in white plastic and like its original issue is complete with furnishings with interior seating for 6 passengers as well as the cockpit for crew of two and complete with instrument panel. The two-part cabin door can be mounted open or closed with decals for the door inside panels also included. The 8-page instructions has 16 graphic staged of construction including a full page devoted to plan and side views revealing the camouflage pattern and the location of every numerical decal, their location so that in the end the kit represents a Do28D2 of AG52 inaugural last flight. This livery is a very colourful one and adds to the overall appearance of the finished model.
CONSTRUCTION

 

 I have followed the assembly stage by stage as per instructions except that I did not bother to fit any of the side window clear parts which I found can be inserted in from the outside of the model and the wind screen can be easily slotted in place when the kit is complete and airbrushed. Some care needs to be taken with the overall fit of parts particularly around the engine nacelles as these needs a little filler and sanding.

 

On this occasion I built two kits of the Do28, one represents the type finished in an early livery of grey, olive splinter camouflage upper, and silver lower with day-glow areas. The other Do28 was finished in the 3 tone green, dark green and dark grey wrap around camouflage as per kit. Much of the extra work made to the Dorniers applied to the former build while less work was needed to the second one. The extra work added was as follows:

 

1.      Add straps to all seats.
 2.      Add tail fin antenna made of wire bent to shape.
 3.      Add two tiny hinge fairings to starboard side of nose cone cover.
4.      Add landing light to starboard wing leading edge made out of solid clear Perspex.
 5.      Added two semi circular antennae to tail fin sides.
 6.      Add tail fin light.
7.      Opened the nose front air intake and 4 exhaust outlets with a pin round file.
8.      Add nose blade aerial from plastic card made to shape.
9.      Add tail wheel support strut, and flaps actuators.
10. A side looking radar fitting added, slung under the early version built. This type also had an additional window shaped to starboard side.
11. Add wireless aerial from top of fin to cabin roof.
 12. Add footsteps to both sides of fuselage, made from bent wire.
COLORS & MARKINGS

 

The two tone grey green camouflage and day-glow version was made in standard splinter camouflage using Humbrol paint Ocean grey 106, Tamiya Olive green XF62, and Revell Blaze with silver underside. Appropriate decals for the type came from the spare decal box. The second kit, this had the tail unit painted yellow to one side and red white and blue on the other. The three tone wrap round was made using Tamiya German grey, Tamiya XF62 olive drab and a mix of medium green with a few drops of yellow for the field green. This was given a coat of ‘Klear’ and the kit decals applied on. Both kits were finally given a semi gloss lacquer overall by Model Master.
CONCLUSIONS

 


This was an overall basic kit to assemble and is well within everyone’s capacity. It is particularly recommended to those interested in modern Luftwaffe aircraft and blends very well when parked on a shelf next to an RF84 or RF4F of same unit.

 Carmel J. Attard

August 2009

If you would like your product reviewed fairly and quickly, please contact me or see other details in the Note to Contributors.

Back to the Main Page

Back to the Review Index Page