Tamiya Dornier DO-335 Anteater

Before starting a modeling project, I always read a book about any new aircraft I’ve never built before.  

The planning phase  

Construction begins with the dry test fitting of major components  

Dry-fitting components—typical outstanding Tamiya quality! 

As usual, I’ll be making my own seatbelts from self-adhesive Lead foil tape. Photo etched (generic) buckles will complete the look.  

Measuring equally with dividers to ensure consistency 

They self adhere, but tiny dabs of super glue ensure they’ll stay put.  

Added lap belts, hanging over the edge of the seat in slight disarray; instead of neatly buckled as many seatbelts are depicted.  

Drilled #95 holes and added bits of fishing line and fine solder to represent the wire bundles protruding from the backs of the gauges.  

I used the knurled ferrule of an X-acto knife handle to emboss the diamond-embroidered pattern into the cockpit wall insulation.  

Embossed rivet rows add a bit of realism and detail to an otherwise bland aft bulkhead.  

Time to start painting the cockpit details! My favorite part of any model.  

The kit instrument panel paints up fairly nicely  

I used varying shades of metallic colors to paint the metal “cans” that protrude from the backs of the gauges  

Completed cockpit! I’m very happy with the outcome.  

Decisions, decisions… to build the proposed trainer version, or build the actual production version? I’m not a “what if” or “paper airplane” modeler, so despite the extra work I put in… 

I decided to build the production version