Dragon Models Ltd

1/32 Bf-110 C-7

Kit Number: 3203

Reviewed by  Robert DeMaio, IPMS# 45186

MSRP: $110.00 Review kit courtesy of Dragon Models USA: www.dragonmodelsusa.com The box is big, a little over 400 plastic parts inside, nice decals, and a tree of PE harness belts, all ready to be assembled into a big 1/32-scale aircraft. It's an early version of the series built. Features changed in the C-7 version were the addition of the centerline bomb rack that carried two 500kg bombs and updated DB-600 engines. The twin engine Bf-110 Zerstorer has aerodynamic design lines pleasing to the eye. I've always been impressed with it and built a 1/48 scale kit many years ago with the Hornet emblem. I have the Revell kit in 1/32 scale 'G' version still in my un-built collection, but when this Dragon kit was released, I had to build it. This kit upon inspection is just beautiful and the parts went together so good I couldn't find a complaint. The instructions were a nightmare. One issue about first releases and early builders is that we have to bear the burden of having good resources or wait until builders like us review the built kit. Dragon needs to replace the person who did these instructions. I spent as much time researching and deciphering instructions as it took to finish the model. Two reasons come to mind when instructions are void of paint call outs: they didn't know what the colors were, or for print saving instructions. It may have been both. Eight paint colors all pertain to the two page exterior colors. Not one interior color is called out in the large cockpit that encompasses the first two of twelve steps to build the kit. Each step was infiltrated with area detail callouts wherever the detail fit, and when 3 steps were on the same page there are no separations of them. Worst arrow pointing awards go to: Step 1, joining parts E19 to E22. Step 2, subassembly of 'F' to subassembly 'C'. Step 6, A6 Contoured structure support location. Don't install until the wheel housing assembly is in place. Shaded parts on page one indicate parts not used and as I was half way into the build, I noticed parts still on the trees that should be somewhere. My resource library comes in very handy and reminds me why I buy so many reference books. Parts left out of kit instruction awards go to: Step 1. E46 is really on D46 in the pilot's cockpit. Step 1. One D20 machine gun ammo can rack is shown but two are given. The second belongs on the other side and offset from the other. The two MG cans on your tree go here if desired. Step 2. A long flat wall structure piece E3 belongs on cockpit wall E13 with detail showing outward. Step 2. Caution for cementing the proper angle of part E7. Glue it and test the angle placing the clear canopy in place. Step 3. A picture of a pilot's cockpit left side in a Bf-110G showed a trim wheel. The part D59 is given, not shaded on the instruction sheet, so I installed it where the picture showed. Glue in E10 and D56 first. Step 5. Because the instructions have subassemblies mixed in with parts called out, it isn't clear what is assembled when. I found it time consuming to test fit several subassemblies at the same time. Case in point, subassembly J27 has to be intact before you glue in the engine rocker covers (J23 & J24) due to positioning locating pins. Left out of the instructions are engine instruments (H16) that have locating holes on the engine covers in-board for each engine. Step 8. The shallow wing Glycol Radiator fairings have a rod support in the front and back. The instruction sheet only shows N3 for the back. I forgot to write down the part number but I believe it was N5. Step 12. Show a detail callout of installing a pitot tube when a small pitot tube is already on the underside wing! Every modeler knows that we will alter the instructions to install more delicate parts at the end of construction to avoid breaking them. This is one kit where it is very necessary. The aileron weights and pitot tube are very prone to break off. As I built the kit I highlighted parts left off to attach at the end before painting. That's also how I picked up the parts left off the instructions. Wow, getting past the instructions was a task in itself. Fortunately the kit is a beauty. It's imperfection free and that's because Dragon wasn't afraid to use however many mold ports necessary in their trees, so you have to contend with cutting off the ejection tabs. The glass canopies are perfect, though I question non-existing framework where there should be for the rear gunner. The Pilot's canopy can be displayed in the three part open positions, or glued closed.

If it weren't for the machine guns protruding out of the nose, the whole subassembly in step 3 is hidden completely when the kit is assembled. Optional doors to expose the guns don't exist. The rear gunner machine gun is beautiful.

The Eagle Editions EagleCal decals of the Bf-110 C, code letters D5-KS of 8./NJG 3, that was part of Operation Donnerkeil (Thunderbolt) were used. See my separate review of these decals on this website. This is a great model. I wouldn't mind building another. It took me considerably longer to build it than a model normally takes me because of the poor instructions and lack of color callouts that had to be sorted out. Reference material: Squadron Signal Aircraft in Action number 30. and even though it is for a 'G' version, Walkaround number 24, some pictures can be used for those questionable details.. Thank you Dragon Models USA for the opportunity to review this kit.