ICM 1:48 Do 217K-2 with Gliding Bombs Fritz-X

[JayDee]

1:48 Do 217K-2 with Gliding Bombs Fritz-X
ICM
Catalogue # 48275
Available from Stockton Modeller for £67.99

 

The Dornier Do 217K-2 was a specialised variant of the German Dornier Do 217 bomber, developed during World War II as part of Germany’s effort to enhance its long-range bombing and anti-shipping capabilities. The Do 217 series itself evolved from earlier Dornier designs and was intended to replace older medium bombers such as the Do 17. The “K” series featured a redesigned glazed nose and improved aerodynamics, while the K-2 variant was specifically modified to carry the revolutionary Ruhrstahl Fritz X radio-guided bomb. Introduced in 1943, the Do 217K-2 represented one of the most advanced precision-strike platforms in the Luftwaffe’s arsenal.

The defining feature of the Do 217K-2 was its role as a carrier for guided munitions, particularly the Fritz X, an armour-piercing bomb designed to destroy heavily armoured naval targets. To support this mission, the aircraft was equipped with specialised radio-control systems and carried trained operators who guided the bomb visually after release. The K-2 could typically carry two Fritz X weapons under its wings, giving it unprecedented striking power against Allied warships. Powered by BMW 801 radial engines, the aircraft had sufficient range and altitude capability to conduct attacks from outside most naval anti-aircraft fire, although it was still vulnerable to enemy fighters.

The Do 217K-2 achieved its greatest success during operations in the Mediterranean in 1943, most notably in the sinking of the Italian battleship Roma after Italy’s surrender and in attacks against Allied shipping near Italy and southern France. These missions demonstrated the potential of precision-guided weapons decades before they became standard in modern warfare. However, the aircraft’s impact was limited by Allied air superiority, electronic countermeasures, and production constraints. By late 1944, increasing losses and fuel shortages reduced its operational effectiveness. Despite its relatively short service life, the Dornier Do 217K-2 remains historically significant as one of the world’s first operational platforms for guided weapons and a precursor to modern precision strike aircraft.

 

 

The kit
This kit is packaged into one of ICM's deeper boxes. The rigid, corrugated box has an upper flap lid, and a separate, glossy lid which shows the Do 217K-2, releasing a Fritz, to stunning effect. Under the hood, there are TWELVE sprues of medium grey styrene, and THREE crystal clear sprues. The latter are individually packed so to prevent scuffing. All sleeves are tough cellophane with a self-sealing adhesive strip. An instruction booklet and a decal sheet complete this release.

 

This kit actually has two sets of fuselage halves, but THESE parts are the ones you will use. The other can go to your spares box. In fact, these release has a number of unused parts which hark back to the numerous previous versions of this Dornier family. The expansive Dornier cockpit with that greenhouse canopy, will need plenty of detail tucked away below it, and some of that cab be found here such as the cockpit sidewall panels, cockpit floor, seats, bomb aiming device, MGs, bulkhead, consoles, control column etc. Outside of the cockpit, there are very few parts, but you will find the two-part tail cone. Externally, the whole model has beautifully fine panel lines etc., but there isn't any rivet detail, which is quite common with ICM releases. 

 

 

 

There are two of these sprues, and the parts breakdown is pretty obvious. You have engine cowl sections, and all the parts to build up the two BMW 801D engines themselves. Exhaust arrays and the three-blade props are also found here.

 

 

When you consider this Dornier family, there were so many variations between certain types, and many similarities. Not all of them seem logical, so ICM has included a good number of parts on common sprues that won't be used here, but with others that will need to be used. This sprue is a good example of this. The four parts used here are the engine/gear nacelles with some lovely detail, with an unused nosecone tucked in between them. 

 

 

 

 

On this release, the upper wing is built from three parts. The first is the upper centre section, and then the extended wing panels to outboard side of this. One panel is moulded here, as are both sets of ailerons halves, belly fuel tank, and canopy periscope parts.

 

 

 

 

Of course, these fuselage halves will NOT be used with this release, but almost everything else is. Clearly seen here are the full span upper tailplane and lower halves, as well as the fins and rudder parts. more bulkheads, bomb/fuel bay ceiling and the single piece belly for if you simply wish to depict the doors in the closed position. 

 

 

 

 

Referencing parts that varied between types, you will find unused parts here for the cockpit side consoles, plus those large nacelle sections. You've already seen the parts this release will use, so these others can be relegated to the spares box.That includes the small nose cone nd bulkhead. What will be used are nacelle bulkheads , secondary belly fuel tank, forward wing spar/bulkhead combo, tailwheel well, and multiple belly bay door parts for if you pose in the open position to show all that internal detail.

 

 

 

 

Again, there are TWO of these sprues, duplicating multiples of items found throughout the build, such as wheels, gear strut parts etc. However, most parts here will NOT be used in this release, including those impressive four-blade props.

 

 

 

 

As there two Fritz-X gliding bombs slung underneath the wings of this beast, there are TWO sprues to cater to them. Impressive! 

 

 

 

 

Just a few parts not used here, so plenty will make their way onto your finished Dornier. Used parts are main gear bay doors, more cockpit detail (seats, MGs etc.), plus more belly door parts and belly details, elevator halves, etc. 

 

 

 

 

Very self-explanatory. The remaining lower extended wing panel and both upper panels, along with trailing edge inserts and both Fritz mounts. External detail is commensurate throughout. Landing flaps are moulded in the closed position, although I'm sure Eduard will have something for you if you wish to pose them in a dropped position.

 

 

 

 

THREE clear sprues are provided. All are crystal clear and exhibit fine framing. Solid colour areas are shown as frosted so the finish will match the airframe. Again, several parts won't be used with the 217K-2. Make sure you use the right parts!

 

 

 

Decals
One single decal sheet is included for all three schemes. The printing is excellent, with solid colour, minimal carrier film and a load of stencils and cockpit decals also included. 

 

The three schemes supplied are:

1. D o 217K-2, III./KG100, Marseilles-Istres, Summer 1943
2. Do 217K-2, III./KG100, Marseilles-Istres, Autumn 1943
3. D o 217K-2, Major Bernhard Jope's aircraft, III./KG100, Marseilles-Istres, Autumn 1943

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Instruction
A full colour 24-page instruction manual is included which depicts the build as clear line drawings with obvious annotation for colour callouts etc. Colours are given for ICM's own paint range. Parts maps are included as well as those full page scheme sheets that I included above. 

Conclusion
Out of all of the Dornier 17/215/217 lineage, I didn't think I'd ever see a long-span Do 217, especially with Fritz slung below the wings. Not only that, but in 1:48 too. That extra span makes this quite an imposing model in this scale, with a span of 524mm! I have a number of ICM Dornier kits either ICM boxes or as 3rd party releases, so I sort of knew what to expect here, but I do think this has surpassed my expectations. I've been away from real plastic modelling for around 6yrs, and I do know this will be my first foray back into building. I really can't wait! The detail is excellent throughout although I will be using my Rosie to rivet the airframe for some extra interest. 

 

[Martinnfb]

Ohhhh, this is tempting. Thank you for the review James.

Cheers

Martin

[JayDee]

17 hours ago, Martinnfb said:

Ohhhh, this is tempting. Thank you for the review James.

Cheers

Martin

As soon as I finish my current project in a couple of months, this is being cracked open!

[Martinnfb]

Sweet! Can't wait. I'll be watching closely.