Messerschmitt Bf 110 D-1/R1 Dackelbauch

Plastic model kit of a Messerschmitt Bf 110 D-1/R1 "Dackelbauch" (Dachshund Belly)

• 1:32 scale
• Includes clear parts and photo-etched parts
• Fuselage:
• Large, conformal auxiliary fuel tank ("Dackelbauch") mounted under the fuselage for the Bf 110D
• Realistic reproduction of the ribbed surface of the auxiliary tank
• Finely detailed release cable for the life raft, made from pre-formed metal wire
• Realistic representation of the extended rear fuselage
• Fuselage features detailed metal plating texture
• Two MG FF cannons with drum magazines located under the fuselage
• Antenna equipment on the underside of the fuselage – frame antenna, antenna array, and antenna mast
• Includes a finely detailed boarding ladder
• Cockpit canopy and interior:
• Cockpit canopy features a realistic ribbed structure (achieved via slide-mold technology)
• Finely detailed antenna on the cockpit canopy
• Cockpit canopy can be assembled in either an open or closed position
• Transparent cockpit canopy composed of separate parts
• Side cockpit windows can be displayed open or closed
• Fully detailed interior – including pilot's seat, instrument panel, radio equipment, and machine gun ammunition
• Pilot seat harnesses enhanced with photo-etched parts
• Authentically detailed instrument panel
• Four MG 17 machine guns for the forward fuselage section
• Realistically rendered gun barrels, manufactured using slide-mold technology with hollow muzzles
• Detailed machine gun ammunition included – twin drums for the MG 15, circular drums for the MG FF
• Includes an MG 15 for the rear gunner Windscreen cover for use against aerial and ground targets
• Realistically designed radiator flaps
• Wings:
• Engravings in three different depths provide an astonishing level of detail
• Detailed maintenance hatches with rivet representations
• Precisely crafted details on the rudder, modeled after the original
• Wings featuring a laminar airfoil design
• Detailed Pitot tube on the underside of the wing
• Finely crafted air filter
• Detailed air intakes and ventilation openings on the underside of the wing
• Engine and propeller blades:
• Highly detailed engine cowling, produced using slide-mold technology
• Engine cowling can be assembled in either an open or closed position
• Realistically replicated DB 601 engine with numerous details
• DB 601 engine assembled from multiple individual parts
• Propeller blades with a correct, curved cross-section and scale-accurate thickness
• Movable propeller blades
• Rotating propeller
• Landing gear:
• Large tail wheel for the Bf110D
• Wheels with realistic tread patterns
• Reinforced landing gear depicted realistically
• Landing gear can be assembled in either the extended or retracted position
• Wheel well with detailed interior—intricate struts
• Detailed tail wheel
• Unbuilt, unpainted
• Paint and glue not included

One of the most famous German fighter aircraft of the Second World War was the Messerschmitt Bf110, a twin-engine heavy fighter (referred to as a "Zerstörer" or "destroyer"), which was later developed into a fighter-bomber and, ultimately, the primary night fighter of the Luftwaffe. The Bf110C was the first major production version of this aircraft type; the desire to increase its range led to the Bf110D, a "long-range destroyer" (*Langstrecken-Zerstörer*) variant. Based on the Bf110C, this extended-range version was equipped with external fuel tanks—such as 900-liter underwing tanks or the so-called "Dackelbauch" ("dachshund belly") tank. The latter occasionally suffered from mysterious in-flight explosions, caused by inadequate venting that resulted in the formation of highly flammable fuel-air mixtures.

The Bf110D entered service just in time to participate in the Norwegian Campaign against British and French forces in the far north of the country. Subsequently, many of these aircraft were stationed in Norway, from where they carried out attacks on shipping as well as long-range sorties against the northern parts of Great Britain. The specific Bf110D-1/R-1—the first long-range variant—began service in May 1940. However, the bulky, 1,200-liter "Dackelbauch" auxiliary tank mounted beneath the fuselage compromised the aircraft's maneuverability.