Dornier Do.17z-11. Suomen Ilmavoimat 1948.

[zenrat]

Dornier Do.17z-11. Suomen Ilmavoimat 1947.

Dornier Do.17 - 1 by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr

A small number of Do.17 floatplanes were supplied to Finland during WW2.  They were put into service as unarmed search and rescue aircraft being ideally suited for this work as they were able to operate from the countries many lakes.

Dornier Do.17 - 2 by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr

During the early fifties the remaining aircraft were amphibinated by fitting them with undercarriage and retractable rudders to enable them to operate from land as well as water,  This was mainly to improve casualty handling - it being quicker and easier to land on a runway or road and load them directly into an ambulance than to have to firstly get them into a boat.  By this stage of their operational life they were painted silver with high visibility orange panels.

Dornier Do.17 - 1 (1) by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr

The aircraft pictured is a restored example.  The restorers chose to retain the amphibious flexibility of the undercarriage but painted the airframe in it's wartime RLM65/70/71 scheme.  The photographs were taken at the Dadswell Bridge People' Aviation Museum annual Oktoberfest air show.

Dornier Do.17 - 16 by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr

The Model

Airfix Do.17z (2014 tool).
Airfix Ju 52 floats (1964 tool) modified to hold retractable undercarriage and with the fronts filled with heaviness.
Main wheels from the Do.17 kit.
Nose undercarriage modified PM Ta.154 main legs and wheels.

Dornier Do.17 - 6 (1) by Fred Maillardet, on Flickr

[Dizzyfugu]

The retractable landing gear is a nice touch! 

[Old Wombat]

That is an excellent bit of modelling, Fred, & the brief backstory is perfectly formed!      

[PR19_Kit]

Oh yes, another Zenrat Masterpiece! 

Looks really good, and the backstory is wholly believable. So much so that I checked to see if there really WERE any Do-17 floatplanes!   

[zenrat]

Thanks folks.

... I checked to see if there really WERE any Do-17 floatplanes!   

I couldn't find any.  I think they left them to Heinkel.

[NARSES2]

Brilliant build mate. The combination of the yellow theatre markings and red crosses really makes it stand out 

[Vulcan7]

top looking build           

[ericr]

  

[loupgarou]

Beautiful build. And congratulations for the job on the retractable undercarriage.

[Rheged]

Oh yes, another Zenrat Masterpiece! 

He's right, you know!!

[Wardukw]

Seconded for sure..or thirded..ive lost count ...epic mate..just plain epic 😎 😍

[zenrat]

Thanks folks.

[chrisonord]

Marvelous Fred 

[Pellson]

Oooh, that is really nice! 

[zenrat]

Thanks folks.