Do-335 A-0 tail prop cone - what's it supposed to look like?

[Wirbelwind]

The Do-335 A-0 at the Udvar-Hazy center seems to have a bullet shaped prop (image attachment 1), but when I look at older black and white photos of other Do-335, I can see that the tail prop cone is much larger and more streamlined (image attachment 2).

Why does tail prop cone look different on Udvar-Hazy's Do-335? I have a feeling that it's not the original prop cone, but I can't confirm that because I'm having trouble finding photos of that particular aircraft back when it was first captured.

Edit: even this model of the A-0 variant seems to have the larger more streamlined cone.

 

[Capt. Vick]

Apparently when it was restored in Germany a not so authentic replacement was made.

 

[Wirbelwind]

Are there any photos of that aircraft (Wnr. 240102 with identification code VG + PH) before it was stripped down? Would be nice to see what the tail cone looked like originally.

 

[Capt. Vick]

It would have looked exactly like the one in your first picture.

 

[Wirbelwind]

That's what I thought.

My colleagues are working on a 3D model of this aircraft that is currently modeled with the (incorrect) bullet-shaped tail prop hub. They usually ask for photo based evidence whenever I request a change, hence my search for photos of what the aircraft looked like in its original state.

 

[BiffF15]

I've been to the Udvar-Hazy several times and never fail to be impressed with the size of the Do-335.

Cheers,
Biff

 

[GrauGeist]

The black & white photo in the first post is Do335 V9.

Here's some early photos of VG+PH (WkNmr 240102), first one is at Nurnberg shortly after it's capture.

This one was taken at Freeman Field. Note all German markings (including the 102) are overpainted.
Also note the Ju290 in the background.

The tail cone that is currently on 102 is not correct, but then again, there aren't many Do335 parts left out there, either.

 

[Wirbelwind]

The black & white photo in the first post is Do335 V9.

Here's some early photos of VG+PH (WkNmr 240102), first one is at Nurnberg shortly after it's capture.
View attachment 542890

This one was taken at Freeman Field. Note all German markings (including the 102) are overpainted.
Also note the Ju290 in the background.
View attachment 542891

The tail cone that is currently on 102 is not correct, but then again, there aren't many Do335 parts left out there, either.

Thank you!

Your second photo of 102 from the rear is perfect. I recall seeing the same photo earlier, but I had no idea what aircraft it was due to all the markings being painted over.

What a beautiful aircraft.

 

[GrauGeist]

You're welcome.

If you look closely at the first of the two photos, the tail-cone is seen extending past the port elevator, which is concrete proof that 102 had the standard tail-cone when it was in service with the Luftwaffe.

 

[Wurger]

Here is another shot of here. The shape of the tail cone can be seen from the side.

The Modelling News: In-Boxed: Zoukei-Mura's 1/32 scale Super Wing Series No.10 Do 335A-0 "Pfeil"

 

[GrauGeist]

Here is another shot of here. The shape of the tail cone can be seen from the side.

The Modelling News: In-Boxed: Zoukei-Mura's 1/32 scale Super Wing Series No.10 Do 335A-0 "Pfeil"

In the foreground, are the remains of an Me262 and an He162

 

[Wurger]

I would say these are.

 

[chuter]

The tail spinner as well as a few other minor things disappeared while in storage and/or transfer from USAF to Smithsonian.

I have no idea from what or where from the Dornier restoration team sourced the replacement from. Overall, the Smithsonian team were not particularly impressed by the aircraft when it was unloaded from the trucks at Garber (I was there).

 

[Baron von Wien]

Dear folks!
#7 show two different Do 335. The above is Do 335 A-0, VG+PH, W.Nr.240102, photographed at Oberpfaffenhofen, were it was found.
The other Do 335 with US markings is Do 335 A-1, tailmarkings 1/3, W.Nr. most probably 240165, photographed at Roth near Nurnberg.
#10 shows the same 1/3
both were sent to the US.
Cheers, Simon