Dornier 215 from Stab Z.G. 1
 

Browsing modelling forum scalemodels.ru I came across a photos of Do 215 with Wespe emblem on its nose, that is confirmed by www.ww2.dk listing one on strength of Stab Z.G. 1 in 1942. Are you aware of any other evidence? Codes maybe?

regards,
Pawel

Re: Dornier 215 from Stab Z.G. 1
 

Hi, Pawel...

Sadly, I only have one image of such an aircraft. I don't know if it's the same one you saw on the above-mentioned website, but just in case it isn't, I thought I'd post it here.

I have seen the entry on Michael Holm's listings, so I imagine for Geschwaderstab/ZG1 the code might have been S9+~A, with the missing I/D letter and spinner tips in blue, but I have no confirmation at present.

Regards,

Paul

Image from expired e-bay auction 25.01.2012.

Re: Dornier 215 from Stab Z.G. 1
 

Given on the old LEMB as stkz PK+DX

and second picture

Attachment 10827

Re: Dornier 215 from Stab Z.G. 1
 

Peter...

Thanks for the additional image and the Stkz... :). Might I ask, would it have been the Stkz seen on the aircraft, or do you know if it was replaced by a Vkz?

Regards,

Paul

Re: Dornier 215 from Stab Z.G. 1
 

Just for the record, the Ju 52 (G5+KH) in background seems to be from Lw.Kdo. Ost.

p.

Re: Dornier 215 from Stab Z.G. 1
 

Hi Paul the stkz was given on the old LEMB board

Re: Dornier 215 from Stab Z.G. 1
 

Hi, Peter...

I took a look at the Stkz database and note the sources confirming the listing there are given as the Gatow Air Movements Log, 1940-1942 and Genst.Gen.Qu.6.Abt.Nr.12940/44.

I acknowledge my lack of expertise in this area, but if listed in the above documents, might I be correct in thinking that PK+DX would have been the code actually seen on the aircraft?

If you or anyone else could guide me here, I'd be very grateful.

Kindest regards,

Paul

Re: Dornier 215 from Stab Z.G. 1
 

Yes it could possibly remain PK+DX. What I'd expect is that the a/c received yellow Ostfront recognition markings.

p.

Re: Dornier 215 from Stab Z.G. 1
 

And also worth noting is that the a/c is missing 'Do 217-style' gun mountings on both sides of main canopy, so it was probably not used operationally before handed over to Z.G. 1 - which is a good news for those building ICM 1:48 Do 215 B-4 that is also lacking this (otherwise widely seen) feature.

p.

Re: Dornier 215 from Stab Z.G. 1
 

Pawel...

Thanks for your posts... I note you are already reading my mind regarding the ICM kit :D.

On the point you raise about the lateral MG position in the image Peter kindly posted, I have marked an area on it in red in the attachment below.

This is where I would imagine a side-mounted MG to be on a Do17Z, and I am aware of the 'indented' lateral position of the Do217, where the MG was fitted into a recessed area. I accept there is no visible evidence of an MG being fitted in this image (no MG barrel), but there appears to be, to my eyes, a opening - circular in shape at the top - through which an MG could have been fitted.

Might you agree, or are my old eyes just playing tricks?

Regards,

Paul

Re: Dornier 215 from Stab Z.G. 1
 

Here is the indirect proof that the above aircraft code might have remained PK+DX in spite of the prominently sported ZG 1 "Wespen" emblem. Source: An expired eBay auction.

Re: Dornier 215 from Stab Z.G. 1
 

Sydney...

Well, that's one photo I've never seen before... a Caudron 445 with a Wasp insignia.

Great image, and it certainly adds weight to the possibility of the Stkz being retained on the Do215.

Thanks for the image.

Regards,

Paul

Re: Dornier 215 from Stab Z.G. 1
 

Paul, here is clear photo of side gun arrangement I was writing about -
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...z4_N_60_10.jpg

Z.G. 1 a/c has earlier arrangement (typical for Do 17 Z), side guns in rearmost windows, and all three guns operated by rear gunner.

regards,
p.

Re: Dornier 215 from Stab Z.G. 1
 

And by the way... is anyone able to provide details on above a/c from Aufkl.Gr.Ob.d.L.? According to information from ebay auctions the photographs of it were taken on 31.8.1941 in Mal. Wiski near Kirowograd.

p.

Re: Dornier 215 from Stab Z.G. 1
 

This is certainly possible. There were Do 215s with lateral guns like this one:
http://www.wwiiaircraftphotos.com/LCBW/Do215-B4-3.jpg

And BTW, judging by the Lotfe bomb sight, the ZG 1 Do 215 is a bomber version (and could thus have more guns than the better known recce version).

Re: Dornier 215 from Stab Z.G. 1
 

Gentlemen,

My thanks again to you for your further posts.

Pawel, this is exactly the type of 'Do217 style' side MG position I had in mind. However, I didn't realise it was introduced onto some Do215s, so I have learned something new today. Another great image, too.

Primoz, my thanks also to you for the link to the other Do215 image. I note your valid point about the ZG1 aircraft having a bombsight and also the possibility of carrying the additional side-mounted MGs. The differing style of MG mount in this image is interesting.

Thanks again to you both.

Regards,

Paul

Re: Dornier 215 from Stab Z.G. 1
 

And another photograph of (probably) same Do 215 -
https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...1Do%252017.jpg

p.

Re: Dornier 215 from Stab Z.G. 1
 

Thanks, Pawel...

Another excellent photo.

Regards,

Paul