Luftwaffe Drop Tanks - A Definitive Guide?

[pstrany]

Hi;

I'm researching Luftwaffe drop tanks for a modeling project. I keep coming across references to "type d" and other designations, and there certainly are more different types than I care to think about, made of everything from wood to cloth and paper.
However, there does not seem to be any rhyme or reason to any of this. Is there a definitive reference (book, publication, webpage) to Luftwaffe drop tanks?

And in an associated topic, is there a definitive guide to weapons racks as mounted on Luftwaffe aircraft? Heck, I'd kill for a decent photo of an ETC50 and an ETC501, especially from the bottom.....

Thanks again in advance,

Paul

[Leo Etgen]

Hello Paul

Unfortunately I have never come across a reference that lists the various types of drop tanks used by the Luftwaffe. The only reference that I have seen that includes depictions of the various drop tanks is in the old Bf 109 in Action Part 2 and that includes some information that I am suspicious of. It is my understanding that there was an early pattern 300 liter drop tank which appears to have been the most commonly used and which can be identified by a groove in the flattened lower rear section and a similarly shaped though more rounded version without the groove and which is identified as a late pattern 300 liter drop tank. Eagle Parts has available an early pattern 300 liter drop tank and MDC offers both an early and a late pattern 300 liter drop tank in 1/32 scale. I am also aware of a tear dropped shaped tank designated E2 as well as a cigar shaped tank that were used in the late war period. Eagle Parts offers the latter in 1/32 scale as well.

Horrido!

Leo

[Snautzer]

There must be a D.(Luft) T document on this

[harrison987]

mmmmmmm...there is a Japanese Publication that shows side profiles (drawings) of 6 different tanks...

Mike

[leonventer]

Hi Mike,

Seems like a useful resource. Could you please provide some more details about it?

Thanks and regards,
Leon Venter