Bf110D1/R1 Dackelbauch - dinghy extension or not?

[Col Bruggy]

Hello,

I notice that Jerry Crandall and Mark Proulx helped in the preparation of the Dragon 1/32 Bf 110 D kit. Maybe a comment from one of them might clear the air.

Col.

[Nick Beale]

Don't know if this helps at all — an RLM directive intercepted in August 1940:

CX/JQ/231
3. On 6/8 following memorandum was received by Luftflotte 3 from Air Ministry:

(a) Different types of Bf 110 D are to be distinguished by numbering, thus:

(1) Bf 110 D-0 has two jettisonable wing tanks and a fixed “basset-belly” (DACKELBAUCH — i.e. tank).
(2) Bf 110 D-2 has two external containers (with choice between bombs or “basset-belly”, as preferred).
(3) Bf 110 D-3 has external containers which can only be used for bombs — no “basset-belly” possible.
(Provisionally this type is also known as “Bf 110 D-0 — B”)

(b) Staffeln are to be equipped wholly with type 110 D-2 or wholly with type 110 D-3, so that they are homogeneous for operational purposes.

(c) Attention is again called to the order that Bf 109 may be used as bombers only after express instructions from LW Führungsstab.

In so far as training “with the new type” has not yet been carried out, a Kette at a time is to be attached for instruction by arrangement with Luftflotte 2, to Gruppe 210.

[PMoz99]

Every little bit helps Nick. Interesting the directive doesn't mention a D-1. And nothing on the dinghy extension.
Peter

[Leo Etgen]

Hello

There appears to be a great deal of confusion regarding the various models of the Bf 110 D-series. The Messerschmitt Bf 110 in Color Profile: 1939-1945 by Vasco and Estanislau has the following information which I would consider definitive.

Bf 110 D-0 - belly-tank under the fuselage
Bf 110 D-0/B - fighter-bomber version without the belly-tank
Bf 110 D-1 - auxiliary tanks under the wings
Bf 110 D-2 - belly-tank or bomb rack under the fuselage
Bf 110 D-3 - bomber version with ETC 500 under the fuselage

All Bf 110 D-series were fitted with the "boat-tail" and most were fitted with a 465 x 165 mm tail wheel. I hope this helps.

Horrido!

Leo

[PMoz99]

Thank you Leo. If that's what's considered to be the best correct information available, then I'd have to say my question has been answered.
The only other sources I have are the Squadron/Signal books, Weal's Osprey book and Wiki, none of which are considered to be all that reliable. Incorrect information may have just been passed from one to the other .....
Thanks to all who contributed. It's a pity as per Col's post that Jerry Crandall or Mark Prouix have not contributed. I do not know them. Are they still contributing members?
Cheers
Peter