A Worthy Kauz

Do 17 Z-10 Kauz II

- Bill Bunting

The Dornier Do 17 Z-10 Kauz II was a night fighter development of this versatile bomber. To fill this role a solid nose with four 17mm machine guns and one 20mm cannon replaced the bomber version’s glazing. An additional fuel tank was installed in the bomb bay to increase flying time and the bombing equipment removed. To aid in night interceptions an infrared searchlight was fitted to the nose and an infrared scope placed through the windscreen for the pilot to use as a sight. This system was known as Spanner Anlage but proved to be of little improvement over normal vision and did not see widespread use. The Do 17 Z-10 was later fitted with Lichtenstein airborne radar and the infrared system was often removed to save weight. The Dornier was not a very successful night interceptor as it was just not fast enough but it does make for an interesting modelling subject.

This is a Revell boxing of the ICM kit from last year and the ICM logo is even present on the sprues. Packaged in an end opening box with nice artwork, the parts are in poly bags with the clear parts separately bagged. The eighteen pages of instructions are in Revell’s new style with CAD drawings and a bit of colour. Paint suggestions are made throughout using Revell paint codes but colour descriptions and some RLM numbers are given. A parts map is provided with parts not to be used, and the antenna mast, which is used, blacked out. The painting guide is in full colour and includes the four standard views plus two side views with the engine nacelles removed. Two decal options are included, these being R4+LK (1940) from I.NG2 in overall black and the prototype PK+DH (1940) in day bomber colours RLM70/71/65. The decals are Revell’s own and include stencils but no swastikas.