Reviewed by Brett Green

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The Daimler Benz DB605 engine was used most famously in the Messerschmitt Bf 109, but was also the powerplant for the Messerschmitt Bf 110G, Macchi C.205 and Reggiane Re.2005, amongst others.

MDC has released a 1/32 scale display model of the DB605 engine which may be finished as a DB605A, DB605B or DB605AM. The most obvious display option would be to pair this engine up with one of Hasegawa's various 1/32 scale Bf 109G kits, but it is perfectly justifiable as a model in its own right.

MDC's 1/32 scale DB605A/B/AM is supplied as 51 parts in grey resin, three lengths of flexible black resin, a coil of wire, a small photo-etched fret and a decal sheet with various stencil numbers.

The resin parts are beautifully cast and terrifically detailed. The engine block has the cylinder heads, rocker covers, crankcase and the propeller shaft all cast in place. This will significantly simplify construction but has been done without compromise to detail. With all of the lumps, bumps and undercuts, it is also one very clever feat of casting.

Small details are by way of resin and photo-etched parts, with the large flexible resin lengths as fuel lines are a handy use of this material. The engine is further supplemented with fine wire representing electrical wiring. The ignition harnesses in particular will require a steady hand and patience, measuring, cutting and fitting short lengths of wire to the individual spark plug caps, then installing the caps in the engine block with the wiring in place.

Click the thumbnails below to view larger images:

Instructions are printed on a double sided A4 sheet. The assembly sequence is logically laid out with construction photos and text. In addition to being a guide to assembly, the instructions also helpfully label many of the mechanical and electrical components.

This set does not supply engine mounts or the other hardware required to actually fit the engine to an aircraft, but it does include four feet to permit the motor to be displayed in a maintenance scene.

Some experience with multimedia kits and handling small parts will be helpful, but there will nothing too challenging for most modellers.

The result will be worth the effort. This is the best scale rendition of a DB605 that I have seen to date.

Highly Recommended.

Thanks to MDC for the review sample

Images and Text Copyright 2004 by Brett Green
This Page Created on 20 September, 2004
Last updated 22 September, 2004

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