Gunn Miniatures
Command Sergeant Major
- Joined
- Jun 18, 2009
- Messages
- 2,701
WOW501 Blohm & Voss BV.138 Sea Dragon
The Blohm & Voss BV 138, known to some people as ‘Der Fliegende Holzschuh’ (Flying Clog), was a trimotor flying boat designed and during WW2. The BV138 served as the German’s main seaborne long-range maritime patrol and naval reconnaissance aircraft operated by the Luftwaffe during WW2. Initially, the plane had a crew of 4, which increased to 5 and finally 6 (nose gunner, pilot, observer, radio operator, flight engineer/ gunner and a rear gunner) as the aircraft was developed further.
The BV 138 was designed around the requirement in the mid-1930s, as Germany needed an ocean-going medium range flying boat for armed maritime reconnaissance. It would also have to be able to land and take off in rough water to support U-boats a long way from land. Close to 300 were manufactured, 297, entering service in 1940, in April of that year 2 pre-production aircraft were used to ferry German troops during the invasion of Norway. With both aircraft being damaged by flak from British ships, 1 plane ditched and 3 crew being rescued, while the other perished in the crash.
Endurance for a BV 138 was just over six hours, but this could be increased with auxiliary fuel tanks to just under 17 hours. Take-offs were easier and more fuel-efficient when the aircraft was catapulted into the air from a ship, such vessels being positioned away from the usual bases. Four BV 138s were also fitted with a degaussing ring for mine detection operations, such aircraft being known as BV 138 MS. BV 138s served with the specialist KG200, where they would often carry up to 10 fully armed infantry troops in place of a bombload. Field modifications allowed for three 110lb (50kg) bombs or two 331lb (150kg) depth charges to be fitted each side between the wing engines and hull. The A-1 and B-1 versions suffered significant issues, which were ironed out during early operational service, the surviving aircraft were ungraded to the BV 138 C-1 the most successful variant.
The Version we have on offer is the final 'C' variant and as you can see from the pictures she is simply stunning.
We have 6 Mahogany models available priced at $1650 plus postage. This 1/30 scale model measures 90cm wide by 66cm long approximately.
The K&C/TG figures are shown for scale comparison purposes only and are not included.
That's all for this month, we sincerely hope you enjoy the pictures and would love to hear from you if any of these magnificent models appeal to you. They are all now on our website www.tomgunn.co.uk and can be paid for upfront or over an extended monthly period. All Gunn Club members qualify for a 5% discount on the website listed price, joining is free so well worth registering.
Best wishes The Gunn Team
The Blohm & Voss BV 138, known to some people as ‘Der Fliegende Holzschuh’ (Flying Clog), was a trimotor flying boat designed and during WW2. The BV138 served as the German’s main seaborne long-range maritime patrol and naval reconnaissance aircraft operated by the Luftwaffe during WW2. Initially, the plane had a crew of 4, which increased to 5 and finally 6 (nose gunner, pilot, observer, radio operator, flight engineer/ gunner and a rear gunner) as the aircraft was developed further.
The BV 138 was designed around the requirement in the mid-1930s, as Germany needed an ocean-going medium range flying boat for armed maritime reconnaissance. It would also have to be able to land and take off in rough water to support U-boats a long way from land. Close to 300 were manufactured, 297, entering service in 1940, in April of that year 2 pre-production aircraft were used to ferry German troops during the invasion of Norway. With both aircraft being damaged by flak from British ships, 1 plane ditched and 3 crew being rescued, while the other perished in the crash.
Endurance for a BV 138 was just over six hours, but this could be increased with auxiliary fuel tanks to just under 17 hours. Take-offs were easier and more fuel-efficient when the aircraft was catapulted into the air from a ship, such vessels being positioned away from the usual bases. Four BV 138s were also fitted with a degaussing ring for mine detection operations, such aircraft being known as BV 138 MS. BV 138s served with the specialist KG200, where they would often carry up to 10 fully armed infantry troops in place of a bombload. Field modifications allowed for three 110lb (50kg) bombs or two 331lb (150kg) depth charges to be fitted each side between the wing engines and hull. The A-1 and B-1 versions suffered significant issues, which were ironed out during early operational service, the surviving aircraft were ungraded to the BV 138 C-1 the most successful variant.
The Version we have on offer is the final 'C' variant and as you can see from the pictures she is simply stunning.
We have 6 Mahogany models available priced at $1650 plus postage. This 1/30 scale model measures 90cm wide by 66cm long approximately.
The K&C/TG figures are shown for scale comparison purposes only and are not included.
That's all for this month, we sincerely hope you enjoy the pictures and would love to hear from you if any of these magnificent models appeal to you. They are all now on our website www.tomgunn.co.uk and can be paid for upfront or over an extended monthly period. All Gunn Club members qualify for a 5% discount on the website listed price, joining is free so well worth registering.
Best wishes The Gunn Team
