For fans of aviation, the names J. Richard Smith and Eddie Creek are well known for their unparalleled work on Luftwaffe subjects and the detail and history they put into their efforts. Their four volumes on the Me-262 is the definitive set on the subject. And now, they give this same treatment to the Do-335 Pfeil/Arrow. I will say upfront that if there is anything you want to know about this plane, get this book and it will be there.

The hardback book is 288 pages lavishly illustrated with color and black & white photographs as well as many drawings. The table of contests lists:

• Zeppelins and the Early Dornier Years
• Hitler Takes Power and the Luftwaffe is born
• From Drawing Board to Prototypes
• Production Plans
• Night Fighters and Trainers
• Operational Use
• What Might Have Been
• “The Most Fascinating Aircraft”
• Camouflage and Markings
• Do-335- An Overview
• Appendices
  • Dornier Do-335 A-1 Handbook
  • Dornier Do-335 Production List
  • Arthur Bentley Drawings
  • Dornier Do-335 A-0 ‘Pfeil’ 1/32nd Scale model from Zoukei Mura

Creek and Watson cover the entire history from Dornier and its start through the war and then into production, operation, and finally its role as a war prize. There are detail photos of every section for modelers that want to super detail one of the many great kits released for this plane.

Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the chapters to get the reader a sense of the incredible scope and depth of the book. In the Chapter 7, Night Fighters and Trainers, the authors dive into the planned two-seat versions of the Do-335. Covered is the two-seat hump backed version used as a trainer and the second flush cockpit used for night fighting. Also, they cover the heavy armament version in this area with its larger cannons. These are illustrated with period pictures, profile drawings, and cut away drawings of the heavy fighter bomber version. In addition to the great visuals, the writers have interviewed the actual test pilots and people surrounded with the program before their passing, and many quotes and insights are included.

Chapter 10, Do-335-An Overview, has the kind of detail modelers long for in a reference. Multiple photos of the engines and their installation along with instrument panels, wings without their skin, the landing gear, it’s all included. There is also a comprehensive pictorial on the restored D0-335 A-0 located at the National Air and Space Museum. This is full of interesting pictures and information such as…did you know that the bottom fin and rudder had a built-in spring-loaded bumper? You do now and this book has closeup pictures of it.

Lastly, the four appendices cover everything from the pilot’s manual, production aircraft and their disposition when known, profile and top view drawings of the aircraft done by Arthur Bentley, and lastly, a pictorial of Zoukei-Mura’s beautiful Do-335 A-0.

This book is beyond recommended…it is a necessity for Luftwaffe Historians for its depiction of the start to finish of this plane. It is a necessity for anyone modeling the plane as it covers everything in detail and with great pictures. This book is a necessity, as are all Mr. Creek and Mr. Smith’s books. Go get it before its gone.

My sincere thanks to Specialty Press for the sample book, to Mr. Creek and Mr. Smith for their efforts to produce such a spectacular reference, and to IPMS for the chance to tell everyone about it.