Dewoitine D.520

by Randy Lutz

This is another Tamiya 1/48 Dewoitine D.520 kit.

This particular model represents the D.520 flown by Adjutant Chef Bouton of Groupe de chasse II/3, 2ieme Escadrille, while engaged in Syrian campaign (Operation Levante) and was based at Rayak, Lebanon, during June 1941.

I am aware of only two photos of Bouton's aircraft. One is found in the Polish publication entitled 'D.520' by Books International. It depicts Bouton's aircraft prior to the application of Vichy markings and is invaluable in determining the starboard side camouflage pattern. At this particular time, it also sported the red stripes on the fuselage. There has been some debate over the stripes, with some claiming they are personal markings. In reality, they are a standard feature on D.520's of the 2ieme Escadrille, of Groupe de chasse II/3. An interesting aspect of this photo is that fact that it clearly illustrates the use of the short dorsal antenna mast and is the only photo I have seen of a short-masted Dewoitine.

The other photo of Bouton's aircraft appears in the French publication entitled 'Le Dewoitine' by Raymond Danel and Jean Cuny. In this photo the aircraft is shown after being destroyed on the ground in July 1941. You can clearly see the all-yellow tail surfaces, indicative of aircraft involved in Syria and at this time the aircraft was fitted with the more commonly seen tall dorsal antenna mast.

Bouton's aircraft has been confused with another similarly marked Dewoitine flown by Sergent Robert Killy, father of the famous French downhill skier, Jean-Claude Killy, but there are subtle differences in the camo pattern and the large number '30'.

My model is not quite out of the box as I added some photo-etched seatbelts. It is finished in Xtracolor X384 WWII Kaki, X386 WWII Ombre Calcinee, X388 WWII Gris Bleu Foncé, X389 WWII Gris Bleu Clair, X103, X106 Insignia Yellow FS13538, X103 Insignia Red FS11136, X124 Blue FS15109 and X141 White FS17875. All markings are by Aeromaster from sheet 48-095 and the aircraft was weathered with chalk pastels.

 

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Model, Images and Text Copyright © 2002 by Randy Lutz
Page Created 26 December, 2002
Last Updated 26 December, 2002

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