Does anyone out there have any good sources on German naval aviation in WW2? I’m looking for info to support some “what if” builds, based on the premise that the Germans finished their aircraft carrier “Graf Zeppelin” and sent her into action.
So far, the only references I have found are to the Heinkel and Arado floatplanes carried by German capital ships. Given the influence of Goering in the Reich, it wasn’t likely that any agency other than the Luftwaffe could garner the resources necessary to develop any aviation, so I don’t expect that there was much. But so far, I haven’t found a single book or article, in any catalogs that I have from German sources (eg, Berliner Zinnfiguren’s catalog).
I’d like to see whether the Kriegsmarine had anything more than scouting units, and whether they considered developing an air arm. Of course, if there was nothing, it’s more of an opportunity for my imagination, but I’d like to find as much as possible about what was actually done, first.
If anyone has any suggestions, I’d be much obliged.
Also (just remembered this) the Bv 155 actually began it’s life as a Navalized Bf 109. I would involve some scratchbuilding and kit modification, but it’s something to look into.
Thanks, guys! I’m using a couple of old Monogram kits as the basis for the '109 and Stuka navalized versions.
Has anyone ever found any sources to describe the camoflage colors the Kriegsmarine used, apart from RLM colors used in common with the Luftwaffe? Pictures of Arado floatplanes show the same splinter pattern as land-based planes had.
If there were other, specific naval camo schemes, I might like to use them as a starting point.
I’m not sure that the DKM ever got far enough to develop its own patterns, again, because as far as I can tell, Goering refused to release any resources from aircraft development from his control. But again, if there was no effort expended by the DKM in that area, I have more rein for my imagination. My scenario is that the “Graf Zeppelin” was operational and at sea at the start of the war.
Here’s more info, for anyone looking for background on DKM air units.
At http://www.german-navy.de/, there are articles about the “Graf Zeppelin” and the aircraft that were intended for use aboard her. I first found the GZ article a couple of years ago, and that’s what gave me the idea for this project.
includes a note that when it was clear that the carrier was not going to be completed, the planes were modified for land operations and stationed in Norway. This may indicate that they were still under the command of the DKM, not the Luftwaffe. If so, there’s got to be some info, somewhere.
I’ll continue to add to this thread, for anyone who’s interested, and I do appreciate if anyone finds any more details, if he would add them.
You’ve got me intriged, now. I’ll have to look into this sort of thing, and see if I can come up with anything.
Try some of the long range anti-shipping bombers (Ju 290, Fw 200) for inspiration. 90% of mission time would be spent over the ocean, so I’m guessing the schemes would be applicable.
You’re right about the research being 90% of the fun. My other area of modelling interest is in casting and painting toy soldiers, and converting existing kit figures. I belong to a club of collectors (the Miniature Figure Collectors of America-MFCA) as well as an IPMS club.
Toy soldier/military miniature painters usually have collections of reference material, too, and a lot of discussions at meetings consists of swapping details about what this regiment wore, or what those field colors looked like, and on and on.
This German naval air project came to me when I saw the Revell “Graf Zeppelin” kit up for sale on eBay, and I intend it to be a display, either for the modelling club, or for the Ordinance category at the MFCA show in May.
BTW, further research turned up info on the proposed torpedo bomber, the Fieseler Fi 167. There apparently was a kit issued in 1/72 scale, in the '90s. I may have to scratch one, for 1/48.