Dornier Wal

[jolihokistix]

A propos of nothing I was browsing through an antiques market yesterday and came upon a rather striking die-cast model of a flying boat on a green marble stand. In pretty rough condition, it was obviously of some age.


It had two four-bladed propellors fore and aft of a large engine block above the main wing. The bow of the whale-like fuselage sported the letters DORNIERWAL. The dealer did not seem to want much money for it, and I played with the idea of buying it, but one prop was jammed and missing a blade, and the thing was a bit heavy to lug home.


Later I had a look on the internet, and I think this must have been a passenger version; it had no Nazi insignia on it. I still cannot get it out of my mind, a rather handsome object. My wife would probably not agree. :ouch:

[seafury45]

from airliners.com

It is obviously in a museum but I don't know where.

[seafury45]

If it was a reasonable price I would buy it, even with some damage. It may never be worth very much, but an interesting object no doubt.

[jolihokistix]

Seafury45, thanks!

PS Has anyone ever told you that you say the right thing sometimes? :cool:

[seafury45]

Thanks :ok:

Found its location.

DORNIER MUSEUM FRIEDRICHSHAFEN
"This brand new Dornier Wal replica (marked N25) was publicly unveiled as recent as 25Jul12; it has been built in Hungary to represent one of two Wal's used by Amundsen's expedition to the North Pole in… 1925!"

I tried to post another pic but it wont work for me.

[S'land]

It is indeed at Frierichshafen. It is well worth visiting. Not only is there the Dornier Museum, but Zepplin are also there and running trips with their latest airship. It passes over my apartment about twice a month.

[FlightlessParrot]

Later I had a look on the internet, and I think this must have been a passenger version; it had no Nazi insignia on it. I still cannot get it out of my mind, a rather handsome object. My wife would probably not agree. :ouch:

I think even civil aircraft had to wear the swastika under the National Socialist regime, but the Wal was an aircraft of the 1920s and earlier '30s, so there were a lot around without that mark. Both civilian and military, apparently.

Here is Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dornier_Do_J

[bcgallacher]

There is an original Wal in a museum outside Buenos Aires in a city called Lujan- if I remember correctly it had Napier Lion engines.

[golfbananajam]

rare film footage

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ab7gQt8pqc

[golfbananajam]

found anouther

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4JoyWOwHr0

[jolihokistix]

Really enjoying these old clips. Many thanks!

[PPRuNeUser0139]

I think the boarding arrangements need revisiting!

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[jolihokistix]

That may be the one the model was based on!

[megan]

The prototype for this behemoth. ;)

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e3/Bundesarchiv_Bild_102-12963%2C_Flugboot_%22Do_X%22.jpg

[jolihokistix]

Really stunning. What a great shot!


Now, if the dealer still has the damn thing at tomorrow's market. Got some cash from the bank. Getting up early and making a special trip on a long shot....

[PPRuNeUser0139]

Here's a short film of the French-built Latécoère 521..

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Operating out of Biscarrosse they flew to S America and New York.
By the way, if anyone's down in SW France this summer, there's a museum (https://www.hydravions-biscarrosse.com/) devoted to hydraviation (flying boats/amphibians) there. Worth a visit!

[Wander00]

Biscarosse Museum certainly worth a visit, I went earlier this year. I am told you can take a seaplane trip from there in the Summer too. On my bucket list. In one of the historic mags this month is a photo of a Catalina operating at Biscarosse

[Tankertrashnav]

Looking at the head-on view that's a flying boat that really looks like a flying boat!

[jolihokistix]

British Movietone News: "the great flying ship..."

[PPRuNeUser0139]

Looking at the head-on view that's a flying boat that really looks like a flying boat!
You're right - it does resemble a Vosper-Thorneycroft product from the back pages of their sales brochure!