Monday 6 February 2023

1/700 Bismarck

 


Regular followers will have seen this model being gradually built on the Utubes (links below) so I am really pleased to present the "nearly" finished model.

The kit is from Revell  and sold as a full hull kit, which I didn't notice when I bought it so a sharp blade and a lot of swearing turned it into a waterline ! I was very impressed with the kit, much more detailed (and longer to build) than the Tamiya ones I've built.

The base on the ship is the same size as the Hood which is 42 x 10. My rules use standard base sizes for classes of ships, so for this scale Cruisers are on 32 x 8 and Destroyers 22 x 6. Don't get you calculator out to work out some complex formula based on model scale and ground scale to work out the reasoning, there isn't any. I am trying to protect the model.

I've done a series of videos on the Utubes covering the entire build if you are interested in that side of things.


PENDANTS CORNER

The camo scheme is as the ship was painted in early May 41 at the start of Op Rheinubung (Sovereign Hobbies reference), I know these aren't the colours at the time of engagement with Hood, but I wanted a scheme that was instantly recognisable as Bismarck without the pain of repeating the black and white up the superstructure.

Symbols - the good old "controversial" crooked cross is not present on the model as it has been presented. I am aware of the sensitivity around this symbol for some. I will be adding it at a later stage, the Revell kit does not come with it as a decal option so that made the decision easier. I am very firmly in the camp of, if its historically accurate and representing a real moment in time I have no problem putting a symbol on a model. I'm old enough and daft enough to distinguish between an accurate model and a political ideology. When I add it I will put a note on any relevant photos.

The horizon in the background of the photo is bent because there is a dip in my table 😀

If you spot anything missing from the model let me know, I've got a couple of pieces rattling around in the box that I've missed !

Anyway I've had a great time building this model and I look forward to displaying and playing with it in the future. I was so enthusiastic I built Prince of Wales last night 👍

Just for reference here's a picture of Bismarck next to Hood

And finally one of Bismarck being escorted (very closely) by four Destroyers 

Regards Ken

The Yarkshire Gamer

If you're interested in the Utubes series, links are below










9 comments:

  1. Hello there Ken,

    Beautiful work as ever old chap! Do you have plans to include the Ark Royal at some point? Asking for a friend….;-)

    There must be something in that ‘Yarkshire’ tea for sure - whatever it is you should bottle it!

    Well done that man, outstanding!

    DC

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    1. Cheers mate, Ark Royal is in the stash, I'm definitely finishing the Big 4 for Denmark Strait first then Ark Royal may well get a look in.

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  2. That's great looking kit - way more detailed than the Airfix equivalent. Not much chance of spotting what's missing - you'd be better off posting a picture of the spare parts. They could for something below the waterline or maybe options to allow the kit to also be marketed as Tirpitz.
    When will she complete working up and sail for the Atlantic? And by Atlantic I mean the church or sports hall you'll need for the likely engagement ranges. I used a fairly small church hall to fight out Rheinubung but with 'diminutive' 1/1200 kits and Fletcher-Pratt rules - got an almost exact repeat of the historical outcomes.

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    1. Our club have permanent premises that used to be an old cinema so space isn't an issue. I think the bit is part of the rangefinders system but I love a good challenge for the readers 😀 plus if someone does find it, it might be a right pain to fit 😆

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  3. Love this series. And I watched all your videos.

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    1. Many thanks, I'm so glad I decided to film it from the start 😀

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  4. That is wargaming megalomania personified! I tip my hat to you Sir!

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