The Ship Model Forum

Hello together
Since I'm taking part in the competition, I thought to myself, show my construction of my Bismarck model from the Trumpeter brand in the scale 1:200.
The Pontos Detail Up Set �Advanced� is used for optimal detailing of the model. Various Veteran Models sets and all sorts of other aftermarket accessories do the rest.
Not to mention a bunch of styrene profiles for scratch building and the famous leftovers box.
I�m trying to create a model that shows the period from April 1941 to about 80% historically correct.

I worked on the model for almost two and a half years and it was finished in October last year.
I ended up here with you through a friend and will enter some pictures of the construction here during the days.

This is the start
With the Pontos etched parts set, you have the best prerequisites for raising the level of detail.
Next came the wooden deck on the hull and the ID markings could be painted.
Note the double bar chains. Many ship models use regular link chains, which is incorrect.
The first superstructures received their Baltic camouflage scheme and could be glued to the deck.
The front superstructures got their fans.

Nice work on the detailing. This scale would suit my eyesight nicely but I've only got room for 1/700 scale models.

Many thanks Donald.
I also have to slowly see where I leave the huge pots.

The next floor has been improved with styrene profiles.
Next up was the bridge. Out of the box she is almost naked. Here you can really score with the Styrene profiles.
The lines were made with 0.2 mm lead wire.
Finally, the fire control units from veteran models, and I like the bridge.
The wobbly pots also got an update
The next floor.
Now the first sailors came on board. the guys are from northstar models
And so the bridge can also be installed.

Let's continue with the next little floor.
It goes further up. Here, too, the kit is upgraded with styrene.
Veteran�s 37mm Flak is amazing.
Likewise the range finder.
Next, I�ll show you something I made myself. I made tarpaulins out of paper and diluted wood glue
These were used to protect the companionways from rain.
Next came the transom skylights. Again, the richness of detail of Pontos is fantastic.
The Waterbombs make with styren.
Here is a picture of the gangway in place with the brackets scratched.
The admiralty bridge with the built-in anti-aircraft guns from Veteran.
It grows upwards.

Next up is the funnel. This one also needs some upgrades.
The usual, styrene, lead wire and Pontos.
Pontos is the crowning glory.
And the going to the coronation.
Let�s move on to the final details on the hull. I always do this quite late to protect them from damage for as long as possible.
Then it goes far to the hangars and the dinghies.
The Admiralty Boat is another of Pontos� jewels. And a little upgraded by me.
Scratched the gangway to the hangar and it can be installed.
Set the foremast
The tower is also equipped with everything and can be locked.

Let�s go to the rear deckhouse.
First the base of the main mast was set and the traffic boats in their mounts.
As you can see, I have shown the hangar open. A small scene should arise here.
Paper and wood glue are also used for the tarpaulins for the traffic boats.
Next we pimped the signal platform. Again with paper and styrene.
With this I imitate the covers of the signal flags.
Still pulled the ropes for the flags.
Then all come togehter.
This allows the deckhouse to be installed and the main mast to be continued.

Let�s get to the protagonist for the small scene in front of the hangar.
The team pushes the Arado out of the hanger on the rail system. The hydraulic jacks are adjusted again with a hammer and crowbar.
And off you go to the bridge nock.
It�s amazing how many parts Pontos makes that out of. You can hardly get any closer to the original
When installing the bridge wing, I still had to make corrections because Pontos had forgotten something here. This sheet metal was used to close the created bridge wing.
And when it was extended, like here with me, it naturally prevented the sailors from falling off.
Of course, the middle artillery should not be missing either.
Let�s also come to the rigging.
First I built a device to run the longwave antennas parallel between the triangles.
This way you can get the same tension on both sides.
And the first threads are already hanging. Also to the funnel.
Now came a point that got on my nerves. Four cables each led from the two double-stranded long-wave antennas, which narrowed into one towards the mast.
Now the rest of the rigging can follow.

The crane body is already finished and there are still endless components.
But that also went together. A lamp scratched and he can get on the deck. Fits perfectly in the mount on the tower.
Since I am building the ship as it
was equipped in April 1941, there are still dinghies and row yawls on deck.
The last yawls in the davits have come on deck. A PE set of a destroyer in 1/350 had to be used for the rope drums.
Let�s breathe life into the model.
Northstar�s characters are fantastic. But it takes a lot of time to paint the 100 or so figures.

That was it for the quick build report.
Now it only remains for me to wish you a lot of fun looking at the finished ship.

And here are the rest of the pictures.

Danke Gregor.

That's really well done! Over 100 crew on the upper decks! Wow!

Many Thanks.
Yes, I think you should distribute a lot of the guys otherwise it looks unrealistic. After all, the Bismarck had a crew of over 2000 men.

Top!

Damn impressive model, this.

Thanks for the feedback, gentlemen.

Incredible level of detail . You must have a patience of a saint to be able to cope with that kind of stuff. Truly amazing stuff!

Bismarck is one of my favourites (I did a 1:600 model back in 70s), but after a 40 year break, I need to practise a bit before I can tackle it again.

Thank you Karih.
I think, learning by doing.

Ahoi J�rg

Very good--consistent modelmaking-the entire ship has an even amount of detail and quality

Bravo !

Hut ab !

MFG

Jim Baumann