Hello,
this is my first time here on ModelWahrships.com,
so I hope I'm not wrong with my questions here...
I've been modelling for over 20 years and after doing lots of 1/35 vehicles, I decided try something new: Naval modelling!
Now, I always was a huge fan of the Scharnhorst and ever since DML came out with their 1/350 kit, I wanted to do this one. I finally managed to get the newer, DML 1036 kit, depicting the Scharnhorst in 1940/41, although I like her appearance with the closed admiral's bridge after 1942 more. Anyway...
I decided to built my DML Scharnhorst as a vessel at the end of Operation Berlin in early 1941. I've obtained several printed sources but still, some answers are eluding me. Maybe you guys can help me here.
Did the Scharnhorst wear it's badge on the bow during the Operation Berlin? The Troica book (page 64) shows one unclear pic showing Scharnhorst in a port (caption says Brest), with the badge on the bow and the hull very very heavily weathered and rusty. So far, this state of condition on Scharnhorst and Gneisenau is only showed after their long Atlantic operation. The superstructures do not wear any camouflage, the turret A has its rangefinders in place and the admirals bridge is still open. Also there is camouflage netting over turret A.
What colors were the turrets tops at the end of Operation Berlin. Pictures and captions are not clear on this. I'd say the color is darker than the usual superstructure paint, so propably not yellow. Could be red, but caption says "blue gray". Any idea about this?
When was the single Flak-Vierling installed behind the funnel? Before the Operation began or after its end at Brest? And what about the torpedoes?
Also some modeller-oriented questions, maybe some of you can help me here:
I've got the Flyhawk Super Detail Set, but it just looks crazy. I cannot believe I will need (or I'm able to) use half of this set. Some parts just seem to be too thin (like Flak barrels). Is the Flyhawk set really the ultimate thing to go or are other detail set, such as the one from MK1 more "user friendly" and just better?
Also, I noted there are several wooden decks available for the 1943 kit, but only one for the 1941 version. What are the differences? And which is the better wooden deck? Pontos? Artworx? Hunter? Shipyard?
Thanks in Advance for your help!