Flyhawk 1/700 Tripitz, deluxe edition

[Gabor]

Flyhawk released this kit in 2025 in the “usual” two versions: a standard and a deluxe edition. The standard edition was released at the beginning of the year, while the deluxe edition hit the market around Christmas.

Two-thirds of the box lid features a very well-executed graphic depicting the Tirpitz sailing off the coast of Norway.
On the remaining third, in keeping with “tradition,” Flyhawk indicates that this is the deluxe version. There, you can see the accessories included in the set, which now include 3D-printed parts.
The choice of subject matter wasn’t particularly unique in itself, since there are plenty of Tirpitz models available on the market in various scales. However, Flyhawk released this model with their usual high quality, so it’s perhaps no exaggeration to say that, in 1/700 scale, this is currently the top-tier option. So let’s see what’s in the box!
The kit contains 33 plastic sprues, 12 loose parts, 7 sheets of photo-etched parts, and 2 blocks of 3D-printed parts; as well as turned gun barrels and masts. I didn’t count exactly how many parts the model consists of, but the Scharnhorst box contains 650 plastic and 150 photo-etched parts. I’d venture to say they didn’t include any fewer for the Tirpitz. So let’s take a look at these parts!
The model can be built as a waterline version or with the full hull.

In the photos below, note the details on the lower hull section, including the realistic depiction of the hydrophone system and the bottom valves.

On the upper hull, the design of the portholes is worth noting

The deck is also of excellent quality. The panel lines of the planking, as well as the detailing of the various fittings and hatch covers, are completely lifelike. Take a look, for example, at the hinges on some of the hatch covers.

to be continued.....

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The superstructure components are among the parts that are not mounted on the sprue. The base of the superstructure consists of two pieces, which include the barbettes for gun turrets B and C.

The remaining parts of the superstructure will be mounted on these two bases

Every component features exquisite detailing. Note the craftsmanship of the doors, windows, railings, and ventilation grilles; or the deck paneling and the anti-slip surface around the bridge.
The remaining components of the superstructure can be found on the sprues

to be continued.............

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On the photos below, we can see more elements of the superstructure and various "little details" start to appear, which will make the model truly lifelike. Take a look at the detailing on the searchlights and binoculars.

The following photos show additional elements of the superstructure, all beautifully detailed. Note the imitation of anti-slip surfaces on the various platforms, or, for example, the optics at the ends of the rangefinder arms.

to be continued..........

[Gabor]

The following sprues show quite a few elements belonging to the deck or superstructure: the boat davits, various hatch covers, vents, the anchors, and the deck crane built into the funnel. The details here are also impressive. Note, for example, the imitation of the opening mechanism on the torpedo tubes, or the cables wound around the drums.

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Now we come to the armament. These photos show the components of the 380 mm main gun.

Following the main guns, we can see images of the secondary armament, as well as the heavy and medium anti-aircraft guns

to be continued.....................

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Finally, we reach the light 20 mm machine guns. These were mounted in single- and quadruple-barrel (Flakvierling) configurations at various points on the deck and superstructure.

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The following pictures show the lifeboats.

And here is the Ar-196 floatplane

It can be built with folded or extended wings.

to be continued.......................

[Gabor]

How can you take the previous details to the next level?
If you’d like to continue, there are still quite a few parts waiting for you. As I mentioned, the kit includes two blocks of 3D-printed parts, photo-etched parts, and turned metal parts. The first 3D block contains the hangar and the elements of the armored command bridge, printed with breathtaking detail.

to be continued........................

[Gabor]

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The second printed block features the enclosed bridge, the turrets of the 105 mm guns, the rangefinder domes, and the base of the mainmast. Here, too, the details speak for themselves:

If you feel the model isn’t detailed enough yet, you can enhance the level of detail with photo-etched parts. The sheets include a wide variety of railings, ladders, handrails, and platforms, and you can also replace the plastic radars with photo-etched parts.

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The instructions are presented in a four-page booklet, in 13 steps.

For the photo-etch parts and 3D accessories, you'll need to look through another four pages.

The photo below gives you a little taste of just how beautiful the result will be if you include everything:

to be continued...................

[Gabor]

Conclusion:
Everyone should throw away their old Tirpitz models! This kit is now the definitive ''über alles" version – and I mean that quite seriously!
I don’t recommend it for complete beginners, as this isn’t a 'weekend project.' The level of detail requires significant manual dexterity.
Therefore, I recommend it only for those who have already built 3–4 ships with this amount of photo-etch and 3D parts.