Calling all Bismarck and Tirpitz fans

[Timmy C]

Black thread is what I used on my Bismarck, but as you can see, it is way too overscale - too big.

Hard to tell whether that fishing line you have is appropriate without some thickness measurement!

The thinnest line available is UNI-Caenis: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Uni-Products-Ca ... 231c6ed3c1
You'll want the black one.

[Timmy C]

I would go with TS-33 Dull Red, same as what Tamiya suggests for their Japanese ships.

As for a rigging diagram, I don't have a good answer for that. Look through this thread and see what people have done, and see what the pictures show you.

[Olaf Held]

I would go with TS-33 Dull Red, same as what Tamiya suggests for their Japanese ships.

Is this the same as their XF-9 Hull Red?

If so, I think it is much too dark. It may work on a scale 1/1 IJN ship, but not on a 1/200 DKM vessel (even on a 1/1 DKM it would be too dark).

An internet image search for TS-33 and XF-9 shows quite different hues, out of which I would go with TS-33. But, well... an image search is not the wisest idea, but I have no other chance for comparison.

What about a brownish-red automotive primer from the DIY store (if you insist on rattle cans)?

Happy spraying ~ Olaf!

[rdsaplala]

TS-33 is a much lighter shade than XF-9. This TS-33 used to be my favorite for my previous ships' antifouling paint below the waterline as XF-9 is just too dark for me. But now I just mix and airbrush my own shade using Tamiya flat red, flat black and red brown, it's a much cheaper option than the TS-33 spray cans

[Grizly]

At the rear of Trumpeter's 1/200 scale Bismarck there are 14 vents/skylights for which Trumpeter provides a photo etch cover (part PE-D4). A review of photos clearly shows that there are, in fact, three components forming the cover. While I hope that some company will eventually produce the necessary parts, does anyone know how the three parts work in unison? It would appear that the middle hatch seats low in the opening but can't figure out what becomes of the white skylight or the third cover.

[NigelR32]

Hi all,

I was in my LHS yesterday and was given a fantastic deal on the Trumpeter 1/200 Bismarck. I usually do planes, but thought this might be a nice kit to add to the ever growing pile.

It appears that we are all waiting for upgrade sets for the trumpeter kit, so I think I might make a start on my 1/350 Tamiya Bismarck. So on to my question...

For a simple build that will look quite impressive what PE set should I go for for the Tamiya kit? I have experience of PE on large scale aircraft, but I have seen some of the very fine PE parts by the likes of WEM and GMM.

Basically I would like to smarten up the Tamiya kit, without turning it into a long drawn out project....

[Jon C Ryckert]

Nigel, I believe the most basic set out there for that kit is the TOM'S Modelworks set. You will get the handrails, radars and a few other odds and ends. A great starters set for someone just getting their feet wet in ships. Hope this is of some help. Jon

[Channell]

At the rear of Trumpeter's 1/200 scale Bismarck there are 14 vents/skylights for which Trumpeter provides a photo etch cover (part PE-D4). A review of photos clearly shows that there are, in fact, three components forming the cover. While I hope that some company will eventually produce the necessary parts, does anyone know how the three parts work in unison? It would appear that the middle hatch seats low in the opening but can't figure out what becomes of the white skylight or the third cover.

It looks to me like the middle door is the watertight door, the glass door on the right would then close on top of that. My guess is the third door on the left then comes off the deck entirely and most likely can be clamped over the glass portion of the door on the right (you can see the clamps on the edges of the glass door). Does that make any sense?

That would be a great detail to add; I'm gonna have to try to implement it on my Bissy!

[Grizly]

I agree the center portion is the water tight door and seats inside the opening and the left hand portion likely sits on top of the opening but how the white portion fits in between the two escapes me.

[BobaFettSlave_1]

At the rear of Trumpeter's 1/200 scale Bismarck there are 14 vents/skylights for which Trumpeter provides a photo etch cover (part PE-D4). A review of photos clearly shows that there are, in fact, three components forming the cover. While I hope that some company will eventually produce the necessary parts, does anyone know how the three parts work in unison? It would appear that the middle hatch seats low in the opening but can't figure out what becomes of the white skylight or the third cover.

Jump to 1:30 in this vid and it should answer your question.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHmij0HdEXQ

[Herr Nilsson]

[Channell]

Next question: Does anyone have a layout or photo of the interior of the main bridge on either Bismarck or Tirpitz? After opening the doorway and windows the interior of that area is fairly visible on the 1/200 kit and I'd like to add some detail.

[NigelR32]

Another question...

I would like to buy a reference book on Bismarck to help with my 1/200 build. Can anyone please give me their opinion on the best Modellers book.

I would like to build the spare turret first I think, and add some scratched detail to it. Are there any good online refs for this area?

In anticipation of a million replies....

[NigelR32]

And.. another question....

As some of you will be aware, I am looking for a "beginners" PE set for my 1/350 Tamiya Bismarck. I'm not new to PE, having built aircraft for years, but am new to ship style PE, (Much finer), so want to get some practise in.

I have the WEM ultimate sets for Essex and Hornet class carriers and also HMS Illustrious. Believe me, it's pretty fine stuff compared to aircraft....

I have noticed the Eduard Tirpitz set looks like a bargain. Can I use this? It has 4 sheets of PE including steel decks for only �30!!

I know there are differences between Tirpitz and Bismarck, but am unaware of the actual differences?

[Antonio Bonomi]

Hello everybody,

@ Nigel,

on Bismarck you have a dedicated website and forum, so plenty of information you will never find yet on any book you can purchase :

Website :

http://www.kbismarck.com/

Forum :

http://www.kbismarck.org/forum/index.ph ... ec2da7bc73

For a Bismarck modeler the best book should have been Josef Kaiser one on his Bismarck 1/100 model, but it is out of print.

Moving on the photo etched parts I have used several times on both Tirpitz and Bismarck Gold medal Models ( GMM ), White Ensign and Eduards.

They all have minus and plus, and to make a real " TOP " model you should have them all, ... I will stay out of the selection for due fairness reason, ... so look at their price/parts comparison yourself ... and than you will make your selection.

Bye Antonio

[Channell]

I know there are differences between Tirpitz and Bismarck, but am unaware of the actual differences?

Just off the top of my head but the Tirpitz has a different bow shape, has torpedo launchers amidships, additional AA (including an AA battery on top of turret Bruno) extended deck platforms and AA around the aircraft catapults and a nifty futuristic looking rounded windshield on the platform above(?) the admiral's bridge.

[Christian M.]

I know there are differences between Tirpitz and Bismarck, but am unaware of the actual differences?

Just off the top of my head but the Tirpitz has a different bow shape, has torpedo launchers amidships, additional AA (including an AA battery on top of turret Bruno) extended deck platforms and AA around the aircraft catapults and a nifty futuristic looking rounded windshield on the platform above(?) the admiral's bridge.

Yep, I can confirm this! Most important is the bow shape and more AA batteries due to her position in Norway and always threaten by Air Strikes of RAF.

[NigelR32]

Thanks Guys, I checked the Eduard instructions online, and noticed the big differences in the kits.

I don't really want to go to town on this 1/350 kit as I also have the 1/200 which I do want to get lost on. So, I've ordered the old Eduard Bismarck set for the Tamiya kit, which is pretty basic, but is only �20.

Don't worry all you AM guys... you'll get plenty of my hardearned cash for the 1/200 Bismarck and Arizona.

Thanks again for all your help.

[Christian M.]

I'm not so deep in Bismarck stuff without looking by own again in books (and I have other area of ship intrest as her - WW-1 and Ironclads before), but as far as I read here and on other sites, als well being told by colleagues, in 1/350 the Revell Bismarck is better as Tamiya. But well ... shall be explained by guys who have more knowledge about both kits as I have. If you still have Tamiya kit, I think Eduard is ok for all the basics to improve with PE parts. Other and more expensive sets go of course far depper in detail and are sometimes better.

[NigelR32]

I'm not so deep in Bismarck stuff without looking by own again in books (and I have other area of ship intrest as her - WW-1 and Ironclads before), but as far as I read here and on other sites, als well being told by colleagues, in 1/350 the Revell Bismarck is better as Tamiya. But well ... shall be explained by guys who have more knowledge about both kits as I have. If you still have Tamiya kit, I think Eduard is ok for all the basics to improve with PE parts. Other and more expensive sets go of course far depper in detail and are sometimes better.

Exactly Christian...

The Tamiya is an oldie but a goodie, and the simple Eduard set will just take the simple OOB edge away. I'll bet every visitor I get who see's the finished model will say.."Oh look at those tiny little railings". If I become hooked on this Ship modelling thing, I may go to town on a 1/350 Tirpitz eh??