1/200 Bismarck May 1941 by trumpeter

[Herr Nilsson]

Just one thing about that ramp. After this came up in another thread, about the complex curvatures and slopes in that area, I had a look at JK's model book again. The following is his solution...

Happy modelling ~ Olaf!

Edit: After a second look, the two ends of the catwalks seem to be at different heights. The green slope down ends at blue level, then comes the step, and the outer end is roughly at the level of the lower edge of the catapult. On the other side, towards the main hangar, the blue level seems to be correct (half way up the height of the catapult).

I'm not sure, if we talk about the same issue, but the level of both catwalks should be on the same level like the lower edge of catapult tray. The main problem is that there is no clear picture of the catwalk at all. All available plans are based on the (very stylised) plans of the Blohm & Voss "Vollmodell" in this regard. Josef changed one catwalk on his model, because he thought he found a clear picture. Actually it was a simple misinterpretation.

[Perth_shipyard]

I'll tackle it from a logical point of view an follow the actual deck level. This makes more sense. If you look at pictures of the extended deck of tirpitz, the extended deck is level with the rest of the Aufbaudeck and not the ramp. So I think making the catwalk inline with the deck and not the top of the ramp is probably what Bismarck had. Unfortunately the catwalks didn't survive the sinking so unless a clear photo pops up... I should be safe.

[NigelR32]

Hey Anton,

Another question I'm afraid..... I notice you have fitted porthole detail and ladders from your PE set on the Bow and Stern of your hull. I have also noticed that the kit on the Mk1 Models website doesn't have these fitted??

Did you get some extra PE over and above the standard Mk1 kit?

[Perth_shipyard]

Hi Nigel, in the deluxe set from MK1 -KA these are all included. It also replaces almost all the kit PE which isn't much in comparison. Some small gratings for vents on the aft deck and around the after part of the superstructure still uses some kit PE, though apart from that nothing else is used. What I like the most is all the correct railings are supplied with the MK1 set.

[Herr Nilsson]

I'll tackle it from a logical point of view an follow the actual deck level. This makes more sense. If you look at pictures of the extended deck of tirpitz, the extended deck is level with the rest of the Aufbaudeck and not the ramp. So I think making the catwalk inline with the deck and not the top of the ramp is probably what Bismarck had. Unfortunately the catwalks didn't survive the sinking so unless a clear photo pops up... I should be safe.

Aside from the Vollmodell plan there are some pictures from the Scheerhafen in Kiel, when the starboard catapult was removed. It seems to me, that what is still or already installed, is on the level of the lower edge of the catapult tray.
From the logical point of view, it's much easier to build the catwalk on the lower level, because there is no problem with interfering with the catapult. On deck level they would have had to built U-shaped frames around the catapult to support the catwalk. I myself am sceptical, if the catwalk was ever fully installed. Pictures from the Norwegian fjord seem to indicate, that there were at least no planks on the catwalk. Therefore do as you like.

[Perth_shipyard]

I think i'll follow that and this gorgeous 1/72 example.

[Perth_shipyard]

so some more work I've done today and a few different shots of the model so far.

[Channell]

You're moving at warp speed! Thanks for your effort!

[Perth_shipyard]

Ok after much thought and constant book searching and web searching... as for the catwalks on the catapult. Not going to do them now.
Finally remembering the discovery of the Bismarck book I matched pictures against those on the bismarck class.dk site, there seems to show as Nilsson mentioned, no evidence of steps down to catwalks let along anything to do with the catwalks themselves. Yes they could have been swept away... but there is nothing that looks structural on the wreck that would be associated. So trumpeter looks like you got it right! yay! something I can cross off the list.

Oh and thanks Channell! hahaha it's quite an enjoyable build so if i'm not building, I'm reading up on her or doing more research! can't help it

[Olaf Held]

Aside from the Vollmodell plan there are some pictures from the Scheerhafen in Kiel, when the starboard catapult was removed. It seems to me, that what is still or already installed, is on the level of the lower edge of the catapult tray.
From the logical point of view, it's much easier to build the catwalk on the lower level, because there is no problem with interfering with the catapult. On deck level they would have had to built U-shaped frames around the catapult to support the catwalk. I myself am sceptical, if the catwalk was ever fully installed. Pictures from the Norwegian fjord seem to indicate, that there were at least no planks on the catwalk. Therefore do as you like.

Hi Marc ~ Gibt�s den Plan auch ein wenig gr��er? Sowas wie "laufbruumlckegro�"? Und die Bilder vom entfernten Katapult ... ich muss jetzt mal bl�de fragen: Welche sind das denn?

Bis dann denn ~ Olaf!

[Herr Nilsson]

Das Bild gibt es auch in gro�. Dazu gibt es sogar einen ganzen Plan.

Ein Bild ohne Katapult gibt es hier...leider nur in klein:

http://www.bismarck-class.dk/bismarck/g ... lprep.html

[NigelR32]

Guys, I don't speak much German, but I think I can see the frame for the catwalk in the second row down in the right picture??

I also think there is evidence of the remains of some sort of framework on Her catapult, in the images above, as she lies today. This evidence has pretty much convinced me that there was indeed a catwalk at the time of her sinking, which is my build period.

[Perth_shipyard]

Those braces in the second picture connect the superstructure to the deck above to give support due to the catapult. This doesn't have anything to do with a catwalk as the braces reach right up to the deck level. PE braces are included for these in the kit btw.

[Perth_shipyard]

On the main deck, there isn't any evidence of the frame rig assembly and on the superstructure there aren't any steps above the louvre's that would lead onto a catwalk or signs of any structure that has ripped off.

There are photos showing the end a-frame support added after Kiel or atleast while receiving camouflage in Kiel. Just nothing with catwalks.

[Perth_shipyard]

Nigel here are those braces in the bismarck wreck photo on my model.

[Perth_shipyard]

dummy run of the vents on the 15cm turret recess. These are just my first templates from plastic strip, need to refine the fit and add the vents.

[codythecatt]

Whilst the heated debate rages on over cataract surgery ... oops meant catwalk surgery ... just wanted to say she looks good so far.

It would be great to see a stem-to-stern photo but you'd probably have to get back 5m to do so! LOL!

[Perth_shipyard]

what she looks like now

I've started on the Bridge superstructure today. Adding the PE hatches, portholes, ladders etc painting with base coat and then the wooden deck. The gratings on the bridge and wings i'm planning on staining the trim around the gratings themselves to give them a little contrast.

[Perth_shipyard]

port side view

[Perth_shipyard]

Whilst the heated debate rages on over cataract surgery ... oops meant catwalk surgery ... just wanted to say she looks good so far.

It would be great to see a stem-to-stern photo but you'd probably have to get back 5m to do so! LOL!

Hahaha thanks Cody