1:350 Gneisenau, Op Weser�bung Apr 9th 1940

[MartinJQuinn]

Stein,

I always enjoy your builds, but this one you've taken to a completely new level.

Wonderful, wonderful build. I've really enjoyed watching her come together.

[Fran Romero]

WOW!!, Stein, I am impressed by the level and the amount of detail added to your Genesenau.
One of the most amazing models I've seen lately, are a master.

I will continue to watch for your building, I need to learn a lot ...

Congratulations.
Fran.

[Stein Gildberg]

Thank you for your nice words Martin and Fran!
It is a challenge to me and my skill level to undertake such relatively large modifications. And the result so far shows that it is fully possible to achieve an acceptable result (!), even when the modeler is not too experienced to undertake scratch-building at this scale.
One thing at the time, and lots of time is what is needed.

Since my Scharnhorst is built into a scenario, I decided to build the Gneisenau as a display model with full hull, and for that I needed a nice base-plate.
The plate I went for was originally made for my Tirpitz, but as that model developed, I did not need the solid plate for that purpose.
The plate is made from glued pieces of beech-wood, lacquered in mahogany color, and into it has been inserted a piece of original, unpainted Tirpitz teak-planking!
Also, the plates for the German eagle and the name-plate are made from Tirpitz deck-planking � in this case treated with clear paint.
The brass name-plate is hand engraved, while the brass columns upon which the ship rests are door-knobs drilled through with screw through on both sides for fastening to base-plate and model by 2K-glue.

The Arados are finally finished! Thebeautifully shaped small planes are not included in the Dragon kit, but rather part of the PE/resin kit from LionRoar.
In addition to the parts included in the kit, I installed support wiring, antenna and antenna thread - all from stretch sprue, plus propeller cowlings as it appeared on the Arado Ar196 A3.
Colors are RLM 71, 73 and 65, all from WEM. Finish is satin all over, and since the kit includes two planes, I finished one I with correct markings for Heavy Cruiser Admiral Hipper (future project) and the other one for Gneisenau � unfortunately without correct markings...

Stein

[mabmanu]

aircraft " splendide " ...

[Jaguar]

Wow, nice planes

[Stein Gildberg]

The bow and stern areas are getting close to the finishing touches, and with the ship securely fastened to the base-plate, it�s time to add more detail and finishing touches:
Still, boats booms and screw protection are missing, but the attachment points are in place. Casting-rope (thread) with floats are self-made, anchor securing chains, sentry posts and touch up paint for the mooring points are all �add-ons� (...that were present at the real ship) and are helping these areas look more detailed and realistic.

The German eagle with its overhead protection was still present in April 1940, so an eagle from another kit with suitable measurements was used for the purpose.
I have also been working on details with the ventilators at the stern area to make them look at little more Gneisenau and a little less SCH.

Now is time for rigging�.

Stein

[LE BOSCO]

HI Stein

again a nice work the paint is beautiful,really impressive!!!
cheers
Nicolas

[rtwpsom2]

Stein, you are doing a wonderful job.

[Apophysis]

Hi Stein,

I can not wait for your wonderful Gneisenau finally ready to see. And of course, I am particularly if you build the Hipper!

Dirk

[Stein Gildberg]

Thank you Rob and Nicolas! That�s nice feedback to get from experts like you!
Dirk: Yes, I have got a Hipper ready for assembly with all stash included (PE from Flyhawk, deck from Artvox etc). The plan is to start the building next summer. So watch out!

Rigging: This is really a nice job to do. It is important as it is an eye-catching part of the model, and done right an important contribution to achieve a realistic impression.

All rigging is made from stretched sprue. Two areas were more challenging than the rest:

Chain of lanterns on a double string, both sides of the Admirals Bridge: The lanterns are made from stretched, clear sprue. Color is clear and grey, meaning that they are not lit.
First attempt produced too large lanterns, so I had to make new one of a better size.

The other challenging rigging is the HF-antenna treads between main and the small rear mast. All four antennas are connected through �downlinks� attached into a single point and further led onto the attachment point at the tip of the HF-channel at the rear of the funnels platform.


Final touch is the painting of the rig: Different color of antrazit, and light/dark grey depending on the type of �rig� in question.
I think this is important as a rig consisting of all black tread, or all rig in same color (and size/thickness) lacks the realistic impression.

On top of the upper platform rangefinder is the cluster of met. equipment. Scratch built from pictures using stretched sprue.

[LE BOSCO]

Hello Stein

your work is very impressive it is sharp and clear, nothing is wrong
bravo for your mastery
cheers
Nicolas

[Stein Gildberg]

Thank you Nicolas! I know there are a couple of small errors compared to the real thing. These are mainly details I have chosen to neglect but also (at least one) construction detail I only became aware of when it was too late to correct. If anyone should have a special interest, I will gladly explain them in detail. But all in all, I am happy with the result!

The model is now about to be finished.
More pictures will be posted to �my� pages:

http://www.modelshipgallery.com/gallery ... index.html

Right now I�m taking a few photos to show the differences between my models of Gneisenau 1940 and Scharnhorst 1943 to show here in this forum.


Stein

[Elbe1]

Hey Stein,

you have done a great job with your Gneisenau - thanks for sharing it!

Gr��e aus Deutschland, Daniel

[Goodwood]

She's a beautiful ship, that's for certain. Well done!

[KevinYoung]

A beauty Stein you do great work and once again thanks for posting your fine creation. Kevin

[Guest]

Thank you Nicolas! I know there are a couple of small errors compared to the real thing. These are mainly details I have chosen to neglect but also (at least one) construction detail I only became aware of when it was too late to correct. If anyone should have a special interest, I will gladly explain them in detail. But all in all, I am happy with the result!

Stein

Well done, it looks great! I am curious about what details you decided not to change..

[Stein Gildberg]

Thank you for your inspiring comments, guys!

Guest: Well - since you are asking:
1) I have already mentioned the ventilation openings at the rear part of the rear rangefinder platform: They should only be of half length and the rest should be like you can see in the Kagero book. I chose to neglect this.

2) The forward part of the bulwark under the forward 105mm AA both sides should have been open / the platform should have a forward overhang.
This was only closed and given a rounded shape like it is on the Dragon�s Scharnhorst model during the stay in Brest, as far as I can find out. I also assume this was done to avoid damage to the area from heavy seas - but I do not have any proof for this.
The right look can be found in the Kagero book, while the reconstructed, rounded look can be seen in the wreck photos from Gotenhafen /Gdynia.
I became aware of this mistake at a later stage and did not find it possible to modify / rebuild. Now you and other modelers know and can avoid making the same mistakes!

Apart from this, I do not know of any mistakes although there probably are dozens of minor details that can be improved, changed or added!

Stein

[Apophysis]

Hello Stein!

I can honestly say that your Gneisenau is one of the most beautiful models I've ever seen of this wonderful ship!
I congratulate you on your excellent work and look forward to your Hipper!

Cheers!
Dirk

[MartinJQuinn]

The model is now about to be finished.

Beautiful work! Moved this to the Completed Models Forum.

[symphonicpoet]

Absolutely gorgeous.