DKM Bismarck & HMS King Geoerge V

[noel2x]

Good day gents. I am Noel from the Philippines and an avid armor modeler for 12 years now. I have built a few model ships but nothing serious. Recently, I have been hooked in modeling 1/350 scale plastic ships and have been planning in building a small diorama or scene during Bismarck and KGV's confrontation in May 1941. My question would be, what is the accurate color scheme and configuration of both ships during that particular engagement. Any answer would be highly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Aidan]

Hi Noel, welcome, KGV was overall mid grey (AP507B), bare wood decks, hull below waterline was a dark red. Not sure what model your building but for 27th May 1941 KGV had UP Launchers on the turret tops, not Pom Poms (they were fitted later). If you have not bought the models yet, I would suggest getting Tamiya's "Prince of Wales" kit as it is much closer to a 41 KGV than the actual KGV kit (which represents a much later fit). Check out the "Calling all ship Fans-KGV section of the forum for loads of info the KGV. As for Bismarck, Tamiya or Revell are the ones to go with, The Tamiya kit is a joy to build, very well made but lacking some details, the Revell kit is apparently very good and better detailed, not sure what its like to build though. Bismarck was overall light grey, her camo stripes and swastika's were painted over with light grey, again check out the CASF-Bismarck section for more details. Both models have tons of aftermarket stuff availible, such as P/E sets, real wood decks etc. This is how Bismarck looked on the day, unfortunately I dont have anything similar for KGV. White Ensign Models have excact match paints for both ships plus nice P/E sets for them, also Gold Medal Models, Toms Modelworks, Eduard, Lionroar all make nice P/E sets as well

Bismarck 3D Starboard.JPG

actually, just found this for KGV, the grey should be a little darker but otherwise this is what KGV looked like on the day.

King George V.jpg

[noel2x]

Hi Aidan. Thanks for your reply. I already bought the Tamiya Bismarck and KGV. Since I am left with the later configuration of the KGV, I will just concentrate on the paint scheme for both ships during May 1941. (I am not into ultra accurate models cos my skills does'nt permit me. LOL!). Anyways, I will browse through all the links that you suggested for additional reference. Again, thanks for the help and happy modelling.

Best regards,
Noel

[Aidan]

Your welcome Noel, however re the KGV, it appears I may be in error regarding the decks, in the CASF-KGV section, I'm in a discussion regarding this aspect and it appears that KGV may have had a painted deck at that time, (although I'm still not totally convinced) apparently dark grey AP507A, it might be worth having a read thru before you paint your KGV model and see what you think, all the best, Aidan.