by Kevin Dekker |
This project was something of an experiment to see whether the inaccuracies of the old Airfix Bismarck kit could be corrected. The completed out of the box versions of this kit never looked right to me. I set about comparing the kit proportions and dimensions to accurate references, making the necessary adjustments as much as practical, and this is the result. It's a bit of a rush job, but if like me you've got a few 1:600 models, you may wish to have a go at creating an accurate overall hull on which to build. May 2021 also marks the 80th anniversary of the sinking of Hood and Bismarck, and so I just had to get it finished in time for that. The hull had about one entire deck removed from its height, and a new deck was built to correct the bow and stern shape and relocate the main turret barbettes correctly. Poorly moulded details such as anchors, search-lights and AA mounts were scratch built. I'm now tempted to get a second kit of this and complete it with more care and including photo-etch and rigging for a really top result, maybe as Tirpitz.
