1/350 DKM Graf Spee (Academy)
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by Rob Stubbs |
1/350 DKM Graf Spee (Academy)
Having had an interest in these rather novel large armoured cruisers, I chose one as the latest addition to my Kriegsmarine collection. The relatively heavy firepower on such a small hull and the long range achieved by using large MAN diesel engines certainly raises the interest of the Deutschland class. They served from the mid 1930s into WWII, although Graf Spee's wartime career ended early after the famous show down in the South Atlantic in December 1939.I would have liked Admiral Scheer but was not available in 1/350, but to add interest to the Graf Spee kit I chose to depict her a little earlier in more peaceful times, settling for around 1937 at the time of King George VI Coronation Fleet Review which Graf Spee attended along with an interesting mix of warships from a number of nations. Research showed the changes needed to back date the kit to this time involving changing various platforms on the main tower and on the funnel as well as the arrangement of the searchlights, light armament, directors and the He 60 aircraft.
The kit was Academy's 1/350 Premium Edition Graf Spee (designed for 1939), which contained everything needed including all the photo etch, brass gun barrels, wooden deck and decals. Other items added were Black Cat Models 20mm and 37mm mounts to replace the basic kit items, and added some Black Cat crew which are excellent quality. The kit built up well, everything fitted nicely including the decks, and had very few issues with this enjoyable build.
