1/400 Leichter Kreuzer Karlsruhe (HP Models)
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by Stein Gildberg |
1/400 Leichter Kreuzer Karlsruhe (HP Models)
Karlsruhe was the second Light Cruiser of the K-class to be built, and was put into service 6th November 1929 as a so-called Scout Cruiser. A quite un-orthodox design with two of the main turrets to the rear, both offset to make it possible to use at least one turret at a time to fire (almost) ahead, or to use most of the firepower as the cruiser had fulfilled its scouting mission and should withdraw from an enemy force. This class of ships were the first in Germany to have a welded hull, which proved to be too weak a construction for the high seas, and gave limitations to their operational use. In 1936 the Karlsruhe was caught in a tropical storm in the Pacific, nearly survived. And had to spend time to repair in the Navy Yard in San Diego to become seaworthy.
All three K-class cruiser were modified during their lifespan. But none more than the Karlsruhe! Included in the modification were modifications to the hull, a catapult for seaplanes, modified funnels, new cranes and a new tripod main-mast. Karlsruhe was the only K-class to have 105mm AA guns installed (the two other had the same three mountings, but with 88mm guns). The hull was modified by increasing the beam by .5-.7 meters to improve structural strength.
During Operation Weserübung, Karlsruhe was the lead ship in the successful invasion of Kristiansand, Norway in the 9th of April 1940. The ship suffered no damage although several shells from the coastal batteries scored near hits. As the cruiser returned to Germany later the same day, it was hit by a torpedo from a British submarine and, as it was no longer possible to save the ship, sunk by torpedoes from the German torpedo boat Greif.
The model (my first resin-model, built 7 years ago…) show the Karlsruhe
as she looked after the modifications and with yellow turrets as ordered
for the Operation Weserübung , April 9th 1940. The brown color of
the deck is linoleum, although this probably was removed at this stage
and substituted by standard, dark grey deck-paint.
