by Dariusz Mazurowski
1/700 SMS Württemberg Shipyard Diorama (Scratchbuilt)
Well, the ambitious project called “Bayern class battleships” is finished now, as I’ve just completed the last diorama – SMS “Württemberg”. Or – to be precise – large section of AG “Vulcan” shipyard with above said warship (hull under construction). Last year, after completion of the “Sachsen” diorama, I planned another one. Previously a dramatic, three dimensional picture of a launched ship – which would be pretty attractive, but… Only imaginary also, as I have no photographic references (I doubt if any exists) of that special moment. Of course I own limited number of pictures of unfinished hull (esp. decks) and general yard views (unfortunately mostly low resolution, blurry photos). Plus detailed plans of her elder sisters, “Bayern” & “Baden” (1/100 and other scales). I’ve carefully studied photographs of German battleships under construction, to catch yard atmosphere and model accessories – including steel plates, wood planks (prepared for decks), tubes, pipes, cable reels, boxes etc.
Obviously it seems that the best result may be achieved by modification of commercially available 1/700 “Baden” resin kit (“Württemberg” has had similar boat deck). In fact – no way (IMHO). I’ve decided to build her entirely from the scratch (basic material – paper on balsa profiles), same as the whole diorama. With a little help of some scraps from PE frets (1/350 and 1/700 railings, ship ladders etc.). Plus Eduard pre-painted naval figures. In the past I used GMM sets, but above said item looks pretty good and may save Your time. You get basically same figures (typical positions), but much more in a single fret and – of course – painted. However I must confess I feel that Eduard’s color palette is not correct – esp. navy blue, which is far too bright in this case. No one is perfect, so I’ve installed the army of yard workers as they are…
The crane is made of brass rod and copper wire, plus balsa and paper, buildings - paper with brass windows (PE scraps), dock section – sand paper (!) on balsa, barge – same as battleship hull. I’ve used my standard technique of making realistic (is it realistic at all ?) water – varnished thick acrylic paint (this color is described as “Prussian blue” !).
SMS Württemberg was laid down 4th of January 1915 (AG Vulcan, Hamburg, yard number: 19). Launched : 20.06.1917. Her construction was stopped approx. a year before scheduled completion (in case of her twin sister “Sachsen” it was 9 months before completion). The unfinished hull was scrapped in 1921.
