channell

And finally some progress!
 
The first section of the forward superstructure is done. A lot of care and planing was needed to get everything lined up and seamless.
In the end the effort will pay off as usual! Some surgery was needed and a lot of piping etc. were scratch build with styrene.
 

Yeah, I saw that one way back when... pretty impressive work. It's definitely the "Big Bissy" build to beat on the interwebs. 
 
 
 
I'm still putting through endless prep work on my build...
 

 

 
cleanup on the propshafts and bow, from this:
 

 

 
... to this:
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
And more hack-n-slash on the superstructure in preparation for PE: 
 

 
Lots of work that isn't immediately obvious (or quite finished) but it's still necessary in my opinion to get a really great build. 
Even though I keep building 'em, I've been a somewhat vocal critic of Trumpeter 1/200 kits as they come "out of the box"... they are basically like Trumpy's 1/350 kits blown up to 1/200 so they tend to take any small accuracy issues and multiply 'em. LOTS of details that are OK to be missing in smaller scale end up being glaring omissions in a larger scales too, such as the center anchor hawsepipe (completely omitted on the standard kit). This means lots of extra work and additions if you want to end up with anything better than a bathtub toy. 
 
Still, I think it's fun to rework these monsters into something really cool... don't know for sure if I've just been sucking up too much sanding dust but I feel like the shape of my modified hull helps my version of the kit take a large step away from "toy" and towards realism, which makes all the work worth it. 

My first job has been to improve the shape of the kit hull to make it look closer to the real thing while still allowing myself some artistic license and not getting too bogged down in making it 100% exact. In the end, aside from simply chasing accuracy in scale I guess it's really all about making the model more "mine" instead of the work of some nameless grunts and a huge injection molding machine. 
 
Here's a smattering of Bismarck hulls to illustrate:
 

 
Top is a 1/100 fiberglass Bismarck hull, middle is my original hull and bottom is the hull I'm gonna use to finish this build.
 

 
I used the plans of the 1/100 version scaled down as a guide to get a fair approximation of the hull shape and built up/shaved down the hull from stem to stern to match the plan profile using reverse cross-sections as a guide. 
 
I also replaced the bow portholes by drilling fresh circles in styrene sheet and inletting them into the hull:
 

 

 
I did this because the kit portholes are warped due to the curvature of the hull and the realities of molding the hull in 1 large piece.
 
I was able to drill and grind the stern portholes from behind to get the same effect:
 

 

I also re-profiled the stern itself as the kit interpretation is too sharp and narrow. 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Yeah, I saw that one way back when... pretty impressive work. It's definitely the "Big Bissy" build to beat on the interwebs. 
 
 
 
I'm still putting through endless prep work on my build...
 

 

 
cleanup on the propshafts and bow, from this:
 

 

 
... to this:
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
And more hack-n-slash on the superstructure in preparation for PE: 
 

 
Lots of work that isn't immediately obvious (or quite finished) but it's still necessary in my opinion to get a really great build. 
Even though I keep building 'em, I've been a somewhat vocal critic of Trumpeter 1/200 kits as they come "out of the box"... they are basically like Trumpy's 1/350 kits blown up to 1/200 so they tend to take any small accuracy issues and multiply 'em. LOTS of details that are OK to be missing in smaller scale end up being glaring omissions in a larger scales too, such as the center anchor hawsepipe (completely omitted on the standard kit). This means lots of extra work and additions if you want to end up with anything better than a bathtub toy. 
 
Still, I think it's fun to rework these monsters into something really cool... don't know for sure if I've just been sucking up too much sanding dust but I feel like the shape of my modified hull helps my version of the kit take a large step away from "toy" and towards realism, which makes all the work worth it. 

Good to hear from you Kevin! I saw your finished Bismarck... she turned out amazing! Gonna finish one this time, I swear... 

Please Hide Your Ugly Crack
 
All kidding aside, the front and rear bridge is glued down securely and gaps filled. 🤐

Yeah, I saw that one way back when... pretty impressive work. It's definitely the "Big Bissy" build to beat on the interwebs. 
 
 
 
I'm still putting through endless prep work on my build...
 

 

 
cleanup on the propshafts and bow, from this:
 

 

 
... to this:
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
And more hack-n-slash on the superstructure in preparation for PE: 
 

 
Lots of work that isn't immediately obvious (or quite finished) but it's still necessary in my opinion to get a really great build. 
Even though I keep building 'em, I've been a somewhat vocal critic of Trumpeter 1/200 kits as they come "out of the box"... they are basically like Trumpy's 1/350 kits blown up to 1/200 so they tend to take any small accuracy issues and multiply 'em. LOTS of details that are OK to be missing in smaller scale end up being glaring omissions in a larger scales too, such as the center anchor hawsepipe (completely omitted on the standard kit). This means lots of extra work and additions if you want to end up with anything better than a bathtub toy. 
 
Still, I think it's fun to rework these monsters into something really cool... don't know for sure if I've just been sucking up too much sanding dust but I feel like the shape of my modified hull helps my version of the kit take a large step away from "toy" and towards realism, which makes all the work worth it. 

Yeah, I saw that one way back when... pretty impressive work. It's definitely the "Big Bissy" build to beat on the interwebs. 
 
 
 
I'm still putting through endless prep work on my build...
 

 

 
cleanup on the propshafts and bow, from this:
 

 

 
... to this:
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
And more hack-n-slash on the superstructure in preparation for PE: 
 

 
Lots of work that isn't immediately obvious (or quite finished) but it's still necessary in my opinion to get a really great build. 
Even though I keep building 'em, I've been a somewhat vocal critic of Trumpeter 1/200 kits as they come "out of the box"... they are basically like Trumpy's 1/350 kits blown up to 1/200 so they tend to take any small accuracy issues and multiply 'em. LOTS of details that are OK to be missing in smaller scale end up being glaring omissions in a larger scales too, such as the center anchor hawsepipe (completely omitted on the standard kit). This means lots of extra work and additions if you want to end up with anything better than a bathtub toy. 
 
Still, I think it's fun to rework these monsters into something really cool... don't know for sure if I've just been sucking up too much sanding dust but I feel like the shape of my modified hull helps my version of the kit take a large step away from "toy" and towards realism, which makes all the work worth it. 

Thank you all for following and comments.
 
It was a productive weekend. Wood has been sawn so that I can continue to build. 

 
Further i thought about stairs to the underlying deck. And discovered that on some plans no stairs are provided at all.
Forget something? A mistake? 
Fortunately there is something provided on "my" Golden Hind 

 
Thanks for following
 

Hello everybody
 
@Carl : Have it asked at Jan. We have the same opinion.
@ Marcus and Steven : Thanks for the comments.
 
After installing the rudder are all deck beams in place. And i started with the holes for the hatches.  The width is approximately 120 cm (about 4 feet) on scale 1/1
 
 
Work in progress


A first test to see what it will look like.  The thickness of these deckplanks will not be visible later
I make it too thick, this will give extra strength to the deck

 
Further finishing, the deck beam in the center of the hatch will later be removed later on

 
To be able to lift the anchor there must be a capstan on this deck.
The capstan is build very basic. And is placed at the only place where there is still enough room left .

 
Thanks for following

 

Yeah, I saw that one way back when... pretty impressive work. It's definitely the "Big Bissy" build to beat on the interwebs. 
 
 
 
I'm still putting through endless prep work on my build...
 

 

 
cleanup on the propshafts and bow, from this:
 

 

 
... to this:
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
And more hack-n-slash on the superstructure in preparation for PE: 
 

 
Lots of work that isn't immediately obvious (or quite finished) but it's still necessary in my opinion to get a really great build. 
Even though I keep building 'em, I've been a somewhat vocal critic of Trumpeter 1/200 kits as they come "out of the box"... they are basically like Trumpy's 1/350 kits blown up to 1/200 so they tend to take any small accuracy issues and multiply 'em. LOTS of details that are OK to be missing in smaller scale end up being glaring omissions in a larger scales too, such as the center anchor hawsepipe (completely omitted on the standard kit). This means lots of extra work and additions if you want to end up with anything better than a bathtub toy. 
 
Still, I think it's fun to rework these monsters into something really cool... don't know for sure if I've just been sucking up too much sanding dust but I feel like the shape of my modified hull helps my version of the kit take a large step away from "toy" and towards realism, which makes all the work worth it. 

Good to hear from you Kevin! I saw your finished Bismarck... she turned out amazing! Gonna finish one this time, I swear... 

Yeah, I saw that one way back when... pretty impressive work. It's definitely the "Big Bissy" build to beat on the interwebs. 
 
 
 
I'm still putting through endless prep work on my build...
 

 

 
cleanup on the propshafts and bow, from this:
 

 

 
... to this:
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
And more hack-n-slash on the superstructure in preparation for PE: 
 

 
Lots of work that isn't immediately obvious (or quite finished) but it's still necessary in my opinion to get a really great build. 
Even though I keep building 'em, I've been a somewhat vocal critic of Trumpeter 1/200 kits as they come "out of the box"... they are basically like Trumpy's 1/350 kits blown up to 1/200 so they tend to take any small accuracy issues and multiply 'em. LOTS of details that are OK to be missing in smaller scale end up being glaring omissions in a larger scales too, such as the center anchor hawsepipe (completely omitted on the standard kit). This means lots of extra work and additions if you want to end up with anything better than a bathtub toy. 
 
Still, I think it's fun to rework these monsters into something really cool... don't know for sure if I've just been sucking up too much sanding dust but I feel like the shape of my modified hull helps my version of the kit take a large step away from "toy" and towards realism, which makes all the work worth it. 

Yeah, I saw that one way back when... pretty impressive work. It's definitely the "Big Bissy" build to beat on the interwebs. 
 
 
 
I'm still putting through endless prep work on my build...
 

 

 
cleanup on the propshafts and bow, from this:
 

 

 
... to this:
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
And more hack-n-slash on the superstructure in preparation for PE: 
 

 
Lots of work that isn't immediately obvious (or quite finished) but it's still necessary in my opinion to get a really great build. 
Even though I keep building 'em, I've been a somewhat vocal critic of Trumpeter 1/200 kits as they come "out of the box"... they are basically like Trumpy's 1/350 kits blown up to 1/200 so they tend to take any small accuracy issues and multiply 'em. LOTS of details that are OK to be missing in smaller scale end up being glaring omissions in a larger scales too, such as the center anchor hawsepipe (completely omitted on the standard kit). This means lots of extra work and additions if you want to end up with anything better than a bathtub toy. 
 
Still, I think it's fun to rework these monsters into something really cool... don't know for sure if I've just been sucking up too much sanding dust but I feel like the shape of my modified hull helps my version of the kit take a large step away from "toy" and towards realism, which makes all the work worth it. 

Yeah, I saw that one way back when... pretty impressive work. It's definitely the "Big Bissy" build to beat on the interwebs. 
 
 
 
I'm still putting through endless prep work on my build...
 

 

 
cleanup on the propshafts and bow, from this:
 

 

 
... to this:
 

 

 

 

 

 

 
And more hack-n-slash on the superstructure in preparation for PE: 
 

 
Lots of work that isn't immediately obvious (or quite finished) but it's still necessary in my opinion to get a really great build. 
Even though I keep building 'em, I've been a somewhat vocal critic of Trumpeter 1/200 kits as they come "out of the box"... they are basically like Trumpy's 1/350 kits blown up to 1/200 so they tend to take any small accuracy issues and multiply 'em. LOTS of details that are OK to be missing in smaller scale end up being glaring omissions in a larger scales too, such as the center anchor hawsepipe (completely omitted on the standard kit). This means lots of extra work and additions if you want to end up with anything better than a bathtub toy. 
 
Still, I think it's fun to rework these monsters into something really cool... don't know for sure if I've just been sucking up too much sanding dust but I feel like the shape of my modified hull helps my version of the kit take a large step away from "toy" and towards realism, which makes all the work worth it. 

CHANNELL
 
Great build, so clean and neat.
 
For reference there is another fantastic build of the Bismark on the Flory Model site - you do not have to join to see the log.
 
http://www.florymodels.co.uk/trumperter-1200-bismark-file/
 
RICHMOND
 
 

hello my friend nice to see you posting again, lol i have actually finished my build of the Bismarck (although it is the only one i have finished) permission to follow again

I guess I don't have to ask for pictures from the earlier build.......never liked P.B.   tried 'em and ended up putting all my pictures on memory sticks.....I know where all my pictures are      very interesting porthole reno.   well........if your gonna go off the deep end,  you'll need some witnesses........I'll watch you go down the rabbit hole   

modelwarships.com

what is the other site?
 
cheers
 
chris

So now I have to follow you on two sites ;)

Good to hear from you Kevin! I saw your finished Bismarck... she turned out amazing! Gonna finish one this time, I swear... 

Good to hear from you Kevin! I saw your finished Bismarck... she turned out amazing! Gonna finish one this time, I swear... 

The underwater volcano didn't erupt and the back section sheared off as the Bismarck sank. When it got to the bottom, the ship hit the slopes of an underwater volcano like a ton of bricks and caused an underwater avalanche, then ended up digging a huge trench through the mud before coming to a rest well down the slope.
 
Not as fun I guess... but it's interesting that Bismarck ended up on the bottom more or less in one piece. All the other sunken WW2 battleships in deep water seem to be just heaps of unidentifiable wreckage. I suppose it's because they imploded as they sank but Bismarck was reportedly scuttled by her crew at the end to stop the Brit bombardment in the last battle.
 
Would love to see a well done Bissy wreck though... that would be a cool project!

... Like I said earlier, I'm going for broke on aftermarket add-ons: 
 

 
Got the complete Pontos advanced set, a KA MK 1 set, all the resin Veteran models DKM sets and a bunch of other random bits + whatever I need/want to salvage from build #1 to work with. 
 
I'm especially excited about the scaledecks wood deck:
 

 
The individual planks are printed onto the wood rather than burnt on with a laser, giving a far more convincing result than before (KA deck left, Pontos deck middle and Scaledecks right)
 
In between bouts of sanding the hull I've also been preparing the first tier of the superstructure for photo-etch heaven... or hell, depending on your standing with the stuff!
 

 

 
I did a couple of PE vents just to make sure I could do them... fiddly stuff but they are gonna look great in the end. 
 

 

 
Finally, did some work on the propshafts/rudders: 
 

 
And some "eye candy" with the messed up superstructure of build #1 to give me hope for the future:
 

 
More to come...