Couldn't get in the zone on the brass strip today, so cracked on with the boats, well nearly anyway.

The hulls of what I thought was all the required boats , and the aircraft spares racks built, and ready for spraying.



and sprayed.



The racks fitted.





The motor boat (I should have built two, didn't study the destructions closely enough ), fitted with eduard etch.



Cutters fitted with the Tamiya oars rather that the etched ones, they are very finely moulded.



The boats (minus two) fitted aft of the funnel.



More brass strip, missing boats, and maybe other bits too, soon.

Cheers

Si

Very quick update

Secondary armament built.



Sprayed and fitted.



More soon,

Cheers

Si

Finally, a;; the brass strip on, nor perfect, but I will take it for a first attempt, especially with all the moulded deck detail.



The ramp from the quarterdeck to the catapult deck folded up from eduard parts.



and test fitted in place.



More soon

Cheers.

Si

Fine work on the PE Si, but that deck looks fantastic!! All these builds you have going on is certainly giving me some inspiration this morning!

Thanks Todd,

Those strips were fun to get on, but I do feel worth the effort. (Did feel like giving up more than once I will admit)

Hope you got some build done today too.

Cheers.

Si

Onwards and upwards.

The foredeck details finished off.



The ramp sprayed and fitted.



Final boats fitted along with railings around the after 25mm gun positions, and a few other details.



25mm guns and searchlights on.



Ladders on the forward end of the funnel and connecting the foremast to the bridge in place, along with a few other details.



Catapults. mainmast and quarterdeck details, railings and rigging to do, oh, and the aircraft.

Not much then.

Cheers

Si

Fantastic work here as well, Si!

Another ship with a very distinctive appearance! -and I can imagine that the brass stripes on the deck were a very special kind of 'fun'....

Cheers,
Jan

Tiny amount of progress, got the doors masked for my P-400 and started on the Canopy. The instrument panel didn't weather the trip back from Malaysia very well so I've been putting that back together. Maybe I'll get pictures to night,

Dipped the P-400 canopy (along with every other canopy on the bench) in Future the other night. Progress!

Thanks Jan,

That is one expression for it! Involved quite a bit of

But I would do it again,

I do have a fondness for Japanese Heavy cruisers, they are eclectic ships in their design.

Cheers

Si

Quarter deck detail going down.



Very nice three part 5" practice loader.



On the quarter deck, along with some other bits and pieces.



Aft Shelter deck railings on.



More next weekend.

Si

Looking great Si.
Nice work on the boats and brass strips.

cheers
Michael

Thanks Michael,

The brass strips were a "labour of love" but I am glad I did them, and will do the same again. It is a great base kit, the level of detail and fit is excellent, not as over engineered as some of the recent kits.

Just catapults, mainmast / crane, railings, rigging and aircraft to go.

Cheers

Si

A little progress today.

The mainmast / crane.

First job, the crane, two plastic and three etched parts.



The mainmast assembly.



And the two brought together and the etched rigging.



The rigging is one very cleverly designed component. All etch on this is from the Tamiya fret that comes in the kit.

Sprayed and fitted.



The rigging is painted with Citadel "Leadbelcher", and washed with Gryphon Sepia, to look like greased steel wire rope.

One etched catapult assembled, one to go.



The cat comes from the Eduard set. Goes together very well.

Cheers

Si

Very quick update,

Both cats done, sprayed and fitted. To be fair to Tamiya, the plastic cats were very good indeed.



did get a bit further than this. but either my confuser or photobucket is on a go slow.

will update when they are behaving better.

Cheers

Si

Right functioning now.

Davits and railings on by the bridge.



Props painted and on.





Cheers

Si

A bit more progress.

Anchors jackstaff and foremost railings on.



All the fo'c's'le railings on.



Quarter-deck railings on.



Midships and searchlight platform railings done.



Just the rigging and aircraft to go!

Cheers

Si

The rigging.

A bit of spider's web.







All done.





The ship herself, apart form the golden chrysanthemum on the bow. Now the aircraft.

The sprues, the are parts for eight aircraft, plus two different fuselages.



The chosen five basically assembled, plus their launch cradles and trolleys.



Underside and base topcoat on, there will be a green camo over the top, I will sit one on catapult pointing slightly over the side, will drill the cockpits out and find a pilot and observer.



The handling gear also sprayed.



Hope to get the final push in next weekend for the Bismarck keel laying on the 21st.

Cheers

Si

I'll comment just to let you know that your amazing work is not in vain Si. Great progress and I am sure you'll get your Bismarck underway on time. Don't want to be late to its sinking!

cheers
Michael

Dito that, Si!!

I don't normally comment on campaigns unless I am involved, but be assured I have been watching your progress here as well!! Beautiful work, and more copper wire! But I got that general concept now, just a little more practicing...

Looking forward to commission and to seeing her with the aircrafts on!!

It's become quiet lately on most of the campaigns...

Cheers,
Jan

Cheers Michael,

Very nearly there, Should get enough time at the weekend to get these bad boys on.

I always try to be punctual, don't think I will be late this time.

Cheers

Si

Thanks Jan,

Glad you have been along for the ride.

I will get Bismarck on the ways on time. Have to finish the X Craft in silent service as well, just need to get the finishing touched figure standing on the casing done.

Cheers

Si

On with aircraft.

One will sit on the cat it needed a crew. three L'Arsenal figures were cut down to fit.



All Aircraft Camouflaged and glossed for decals



decals on.



Should get them on today and commission the old girl.

Cheers

Si

Very nice work on the little birds, Si - very nice camo!!

So just about one step away from commissioning!! ...and May 21 is approaching soon!!

Cheers,
Jan

Hi Jan,

Thanks Mate, well here we go.

Decaled.



Matted down and the trolleys fitted,



Sat on the after deck and one on the cat.



The final bits.

The golden Chrysanthumum on the bow.



The ensign hoisted.



Name plate on.



Commissioned.





Will post some images on the gallery shortly.

Cheers

Si