Yes i know several years ago i questioned Trumpeter for making all those 200 scale ships. Well I have joined the darkside. I got a real good deal on the Arizona ($100) several years back. but that didnt count really it was just as big as a large battle ship in 350. So past several months i been hankering to get a better Bismarck. I had the academy with a lot of photoetch but a painted deck. THen lo and behold here was a guy offering the bismarck with eh MK set for $400. hmmm very interesting . I asked a question next thing i know he offered it for $380. aw heck had to get it. so that arrived last week, Well today i went and sealed my fate. The Iowa for $260. shame shame shame. Where the hell am i going to put that one?
But have no fear there will be no Hood NO Rodney to go with these. This is it no more I swear it.

Well Steve, going back now would be like trying to put toothpaste back in its tube

Actually, I enjoy working in 1:200 for major ship types. I have an Ajax, Norfolk, and Suffolk on the ways.

I even purchased a Bismarck in part to get the parts needed for my Hipper and still arranged with Trumpy's distributor to purchase the extra sprues from that kit to complete the gun director suite for the cruiser!

--Karl

Welcome to the dark side, Steve! My eyes turn 52 tomorrow and they're much better suited to 1/200 scale details than 350 or - eegads - 700 scale.

I think Karl just set the gold standard for dedication to a build! Karl, any pictures of the Hipper you can share with us?

Hi Troy!

It's not as drastic as I made it sound, because I have plans to depict the Bismarck in her last appearance on the surface, so the gear I needed for the Hipper will not be seen on the Bismarck project (just check out what I did to the 1:350 Ise kit a few years back on my "Kanpai" feature).

Right now, the Hipper's hull has been roughed out and I haven't gotten to any superstructure, yet. But, I must admit, 1:200 is nifty for cruiser-sized ships--the graceful lines of a cruiser really stand out, you can get into great structural detail, and have crew figures that look better than matchstick men. I will depict Hipper encountering the Glowworm at very close quarters, so the diorama footprint will still be manageable (by my standards, anyway). Pics to follow soon, hopefully!

--Karl

i look forward to seeing that

Outstanding news Karl, I can't wait to see it! Dare we hope the kit manufacturers will take notice of your labors and expand their product offerings?