I'm in the planning stage on my Wreck of the Bismarck entry for the Dreadnought campaign. My first step has been to go through the instructions and determine which parts I won't be using. I could probably save time by just listing which ones I WILL be using, since I think there would be less doing it that way. Once I've listed all the parts to put aside I intend to cut them off the sprues. If possible I hope to cut off the part numbers on the sprues as well, so I can know which is which. That way I can either try to use them in the future for other projects, unlikely, or be able to send them to anybody here who might need them.

I've already found my first inconsistency in my research sources. Robert Ballard's book, The Discovery of the Bismark was my first thought for reference material. It has drawings of the wreck from above, the sides, and several close ups, along with photos of the same areas. Unfortunately it has one major error that I've found. In the text it says, "The two single-plane side hangers were missing, but the twin hanger was still standing just aft of the catapult." In the full length drawing of ship the area to the port side of the stack is shown without the hanger. The overhead drawing though clearly shows both hanger in place. Which was right? I then went my secondary resource, photos of the wreck taken by the James Cameron expedition. http://www.bismarck-class.dk/bismarck/wreck/bismarck_wreck_4.html The very first photo clearly shows at least the port side hanger in place, with it's door missing and an area of deck that I assume is some kind of rail for the plane to move out of the hanger on. (I wish I could remember who posted the link to this site here. I am indebted to them and I'd like to thank them. The link does say not to re-post pictures from the site to other sites so I'll adhere to their wishes and just give you the link)

So it looks as though I may have to cross reference between these two sources to make sure of myself before assuming the Ballard book is always correct.

I can't wait to get either a replacement digital camera, or some cheap film camera I can then scan photos from so I can post my progress.

I'm sure this will be a most challenging project. I've seen someone do the titanic and it looked really great, don't know about sper-accuracy, but you get a lot of leeway. Don't sweat the small stuff Roger, the big picture on this one will be hard and challenging in itself. Anything I can do to help My first step would be to drill out the main gun barbettes. I'ld also collect lots of brass strips from excess brass sets. All the long thin strips that you normally throw away after cutting out the pieces you need. Those will be quite useful in depicting bent and twisted metal.

Thanks for the encouragement Steve. That's a good suggestion, about the brass pieces. Problem is I've exactly three frets of P.E. stuff and I've never used any of them. I'll have to think of another alternate item to do that with.

I'd have thought the fairly heavy foil that some food comes in (chinese take-away for example) might work well. Thin enough to work with easily...

In regards to the metal strips, why not just use lead foil?

I was of the understanding that a hanger was present as well and included the remains of one of the Arado sea planes.

You've picked an awesome subject to model here Rodger, I am very anxious to see it develop.

Rodger, your project sounds better and better with every new post that you make, sir...I really can't wait til you get into it and get some progress shots rolling to let us all experience what you are!( did you get your camera back yet? ) You've made a veyr excellent and creative choice for your build, and it should prove to be a very interesting and informative ride...Keep us posted, Bro..
Gunny

Hi Rodger!

Your DKM Bismark wreck project is one of the most ambitious project in this Campaign - from my point of view!

Regarding the sources, and although this is going to be 80% of the work of this project, I would use both and make cross reference on situations like the one that you spoted about the hanger! I know that it will be tedious and lot's of work, but that will make the difference between a "nice wreck" and the "Bismark Wreck"

Skipper