Introduction

Nothing looks the same on a model ship as a real wooden deck. Many current ship models have wooden decks represented in molded plastic. There are methods to finish the plastic decks to represent wood, but they do not always look correct.

The Set

The wooden SMS Emden deck arrives safely packaged in bubble wrap and sandwiched between two pieces of cardboard.

The main deck, gun platforms, and gratings are included in the set. There is also an extra piece, the Wappen, a German Naval ship’s crest. All of the pieces are made from maple and bass wood. The entire set is extremely thin.


The main deck section is 4.536” long, 1.41” wide, and 0.040”, 1mm, thick. The planking on this deck section is very finely done and uniform. There are 33 depressions on the main deck. According to the instructions these are for coal scuttles. Surgery is needed to add the wooden deck and it is recommended to add plastic strips under the wooden section to help prevent it from warping.

Bow and stern gun platforms are included in the set as well. These pieces are only 0.016”, 0.4mm, thick! To use them under the guns the plastic deck detail must be removed from your kit. This section is paper backed to withstand handeling.

The gratings included in the set will only fit in their respective locations if you are using AM PE to go along with your build. These are the same thickness of the gun platforms, 0.017”, 0.4mm.

The Wappen is to enhance your display of the ship, it measures 1.137" x 0.91". There is a painting guide or you can leave it natural.

The Instructions

Instructions are printed on a single sheet and detail the installation of the set onto your model of either the SMS Emden or her sister SMS Dresden. An explanation of care and handling for the thin wood is covered. As is the surgery that will need to be done to take advantage of the wooden deck.

Impressions

Great wooden set to add an extra level of wow factor to your build of the SMS Emden. Some of the extra work needed might be too much for a novice.