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Book Review
11
Kagero Bismarck Drawings
Kagero Top Drawings 15 - The Battleship Bismarck
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by: Gremlin56 [ GREMLIN56 ]

Summary

As I mentioned last weekend in the 3D Admiral Graf Spee review Kagero of Poland were kind enough to send me two of their most recent books. The second review sample they sent me is from their “Topdrawings” series, number 15: The Battleship Bismarck, by Waldemar Góralski.
The book is available under ISBN: 978-83-62878-59-8, colour profiles by Waldemar Góralski, scale drawings by Waldemar Góralski and Marlusz Łukasik and translation by Piotr Kolasa.

Contents

The book is a departure from the now familiar “3D drawings” formula, being very squarely aimed at modellers looking for details to add to their builds. It is a more slim book than the 3D series, ( 23 pages), containing black and white line drawings of most of the Bismarck’s superstructure, rigging, armament and sundry other fittings. It also includes a huge two-piece coloured fold out of the Bismarck with several different perspective views of the mighty warship, these being very reminiscent of the 3D book I reviewed several weeks ago. There is virtually no text in the book, just short titles of the depicted portions of the ship and details. The book is marginally cheaper than the 3D offerings, clocking in at a very reasonable 16 Euros.
Kagero have included the bibliography used to produce this book, which would appear to provide a very solid foundation for the drawings of the ship in this reference work.
When first inspected the book gives a rather sparse impression compared to the more luxurious 3D references published by Kagero. Looks can deceive though, and I am rapidly falling in love with this little gem due to the fact that the black and white drawings are easier to interpret when adding details to my build than the 3D renderings. Adding the rigging on the forward gun-director stations for example was a snap using this book. The book has left it’s station on my desk and has taken up a permanent place in my hobby room along with the other obligatory references for my build.

Conclusion

Topdrawings number 15: The Battleship Bismarck is a very pleasing addition to the list of reference books available on this subject. The book is very obviously aimed at anyone building or planning to build a model of the Bismarck. Although the colour scheme used to portray the Bismarck in this book is arguably incorrect, (see my review of the 3D Battleship Bismarck), the bibliography indicates that details depicted are as accurate as possible.
It is much less a “coffee table book” than its 3D siblings from Kagero, meaning that the market for this product is smaller than for the more glamorous 3D editions. All the more reason for complimenting Kagero for publishing this book.
SUMMARY
Highs: A desirable reference work to accompany any Bismarck model build. Packed full of detail and including the mother of all Bismarck fold-out renderings. Available for price of a good glass of wine and light lunch who could ask for more?
Lows: Very much a niche market subject. That having been said the book and drawings are rather unique at this moment in time.
Verdict: If you are building a model of the Bismarck snap this book up. A very interesting reference work to accompany a build of the Bismarck in any scale. Thank you to Kagero of Poland for providing this review sample.
Percentage Rating
90%
  Scale: 1:1
  PUBLISHED: May 05, 2013
  NATIONALITY: Germany
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 90.63%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 88.31%

Our Thanks to Kagero Publishing!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Gremlin56

Copyright ©2021 text by Gremlin56 [ GREMLIN56 ]. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of Model Shipwrights. All rights reserved.



Comments

Er, the link says I am not authorised to edit ............... Julian Still no go.................
MAY 04, 2013 - 08:39 PM
Both links should be fixed now Julian, cheers
MAY 05, 2013 - 05:36 PM
Thanks Jeremy, that has solved the problem. Cheers, Julian
MAY 05, 2013 - 11:59 PM
Top drawings.... Top Reviews !!! Excellent Julian!!! Already you gave to me desire of asking for it!!! These boys of Kagero are going to take me to the torn banking ... jajajajajja Again my congratulations to the persons in charge of so good material
MAY 06, 2013 - 04:30 AM
What was the problem?
MAY 06, 2013 - 01:54 PM
Haven't a clue Warren, Jeremy seems to have gotten things up and running. cheers, Julian
MAY 07, 2013 - 06:50 PM
   
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