1:350 DKM Bismarck (For Academy BA904)

A 1:350 Bismarck wooden deck (Artwox Model)

This is not a ship kit but an aftermarket accessory. The adhesive wood veneer with pre-printed laying of the deck planks is glued onto the plastic deck of the model. The set is cut to the outline of the Academy BA904 kit, so check before you buy that this is the one you have, as the outlines of the individual releases differ.

The dry fit and the order of the steps

The extensive deck of a large battleship tends to be divided into several pieces, and how they join up decides the result. Before you reach for the film, lay all the parts out dry on the model, check the seams between them and work out the order of gluing. It is proven practice to start from the largest piece on the main deck and add the smaller areas to it, because any deviation then does not accumulate toward the bow. At the same time, think about which parts of the kit you will have fitted at that moment. The deck is best glued onto a clear surface without the superstructure, but some pieces are better glued on only after it is in place, so that clean edges result. A few minutes of planning saves repairs that are practically impossible with adhesive veneer.

Finishing

Once it is glued down, trim overhangs with a fresh blade, press the edges down with a toothpick and tune the shade with thinned wood stain if you wish. A final matte varnish seals the surface and protects the wood in the later steps of the build.

Who the set is for

• Builders of large battleships who want a faithful deck texture.
• Modelers who work systematically and like to plan the procedure in advance.
• Those who combine the accessory with photo-etched railings and other sets.
• Collectors finishing an extensive model for a display case.

This is an accessory for a plastic kit. The kit itself, glue and paints are not included in the package, unless stated otherwise.