1:350 Schleswig-Holstein Battleship 1935 Wooden Deck (for Trumpeter kit 05354)

Wooden deck 1:350 for Schleswig-Holstein 1935

An aftermarket accessory from the brand Artwox Model, not a kit. The contents are a thin wooden veneer with a self-adhesive backing and printed deck plank laying. The subject is the German battleship in the state matching the year 1935; sets for the older form of the same ship exist too, so alongside the target kit check the year of the finish as well. The accessory is cut for the Trumpeter 05354 kit.

A smaller deck, more complexity

Compared with the later large ships the deck area is smaller but more densely occupied. The veneer therefore holds a number of narrow strips and passages around the gun turrets, ventilators and superstructures. Such shapes are easily lost track of once you start taking the film off, and a part already stuck down cannot be moved. A dry run pays off, therefore: lay the parts out on the deck, mark their order and the edge you will start from lightly in pencil, and only then reach for the film.

Procedure and finishing

Degrease the plastic and let it dry out thoroughly. Peel the film off in sections and lay from the longest part toward the small strips, so that any deviation is not carried over to a large area. Press the narrow pieces down with the blunt side of a knife or with a toothpick; a finger cannot hit them well. The shade can be fine-tuned with a very thin stain, and the seams are brought out by a discreet dark wash. Finally a thin coat of matte varnish, which evens the surface out and protects it during further handling of the model.

Who the set is for

• Builders of German ships in 1:350 scale.
• Modelers who are comfortable with slow and accurate work.
• Those who want deck wood without laborious painting.
• Display models, where a closer look is expected.

An accessory for a plastic kit. The model, glue and paints are not included in the package.