1:700 DKM Bismarck (For Revell 05098)

The real subject

The Bismarck was the first of two battleships of her class and the best-known large surface unit of the Kriegsmarine of the Second World War. She became famous for a single combat sortie in the spring of 1941, which ended in her sinking. What attracts modelers to her is the clean silhouette with its expansive main deck, along which the eye travels first on a finished model.

What the deck offers

A deck part from the range of wooden decks, cut for 1:700 scale and for the Revell kit listed under the manufacturer's part number 05098. It is laid onto the plastic deck of the model, which it covers, and replaces the engraved representation of the planks with the real grain of wood. No painting or shading can imitate that, because the grain is in the material rather than on the surface. In a small scale this is one of the most effective interventions of all: the share of the deck area in the overall impression of a model is the largest of any part here.

Laying tips

First rid the plastic deck of burrs, projections and unevenness, so that the part is not lifted anywhere, and degrease the surface. Check in the manufacturer's instructions whether the deck has an adhesive layer of its own or is glued separately. Lay it on dry and go over the outlines around the turrets, the funnel and the superstructures; only then settle it permanently, because moving it back afterwards is practically impossible. Fit the superstructures, the armament and the equipment only after the deck is laid. The surface is usually left in its natural shade; if you want to tone it, try the product on an offcut first.

Terms of supply

The deck part is supplied. The ship kit, paints and glue are not part of the delivery, unless stated otherwise.