Revell Bismarck German Battleship 1:350

Review by: Tom Potter  

 

Our thanks to Revell Germany for supplying our Tirpitz and Bismarck samples: www.revell.de

 Our thanks to White Ensign Models for supplying our etched samples that will be used in the Feature articles by Tom P (Tirpitz) and Les V (Bismarck). Get these excellent update sets here now at: www.whiteensignmodels.com.  

Initial Assessment

This kit is pretty much exactly the same as the Tirpitz, which you may have seen the recent Here Now review for recently. This is what reviewer Tom Potter said there, though I will add some additional comments where necessary to ensure this makes full sense!

As you can see above, Les Venus will actually be building the Bismarck and Tom the Tirpitz – both of which will feature the excellent White Ensign Models photo etch brass sets. 

Tom says…

This is going to prove to be a bit of a diversion; me, a dyed in the wool modeller of aircraft, diving in at the deep end of maritime modelling. But that’s something we here at SMN would like to advocate; that you go off into areas you haven’t been to before.

I don’t intend to give any background for these two ships. Firstly, I don’t feel qualified and secondly, a cursory glimpse at the internet shows that there is a wealth of information out there for both ships.

Click on Image to Enlarge.

The Box

So, having laid down my credentials, let’s get on with the review. This is really two reviews in one as the subjects are the Tirpitz and Bismarck, two largely similar ships which are being boxed separately by Revell. The first impression is quite simply the stunning size of the box, which measures a huge .75mtr or 2’ 6” (take your pick) in length. I’m only glad I didn’t have to walk down the high street with this one!

Opening the box reveals the major components of hull and deck securely held by substantial packing. Underneath all the packaging are the smaller parts and the total parts count is getting on for 400 pieces.

Included is a clear sprue for various searchlights and aircraft transparencies.

A comprehensive decal sheet is provided which gives two options for each of the two ships.