Eduard etch set for Trumpeter 1:200 DKM Bismarck

[Shar2]

DKM Battleship Bismarck
1:200 Etch sets

The release of the 1:200 Bismarck by Trumpeter was both a welcome and disbelieving release. Disbelieving, in the sheer size of the kit, and the amount of detail contained in the box. Suffice it to say that it was bound to become the subject for the aftermarket companies’ attentions. Thusly these sets have been released by Eduard. Strangely Britmodeller have been sent a part one and three, as it appears part two hasn’t been released yet. Being 1:200 the frets and indeed the parts of etched brass are quite large, 210mm x 134mm for each of the frets included in the two sets.

Part 1- (53-080) is designed to detail the ships lifeboats and is pretty comprehensive even though it’s all contained on just one sheet. Each of the motor boats, irrespective of their size receives new interior decking, sidewalls, steering wheel, lockers, steersman seat and entrance ladder. Externally there is a new deck, deckhouse, screen, deck hatches, hand rails, hoist points, life ring, replacement prop, and bitts fore and aft. The rowing boats, being less complex craft obviously have less details to add, with only the interior gratings, oars, (folded items to give a better scale thickness), and rudders. Once completed the boats can be fitted to their cradles and their respective tie-downs and shackle eyes can be added from the sheet. The details are very well done and they really make the lifeboats stand out, rather than being overshadowed by the rest of the ship.

Part 3 – (53-082), usually the sets of railings come in pre-cut lengths of two or three chain bar railings already made up. Well with this set you can forget all that. The first sheet provides the deck pieces/templates it’s not particularly clear in the instructions, other than a 0.3mm drill is used to drill through the deck pieces. Into the drilled holes the stantions and inserted and glued, followed by support angles every four stantions. Once all the stantions have been fitted the separate chains are inserted in the hooks provided to build up the railings one level at a time until the construction is complete.

Conclusion
Although these sets only make up a part of the complete build they are a good indication of what is to come with the main, Part 2, instalment. If you’re lucky enough to have one of these huge and wonderful kits, then you will love what Eduard have provided with these sets. The lifeboats will look fantastic with all the extra detail and some careful painting. The railing set may make you lose your sanity, but if taken a length at a time they will build up into some of the most accurate railings around. I quite easily recommend these to all those experienced with the use of etch.

Review sample courtesy of

[mick]

Dave, can you tell if one packet of railings is enough to complete just the hull railings

Mick

[Shar2]

From the instructions it looks like there is enough for the main and upper deck railings.

[mick]

thanks for infor