Bismarck
Battleship Bismarck – Last Voyage
- Scale: 1:192
- Release: 1996
- Limited Edition Release: 50
- Models Produced: 16
- Model Size: 52”L x 7”W x 12”H
- Base Type: Black Walnut
- Base/Case Size: 58”L x 12”Wx 15”H
- Availability: Sold out
Battleship Bismarck – Full Camouflage
- Scale: 1:192
- Release: 1996
- Limited Edition Release: 10
- Models Produced: 3
- Model Size: 52”L x 7”W x 12”H
- Base Type: Black Walnut
- Base/Case Size: 58”L x 12”Wx 15”H
- Availability: Sold out
Fine Art Models
Fine Art Models decided to model the Bismarck and Tirpitz because of their relative mystery. For all of the people who know of them, few have seen what they looked like in three dimensions. From water-level they’re beauties, with their graceful Atlantic bows and sleek silhouettes, made more interesting by their camouflage. From above, with the full hull visible, our models reveal a more grim, beamy armored behemoth. Their power is gripping—side-by-side comparison with our model of USS Missouri leaves one wondering how the real Missouri might have fared in a duel without the advantages of radar fire control. And the sight of two or more Bismarck-class models together makes one wonder what the British Admiralty would have done had they faced Bismarck and Tirpitz together.
As is standard, we did not decide to build Bismarck until we knew could come up with every original plan to complete her with no compromise. To accomplish this objective, we went to her builder, Blohm & Voss of Hamburg. At first they greeted us with skepticism, as no one had built a model of this caliber before. Upon viewing our USS Arizona model, they realized that we were very serious and granted us access to every drawing needed and allowed us to photograph every inch of the original builder’s model. Now we had everything.
Our limited-edition Bismarcks are built in 1:192 scale. We offered two versions: one version exhibits the camouflage carried when it sortied on its last voyage while the other version reflects its condition when it was sunk, with some camouflage markings painted over and minus one of its boats.
The Bismarck hulls are made of high-definition resin and everything above deck is hand-fabricated brass. With our own computer program and an investment in a new laser, we were able to capture every detail on the decks that were found on the original plans. Notice also the real grating on the upper decks – these holes are so small and so precise, that a magnifying glass is needed to see them in detail.
While we certainly respect and appreciate the sensitivity of the swastikas, we feel it is crucial that we build these ships as they were (by documenting history with our models, to eliminate these elements is to deny history) as so many of our models find their way into museum collections.
