Post by Baz on Jun 2, 2010 11:36:54 GMT 1
Notes
My past interest in maritime historical research has turned me into a bit of stickler for detail, so here are some ramblings that I hope might be of interest.
I know there is a lot spoken and available regarding the Bismarck’s colour schemes
So lets put it in perspective.
This model of the Bismarck gives us all the pieces to produce a reproduction in various configurations right up to her sinking.
There is an abundance of photos for reference spanning her career from dockyard to graveyard, so we all can accurately follow the changes, additions and alterations.
A really interesting set of notes on the reverse side of page 181 of our magazine section ‘The Bismarck – History and Destiny’ gives a remarkably accurate rundown on the 1941 modifications
• 3 x 2cm single gun carriage fitted in January 1941.
• One was placed on top of Anton for the journey to Kiel and then removed
• The other 2 mounted near the stern were kept.
• Ventilator changes were made
• Also – a mod that has always eluded me – Gangways were fitted to the catapults for technical reasons. Still haven’t seen a photo to confirm these !
• 2 quad antiaircraft guns added in April 1941
• Rangefinder beams for 6” guns fitted at an unknown date after the quad installations
I want to present an accurate view of the Bissie with all her rangefinders and radars attached so I am confined to the variations as suggested by Hachette on page 285 of the step by step assembly guide.
So
What are my choices ?
The Baltic colour scheme was in place for some time – around December 1940.
Compared to the others, that’s an eternity
Our next period spans a very very very short length of time
19 May 1941 to 27 May 1941
Total of 8 days
During this period the paint scheme goes through a series of transitions
Between leaving Gotenhafen 19 May and arriving at Grimstadfjord 21 May, the superstructure dazzle work is removed while the ship is at sea
2 days !
At Grimstadfjord, the hull is able to be significantly changed to all grey apart from the bow wave in just 9 hours
All are transitional schemes – a point in time only
The ship now has her final colour scheme that lasts from 2000 hours 21 May until she is sunk, 27 May Give or take – 6 days
Therefore in my summation, I only have 2 choices
Full Baltic or final scheme.
Now………………. Which one ??
Baz
My past interest in maritime historical research has turned me into a bit of stickler for detail, so here are some ramblings that I hope might be of interest.
I know there is a lot spoken and available regarding the Bismarck’s colour schemes
So lets put it in perspective.
This model of the Bismarck gives us all the pieces to produce a reproduction in various configurations right up to her sinking.
There is an abundance of photos for reference spanning her career from dockyard to graveyard, so we all can accurately follow the changes, additions and alterations.
A really interesting set of notes on the reverse side of page 181 of our magazine section ‘The Bismarck – History and Destiny’ gives a remarkably accurate rundown on the 1941 modifications
• 3 x 2cm single gun carriage fitted in January 1941.
• One was placed on top of Anton for the journey to Kiel and then removed
• The other 2 mounted near the stern were kept.
• Ventilator changes were made
• Also – a mod that has always eluded me – Gangways were fitted to the catapults for technical reasons. Still haven’t seen a photo to confirm these !
• 2 quad antiaircraft guns added in April 1941
• Rangefinder beams for 6” guns fitted at an unknown date after the quad installations
I want to present an accurate view of the Bissie with all her rangefinders and radars attached so I am confined to the variations as suggested by Hachette on page 285 of the step by step assembly guide.
So
What are my choices ?
The Baltic colour scheme was in place for some time – around December 1940.
Compared to the others, that’s an eternity
Our next period spans a very very very short length of time
19 May 1941 to 27 May 1941
Total of 8 days
During this period the paint scheme goes through a series of transitions
Between leaving Gotenhafen 19 May and arriving at Grimstadfjord 21 May, the superstructure dazzle work is removed while the ship is at sea
2 days !
At Grimstadfjord, the hull is able to be significantly changed to all grey apart from the bow wave in just 9 hours
All are transitional schemes – a point in time only
The ship now has her final colour scheme that lasts from 2000 hours 21 May until she is sunk, 27 May Give or take – 6 days
Therefore in my summation, I only have 2 choices
Full Baltic or final scheme.
Now………………. Which one ??
Baz