Trumpeter 1/700 Bismarck Kit First Look
By Michael Benolkin
| Date of Review | September 2004 | Manufacturer | Trumpeter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Bismarck | Scale | 1/700 |
| Kit Number | 5711 | Primary Media | Styrene |
| Pros | Excellent detailing throughout | Cons | |
| Skill Level | Intermediate | MSRP (USD) | $22.95 |
First Look
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The Bismarck is probably the best known ship in the WW2 German Navy. Its effectiveness interdicting the sea lanes and disrupting shipping around England forced the Royal Navy into a protracted hunt that finally resulted in putting the Bismarck on the sea floor.
The kit is comprised of 281 parts molded mostly in light gray styrene with the exception being the two hull options molded in hull red. To that end, the kit offers you the choice of waterline or full-hull construction. When completed, the model is approximately 14 inches in length.
The kit is supplied on eight trees. It is hard to fathom (pun intended) a 1/700 ship kit with 281 parts, but Trumpeter continues its tradition of very detailed kits and the Bismarck is no exception! Even fine details like lifeboats, duty launches, and catapult aircraft are well represented.
Markings are provided for the Bismarck in its May 1941 configuration.
A stand is included to rest the full-hull version on your shelf should you opt for that configuration.
This looks to be an incredible kit right out of the box. The decals are from Pit Road, so I wouldn't be surprised to see this kit in other packaging.
My sincere thanks to Stevens International for this review sample!