It's certainly is looking easier, pre-painted as well, I have the original offering 3/4 built, I'd be very tempted if it became available here in Australia

[quote=CaptnBirdseye] Hi guys, just a small update. I’ve been collecting issues while I decide whether make a small upgrade to add the bow and stern ‘swastika’ decals, or not. The best ones I can find are from an Australian supplier, so I have sent for a pack. I will make the decision once they arrive. I can’t build any further until I make the decision, as I will need to paint the deck area red.
Any thoughts on the correct colour red for this ‘swastika’ background, anyone?

Here is a link to show what I mean:
https://www.kbismarck.com/drawings.html[/quote]

The red used on the flag of that period is known as "Electric Red". It carries the following spec:

Name: Electric Red
Hex: #DE0000
RGB: (222, 0, 0)
CMYK: 0, 1, 1, 0.129

I was hoping a site i use would convert the RGB to FS but it says there is no close match.

Using the HEX ref again gives no direct conversion but does give you some colour swatches that you could match againt your preferred paint brands colour charts.

https://encycolorpedia.com/de0000

I have compared the on screen hex with my fs colours chart and come up with what appears to be a good match.

Comparing this colour swatch to humbrol , and this is never 100% accurate as colours do not always ring true on the screen i am of the opinion humbrol 19 bright red is a good match and possible humbrol 60 scarlet might be worh a look

At the end of the day i would suggest using something that looks right for you.

Hope this might give you a couple of pointers.

Tony

Thanks Tony Got some Vallejo Model Air RML Red 71.003. That looks pretty close match to me. Will have to see what it looks like once it’s on.

Cheers Gray

Gray

I initially purchased the decal set from peddinghaus but that set is designed for the trumpeter kit so the red on the bow and stern flags does not come to the deck edges.

Some of the builders have just moved the decal and others have painted the edges.

The better set is the same as you have ordered because it misses out the red part of the flag allowing you to get a proper "fit" by painting your own.

Look gorward to seeing how you get on with this part of your build.

Tony

So I have received the decal set from customhobbydecals, and i think they will work well. I also ordered some of the maritime line blast bags, but can see that they will not work as they are too rigid for the working guns.

Issue 4:

The Two Catapults and motor test.
Pack contents: 2x catapult tracks, 8x wheels, 2x Catapult supports, Front port hull section, Connector, Circuit board, Battery box, 4x Axles, Screws.

Firstly, the connector is attached to the hull section provided and stored away safely. The wheels are then attached to the axles and fitted to the catapult track, making sure they rotate freely. The catapult support track is then fitted, noting the correct orientation. These should be able to slide freely.

Taking the battery box, fit 3x AA batteries and attach the cable into the port marked 'Power' on the circuit board. Take the gun turret from issue 2 and insert the cable into the port labelled 'Motor'on the circuit board. Slide the switch to 'On', and watch the guns recoil.

Store any unused parts in a stage labelled bag. This completes Stage 4.

Foredeck

So having decided to go ahead with the decal set, the first job was to measure the white area of the first decal. Adding a few mil, i then masked off the area for priming. I sprayed a few coats of Tamiya Surface Primer, followed by several coats of Vallejo RML23. I hope that the photos really do the colour justice, because i am very pleased with the colour .

However, I am less pleased with the way the primer has seeped through under the masking tape very slightly. I will wait for it to dry before attampting to remove it, or if i cant i might just need to extend the red area slightly. It's anly minor, but i know it's there

Next i will give the painted area a coat of sealer and then add the swastika.

More to follow...

Great to see you making progress on this one again Gray, coming along very nicely....

Regards

Alan

Issue 6:

The Second Keel Section.
Pack contents: Second keel section, Connector for keel section, Screws.

Well this issue is short and sweet, with very little to do. Taking the earlier bow section, the second keel section is test-fitted in place.Once happy with alignment, screw the pieces together using the connector and screws provided.

Store any unused parts in a stage-labelled bag and set aside for use later on.

This completes Stage 6.

Cheers Mick, it does look a good shade of red, and am very pleased with it. Fancy doing it on yours???