Tamiya 78013 - 1:350 Bismarck

Plastic model kit of the German battleship Bismarck in 1:350 scale

Tamiya 78013 is a self-assembly model of the Bismarck — the most famous ship of the Kriegsmarine, whose only combat sortie ended in one of the largest naval hunts in history. The kit comes from 1978 tooling and depicts the battleship as she appeared during Operation Rheinübung in May 1941 — the only configuration in which she ever put to sea for battle.

The model is full hull, with the hull moulded as a single part, which simplifies the build considerably. The centre deck section is removable. The hull is prepared for motorisation: a gearbox is included in the kit, but the motor is not part of the kit and is not supplied in the box. Deck equipment includes Arado floatplanes, boats and cranes, and the finished model is displayed on the included stand with a name plate.

What is in the box:

• Plastic sprues — one-piece hull together with superstructure, gun turret and deck equipment parts
• Removable centre deck section
• Arado floatplanes
• Ship's boats and cranes
• Gearbox (the motor is not included in the kit)
• Marking sheet for the ship
• Display stand with name plate
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Model specifications:

• Scale: 1:350
• Catalogue number: 78013
• Manufacturer: Tamiya
• Assembled length: approx. 717 mm
• Model type: full hull, one-piece hull
• Tooling: 1978; depicted configuration: Operation Rheinübung, May 1941
• Skill level: beginner

Please note: the kit does not include cement, paints or modelling tools. The model requires assembly.

Assembly:

The one-piece hull keeps the build smooth and free of laborious hull-half alignment — this is an approachable kit, also for those taking on their first 1:350 warship. Bear in mind that while the hull is prepared for motorisation and a gearbox is included, there is no motor in the box: the model is built as a static display piece unless the builder chooses to source a drive on their own.

In May 1941 the Bismarck wore her distinctive camouflage of diagonal grey stripes along the hull sides, combined with lighter and darker fields; the decks were finished in a darker shade and the underwater hull painted red. A matt varnish as a final coat and a wash to bring out the detail are recommended — it defines the deck planking and superstructure nicely. Modellers after a higher level of detail may consider photo-etched sets for this model (railings, ladders, antennas), available separately.

Tools you will need:

• Modelling nippers for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for cleaning up sprue gate marks
• Plastic cement (e.g. Tamiya Extra Thin Cement)
• Precision modelling tweezers
• Brushes in several sizes
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• Panel wash to bring out the detail

About the ship — the battleship Bismarck:

The Bismarck was the largest warship built by Germany up to that time and one of the most powerful battleships of her era. With a full load displacement of some 50,300 tons, a length of 251 metres and a beam of 36 metres, she combined heavy armour with eight 380 mm guns in four twin turrets, backed by a substantial secondary and anti-aircraft battery. Twelve Wagner boilers and three shafts gave her a speed of around 30 knots — high for a ship of her size. Her crew numbered roughly 2,065.

In May 1941 the Bismarck put to sea together with the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen as part of Operation Rheinübung, aimed at Allied shipping in the Atlantic. On 24 May, in the Battle of the Denmark Strait, the German battleship's gunfire caused the British battlecruiser HMS Hood to explode and sink — a loss that shook Britain. In the same action, however, the Bismarck was hit by HMS Prince of Wales, losing fuel and the ability to continue her sortie as planned.

The Royal Navy threw practically everything it had into the pursuit. After an attack by torpedo aircraft damaged her rudder, the battleship lost steering control and on 27 May 1941 she was sunk following an engagement with British warships. The Bismarck's entire combat career lasted only a matter of days, yet the ship left a lasting mark on the history of the war at sea — not least thanks to the discovery of her wreck in 1989.

Original ship specifications (battleship Bismarck):

• Type: battleship
• Standard displacement: approx. 41,700 tons; full load: approx. 50,300 tons
• Dimensions: 251 x 36 m
• Main armament: 8 x 380 mm guns (four twin turrets)
• Secondary battery: 12 x 150 mm guns
• Anti-aircraft armament: 16 x 105 mm guns, 16 x 37 mm and 12 x 20 mm guns
• Aircraft: 4 Arado Ar 196 floatplanes
• Propulsion: 12 Wagner boilers, 3 shafts, approx. 150,000 shp
• Speed: approx. 30 knots
• Crew: approx. 2,065
• Service: Operation Rheinübung, sinking of HMS Hood (24 May 1941), sunk on 27 May 1941 after a Royal Navy pursuit

About the manufacturer — Tamiya:

Tamiya Corporation is a Japanese model company founded in 1946 by Yoshio Tamiya in Shizuoka, a city regarded as the centre of the Japanese model industry. It began in the timber trade, moved on to wooden models in the late 1940s and released its first injection-moulded plastic kit in 1960. The brand is known for precise moulds and excellent part fit, which makes its kits a popular choice for beginners and experienced modellers alike. Tamiya's naval range covers 1:350 and 1:700 scales, from destroyers to battleships and carriers. Its assembly instructions are clear and consistently illustrated, which matters a great deal on warship kits with many small details. The company also produces a full line of modelling supplies: paints, cements, tools and brushes. Today Tamiya is present in dozens of countries and remains one of the most recognisable names in the hobby.