Paulp331

I am on the final pack and looking forward to finishing the Bismarck. It's a great project. Enjoyed every stage. Yet i do have a few thoughts to share. Most of all, I wish the directions would have saved many of the final details, especially the photo-etch railing for the very end. While testing the electronics, I had to make many adjustments to the guns, propellers and a few other moving parts. All of this work required lifting the decks once again to reset the moving secondary armament. Several of the guns were still exceeding their limits and damaging the gun barrels. Unfortunately, the adjustments damaged or knocked off some of the more delicate photo-etch parts such as railing, antennas etc. I know I should have been more patient and careful but...... I think saving all the railings especially until the end would have resulted in less frustration. Regardless, I am very happy with the ship. I am now connecting the remote controls. Will be interesting to see how that goes. I realize for some, the remote controls have been an adventure too. Guess I will find out soon for myself. Congratulations to all who are also wrapping up this remarkable ship model project. Cheers.

Yes, pack 10 is on the way. I received mine yesterday, December 23rd. The sent date was December 16. 7 Days for an overseas shipment is pretty good I think. The Bismarck is a great build, lots of fiddly details but all worth it.

Yes, I received Pack 10 yesterday, December 23rd. It was sent on December 16. 7 days transit from the UK, not bad. I live near Nashville, Tennessee. So far, deliveries have been trouble free. I've been very happy with the project and customer service.

Thank you to Customer Service. Received an email today from Sophie saying the replacement cable will be sent with my next Pack, 6 I believe. Appreciate the prompt response.

Looks like I am a little late to the party. I just now discovered I am missing Pack 4, part box 40's search light cable too. Since I have already received Pack 5, I am asking the administrator to send the light cable in an upcoming shipment. Looks like Pack 6 will soon be dispatched. Thank you in advance. I received updates at email pparisot@sbcglobal.net

I don't know what Agora may have in mind but there are other Hachette parts models already distributed in Europe. Along with this newest diecast metal version of the Bismarck, others I am aware of are the Scharnhorst, Prinz Eugen, and a U-boat. I also think the HMS Hood was one of them. Most of these ships were plank on frame builds, not diecast like this Bismarck. I hope this metal version of the Bismarck is a success. I much prefer assembling the diecast metal compared with the wood plank on frame process---too much sanding, dust, primer paint etc for me.

Just completed the parts in Pack 2. The real challenge for this stage was getting the mechanical parts to work properly. The anchor assembly especially required just the right touch. Tightening the screws to the casing too much will bind the motor. I am glad the designers of the kit included testing functions at this early stage. Overall, I am liking this parts build process very much. Looking forward to the next batch.

I had the same problem too initially. But like others, I discovered the screw settings were too tight. Loosening them up a bit helped. I think getting the right fit for all the geared functions can be a bit fiddly.

Good news, Pack 2 is shipping this week. I received mine yesterday. All 12 parts are present. Looking forward to the build. I hope there are no delays in delivery for the other builders. I also noticed World of Wayne has released his video for Pack 2. I find the videos and WW's build very helpful. Cheers.

Your ship is looking great. Looking forward to more deliveries so I too will have something that actually resembles the ship. I noticed you have stained the decks. Nice touch. Thanks for posting.

Finished up Package 1, parts 1-to-8. So far easy and straightforward. Here are a couple photos of the parts and the tools I am using for now. Would love to see other builds as we progress. Thx, Paul P

Yes, I received all 8 stages.

I received my first package of parts of the Bismarck this week via UPS. Packaging looks great. Each part securely enclosed in a hard plastic vacuformed tray. Also included is the poster and printed highlights of the ship's animated features. Looking forward to start the build. I've built and painted many model ships and armor over the years and this Bismarck will be my first mixed media and pre-painted project. Will be interesting to assemble the diecast metal hull. Will be watching the World of Wayne's Bismarck build for his tips and entertaining guidance.

If you want an RC model, I too agree that the Trumpeter Bismarck would be a better choice. In fact there is a package of motors, motor shafts, props and rudders made by a 3rd party vendor available for the Trumpeter Bismarck and other Trumpeter 1/200 scale ships. However, what appeals to me for this version (Agora's) is both the large scale, detail and the many animated features of the ship. I built the Trumpeter 1/200 USS Arizona previously and am now looking for a new model making experience. Most of my RC ships remain on the shelf and don't sail often on a pond. Having the animations, lights and sounds built into this diecast version of the ship is an exciting departure for otherwise motionless model displays. I ordered it today and look forward to the build