Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)This is the 'premium edition' 1/700 Bismarck kit by Dragon Models. The branding indicates an older non-premium version exists, but if so it's no longer available. Dragon (a.k.a. DML) has a pretty solid reputation as a kit maker, and I've had good experiences with their aircraft models in the past. Seeing as how this one was significantly less expensive than the corresponding Tamiya, Aoshima, and Trumpeter offerings, I figured I'd give their ship line a shot.
The model includes some interesting options. For example, you can build it as a waterline or a full hull version, and decals are included for several different paint schemes. Paint directions, in color no less, show how to mark the ship according to various points in her relatively short history. There's also a sheet of brass photoetched parts (some bulkheads, railings, reels, and radar) and a stand if you choose to construct the full hull variant.
As a waterline kit, this one is a tad deficient. If you choose to construct it in this fashion, the bottom of the hull is open and hollow, and there's no weight (included in Tamiya and Aoshima waterline kits). Combined with the relatively small size and weight of the finished product, it means a passing train can cause it to fall off your shelf.
The detail ranges from average to great. If you use the photoetched parts, they of course have superb detail. They do a good job of prettying up the superstructure, but some other sections (e.g. the conning towers, anti-air turrets, and boats) aren't so well detailed. It's a rather odd distinction in comparison to the Japanese models: some parts are nicer, such as main gun barrels which have depressions at the muzzle that gives them the illusion of actually being hollow. Others look downright clunky in comparison, such as the secondary battery. I suspect a few parts were modernized from an older mold, while others were kept the same, thus leading to these inconsistencies.
The fit is average, actually a bit worse than DML's aircraft models and significantly weaker than that of more expensive manufacturer's. Many pieces need to be filed down to fit; the main gun turrets were especially difficult to attach. Dragon doesn't use poly caps like their competitors, instead having a key-style block that supposedly lets you rotate the turrets after assembly. Let's just say it doesn't work too well. Despite my complaints in this department, the fit still blows away anything that Revell or Lindberg puts out.
Overall, I'd say this is a decent model. It's pretty good for the price, though also not as good as pricier ones. The inclusion of photoetched parts and extra decals is neat, the detail and difficulty are good enough, but in the end you do get what you pay for. Is it worth paying more for one of the 1/700 Tamiya or Aoshima kits? I'd say if you're going to build this as a waterline, then definitely yes. If no, it's more a matter of personal taste and your budget. On a sidenote, I have to give it up for Dragon's honesty- they straight up warn you that if you're under 15 you're going to have trouble with this. Truth.
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