History:
The
S.M.S. Beowulf was launched in Bremen, Germany at the A.G. Weser on the 8.
November 1890. The ship belongs to the Ironclad category. Her nickname "Guineapig"
is in reference to her particular bell shape body.
Six ships of her kind were build and were deployed to protect river mouths.
She participated in a naval review in which she was inspected by Czar Alexander III. and Kaiser Wilhelm II.
She was launched on in April 1892. In 1900 the Beowulf was modified in Danzig and her length was extended and she got a second smoke stag.
In the first World War the Beowulf protected Costal water and participated in
different operations. She was not damaged in the war. She was scraped in Danzig in 1921.
The Model:
The Beowulf is an unusual model, her particular shape makes for a very attractive model. I saw the model the first time on
a model exhibition in Germany and I liked it immediately. The design is very nice and was done by Markus Wiekowski. It is published by Hamburger Modellbaubogen Verlag and distributed by Scheuer and Struever,
Hamburg. The model represent the ship in the period of 1.4.1892 and 29.3.1895. It is classified as very difficult to built and some experience in paper modeling is definitely required, but I would categorize it as only difficult. The model has 854 parts. The model can be upgrade with a photo-etch set, which I used in the construction of this model. This is a waterline model. The printing quality is as always high with models from HMV and the colors and effects are well done.
The Kit:
The Scale of the model is 1: 250. The kit consist of 8 pages 8 1/4 x 12 inch. The instruction consists of 7 pages, which are in German language only and a general introduction in German and English language. This model does not include instruction diagrams as in the later models from HMW, which would allow also the English speaking model builder to make this model.
The photo-etch set comes with one page of instructions in diagram form and is great tool to add details to the model. It takes a little time to get used to the material and to learn to best form and glue it. Photo etch sets have to be first degreased, then color with a base paint and and at the end coated with the final color. You need a good glue, which should not be water based.
Conclusion:
I can recommend the model if you are looking for detailed model and have patience to built it. The photo etch set will help to bring more realism to the model.
Summary:
| Model: | S.M.S Beowulf |
| Kit: | Hambuger Modellbau Verlag (HMV) |
| Designers: | Markus Wiekowski |
| Availability: | Scheuer and Struever Verlag, Hamburg |
| Scale: | 1:250 |
| Difficulty: | very difficult |
| Number of Parts: | 854 |
| Instructions: | Only in German |
| Diagrams: | Only for photo etch set |
| Fit: | Very good. |
| Coloring and Artwork: | Excellent |
| Printing: | Very good printing. Precise registration |
| Resources: | Webpages |
