The Bismarck

It is simply a matter of preference. The Revell Bismarck is a very superior kit; it addresses every major issue with the Tamiya kit. That is not to say that the Tamiya kit isn't a good one; it is, but not as good as the Revell kit.

Bill Morrison

EPinniger wrote:

Revell's kit has a much higher level of detail and fineness overall (and a single-piece deck!). I don't know how the price in the USA compares with that of the Tamiya kit, but in Europe the retail price of the Revell kit is only marginally higher.

Tamiya doubled the price when they re-boxed the #78001 Bismarck kit to #78013 kit. If the Tamiya level of detail is sufficient, the Academy 1:350 Bismarck is still widely available at the original Tamiya price of $35-40. Otherwise, no reason not to go for the new Revell Bismarck. 

If you're thinking of buying the Tamiya Bismarck, you might want to look at the new Revell kit instead (this kit has been discussed previously on this forum - a search for "Revell Bismarck" will find more info - and there are numerous reviews online). Revell's kit has a much higher level of detail and fineness overall (and a single-piece deck!). I don't know how the price in the USA compares with that of the Tamiya kit, but in Europe the retail price of the Revell kit is only marginally higher.

On the other hand, if you already have Tamiya's kit, it's still very good considering its 30-odd years of age (as are the rest of their 1/350 series) and well worth building. A PE detail set would definitely be recommended, especially one which includes hatches etc. for the bulkheads.

The two biggest issues that I have had with the Tamiya kit were getting rid of seams with the three-part deck and the lack of bulkhead detail.  There is also no hull penetrations detail below the waterline.  Other than those issues, it is a nice kit.

Bill Morrison