1/200 advanced detail up set for Bismarck

I'm building the same kit now and I'm using the PE set and wood deck from Pontos.  My experience level with PE is low but I'm learning so I'd say go for it.  For glue  I use Gator Grip white glue, thin and gel type CA.  For tools I would recommend an etch mate for making the bends.  Smooth jaws pliers, new number 11 Xacto blades to cut the part from the fret and then use a nice small file to clean up any excess metal left on the part after you remove it from the fret.  Take your time and study the parts and assembly pictures. Post pictures  if you move forward. 

John

I picked up a black zipper bag of assorted small pliers from Hobby Lobby for bending the PE that I use.  In the jewelery making section, I think they are around $12-15.  Take a phone pic of the coupon and get 40% off whatever it is.

Well I certainly would do a bunch of practice. If you start botching parts, which we all do, there's no easy way out.

I would buy something like a GMM  US Navy warships set, and try a few destroyers etc.

Whole books could be written, but since you are really experienced, you'll teach yourself pretty quickly.

The biggest learning curve is really the stupid stuff. How not to lose parts and how to decifer instructions. How to unattach botched installs, how to unbend stuff. When to paint, when to install first. How to bend the part in an order where you don't get yourself cornered.

I love it, I'm sure you will too.

I built one of those PE bending jigs similar to those commercial ones, but find I very seldom use it.  I do most of my bending with a pair of broad flat nose pliers and a second pair of small nose pliers.  I keep a scrap of particle board as a cutting mat.  Those soft cutting mats do not work that well for PE.  Others use a piece of glass.  Good tweezers are essential for PE work.

I've been watching videos on how to use photo etch and have learned quite a bit.  I got a bender (hold and fold) and several other tools.  I mainly work on ships and boats and I thought I'd try out some PE parts.  The Bismarck itself came with 13 sheets of PE, a lot of which are in the Advanced kit.  But I wanted the resin parts and the metal guns along with the blast bags.  The kit also came with a bonus turret (see through) made of clear plastic.  It's kinda neat looking too.  But thanks to all you guy's for your response to my question.