Level 3 Model Kit German Battleship Bismarck 1/600 Plastic Model Kit by Airfix

Brand new plastic model kit of German Battleship Bismarck (Level 3) 1/600 plastic model kit by Airfix. Brand new box. Vintage style packaging. Officially licensed product. Contains 170 detailed parts. Does NOT include display stand. Paint and cement required (not included). Manufacturer's original unopened packaging. Parts molded in Light Gray, unless otherwise indicated. Dimensions approximately L-16.25, W-2.375 inches assembled. HISTORY ASPECTS: The German battleship Bismarck, launched in 1939, was one of the largest and most powerful battleships ever built by Germany and a significant symbol of naval power during World War II. Named after the 19th-century German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, this vessel was intended to challenge the naval dominance of the British Royal Navy. With a displacement of over 50,000 tons fully loaded and armed with eight 15-inch guns, the Bismarck represented the pinnacle of naval engineering of its time. The Bismarck's most notable conflict was its only operational mission, known as Operation Rheinübung, in May 1941. The mission aimed to break into the Atlantic Ocean and disrupt Allied shipping lanes. Accompanied by the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen, Bismarck was spotted by the British near Norway, which led to a series of engagements in the Denmark Strait. On May 24, 1941, Bismarck and Prinz Eugen encountered the British battlecruiser HMS Hood and the battleship HMS Prince of Wales. In this engagement, the Bismarck's accurate gunfire resulted in the catastrophic explosion and sinking of HMS Hood, a major blow to British morale. However, the triumph was short-lived. Damaged in the engagement and with a compromised fuel supply, the Bismarck attempted to reach occupied France for repairs. The British Royal Navy, determined to avenge the loss of the Hood, launched an extensive pursuit involving dozens of ships and aircraft. On May 26, 1941, British carrier-based Swordfish torpedo bombers from HMS Ark Royal managed to score a critical hit on Bismarck's rudder, disabling her steering. The following day, unable to maneuver and surrounded by British ships, the Bismarck was subjected to a relentless bombardment by the battleships HMS King George V and HMS Rodney, among others. Eventually, the Bismarck was scuttled by her crew and sank, marking the end of one of the most famous naval engagements of World War II. Own a piece of naval history with this 1:600 scale model of the battleship Bismarck. This finely detailed replica captures the formidable presence and intricate design of the Bismarck, from its towering superstructure to its powerful main guns. Perfect for history buffs and model enthusiasts alike, this replica brings to life the legendary battleship's storied past and its dramatic final voyage in the tumultuous waters of the Atlantic.