Manufacturer: Tamiya
Scale: 1/350
Additional parts: RC-equippment
Model build: mid 1980s
Kriegsmarine Schlachtschiff Tirpitz
Tamiya
1/350
1/350
Schlachtschiff Tirpitz
Tirpitz was a German battleship built during World War II. It was part of the Bismarck class, known for its large size and powerful weaponry.
After its commissioning, Tirpitz primarily served as a deterrent. It was stationed in Norway to prevent Allied invasions and disrupt supply routes to the Soviet Union. Although it participated in a few bombardments, its main role was to force the British Navy to allocate resources for its containment.
In 1944, Tirpitz was sunk by British bombers in a daring attack using large "Tallboy" bombs. The explosion caused significant damage and loss of life. The wreck was later salvaged and broken up.
This model is a bit different than my other ones. I have not made it myself. This 1/350 Tamiya Tirpitz was build by my father in the mid 1980s, so its coming close to 40 years of age now. After he has passed away, I was looking of some room to place it, as I wanted to save it.
Whats a bit special is, this model is a RC one. This model had a "battery" option, so, engine and gearbox was included and one big rudder could be used if you wanted to run it on battery. My father converted it to use the two smaller original rudders and added all the RC electronics to it. It was a bit tricky so save the wight that the model was not too deep in the water. In the mid 80s, you only got quite heavy battery packs.
I also remember that he wanted to modify one of the cranes to be used as the power switch for the model, but this did not work. So, now you can lift the backward superstructure, the main power button located there. I wonder if the old electronics does still work, have to make a try one day. And find a place where to run it safely.
Of course, nowadays you could much more enhance such a model with all the PE parts available now, but back then, you did not had the option. And making it a RC model, it would be even more fragile as it is now. I think it only run 2 or three times on a little lake near our house back then.
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