I have both Jean Bart and Richelieu in 1/700 in my stash (both Trumpy kits) and am thinking of starting one of them for a change of pace. I asked White Ensign about their PE set and apparently the set may or may not be available until late this year. Not a real problem as I can use some generic PE for lifelines and railings. My question concerns mostly Jean Bart (1955 version). The photos I have looked at seem to indicate radars as mostly British style while the color scheme seems to be overall light gray with dark gray decks and black for deck machinery and anchor chains & anchors. I also have Richelieu in 1/700 but not sure if that model depicts the ship just after her overhaul at the Brookly Navy Yard. If thats the case for Richelieu I’m guessing early US style radars etc. Does anyone have any other ideas on these two ships. I kinda like their looks and would also lke to see Dunkerque/Strasbourg in plastic too.
Another question: my time as a boatswain mate was very short, does anyone remember the color coding on anchor chain links? I do remember that if you see red links to clear the foc’sl immediately as the bitter end of the anchor chain is coming out of the chain locker really fast and ya don’t want to be there. (I have an idea for a diorama I’d like to do sometime in the future.) Thanks for any input. RickM
On Jean Bart the directions for a dark gray wooden deck are incorrect. The wooden deck would not have been stained at the time the model is depicted. On page 121 of Garzke and Dulin’s Allied Battleships of WW2 there is a good picture of the radar suite found on Jean Bart in 1952. The photo is of the model in the Musees De Marine. You might be able to get the exact information as I understand the plans for this ship are now on line through the French Navy or the Museum, I don’t know which, but I have talked with others who have seen them. WS
Don’t know about 1/700, but Strasbourg and Dunkerque can be had in 1/400 by Heller… (I think they are nicer looking than Richelieu or Jean Bart!)
Thanks for the info:
dreadnaught: I’ll do a google for French navy and see what they have. I really didn’t think about the dark gray deck color but you’re right. After WW2 any deck stains would have been removed and the decks returned to holystoned wood. After all, keeping those decks looking good makes for plenty of work for idle sailors.
Searat: I agree with you about Dunkerque and Strasbourg. I built Hellers Dunkerque many years ago and always liked the ship’s looks. Also like the looks of the WW2 Italian BB’s too. They are all very classy, elegant looking ships.
I also love the appearance of the Dunkerque and Strasbourg as well as the Italian battleships. I really wish someone would release modern molds of these ships in either 1/350 and/or 1/700. I have the Heller Strasbourg but the molds are outdated. I did add a great deal of detailing to get a good model, but it does show its age.
Bill Morrison