Built straight out of the box, I didn't use PE but even like this the Bismarck is an outstanding model! Academy's kit is quite a compromise between quality and cost.
I used Tamiya Italian red for the hull cause i wanted it a bit more brighter and shiny than the normal dark hull red,Haze gray for the upper parte of the hull and overall structures and Gunship grey for the upper side of the main turrets and the ends of the hull. Modelmaster natural wood was used for the deck.