by Indra Krishnamurti
1/350 SMS Markgraf (ICM)
ICM 1/350 Markgraf with Toms' Modelworks PE set
This model was built in a 3-month period, working evenings and weekends. It portrays SMS Markgraf in the late 1916-early 1917 period:
The model is a joy to build, with minimal fuss. Moulded on anchor chains were replaced with real ones, and plastic yardarms replaced with steel rods (guitar strings). Otherwise, modification is minimal.
The oft-mentioned problem regarding the fit of the deck (B2) is solved by gluing casemate walls (C1 and C2) to the deck (B2), then fitting the X turret barbette (H11) to the end of the assembly. This requires scraping the lips for the barbette on the deck (B1), but I did not need to sand the complex-shaped end of the deck or the forward part in order to have the parts fit correctly.
Working with a comprehensive PE set is a first for me, and is generally an enjoyable experience. The Tom's Modelworks set is comprehensive enough without being excessively so. However there are some places where the pre-cut pieces do not fit exactly. This is not a major problem, though.
Paint is Tamiya spray: light ghost grey (superstructure), dark ghost grey (hull), light sand (deck) and red brown (bottom hull).
Rigging is stretched sprue. The decals were unfortunately unusable (they break up into pieces when I moved them from the backing paper), so I have to print the ensign and jack (easily found in Wikipedia).
The kit was a birthday gift from my then-girlfriend in 2010. She is now my wife. Thanks, honey.
