1/400 Leichter Kreuzer Königsberg (HP Models)

Königsberg was the first Light Cruiser of the K-class to be built, and was put into service 17th April 1929 as a so-called Scout Cruiser. A quite un-orthodox design with two of the main turrets to the rear, both offset to make it possible to use at least one turret at a time to fire (almost) ahead, or to use most of the firepower as the cruiser had fulfilled its scouting mission and should withdraw from an enemy force. This class of ships were the first in Germany to have a welded hull, which proved to be too weak a construction for the high seas, and gave limitations to their operational use.

All three K-class cruiser were modified during their lifespan. Included in the modification were a catapult for seaplanes, new cranes, new 88mm AA guns and an early radar test set.

During Operation Weserübung, Königsberg together with the sister ship Köln led the invasion of Bergen, Norway on the 9th of April 1940. While Köln avoided the heavy shells from the coastal batteries and could return to Germany the same day, Königsberg was hit and had to carry out repairs in Bergen. While doing so, she was attacked by British Skua Dive-bombers, had several hits, caught fire and eventually sunk. The ship was raised and broken up during the war. The ships bell is today at display at Sjøkrigsskolen, The Naval Academy in Bergen.

The model show the Königsberg as she looked after the modifications and with yellow turrets as ordered for the Operation Weserübung , April 9th 1940. The brown color of the deck is linoleum, although this probably was removed at this stage and substituted by standard, dark grey deck-paint. The planked decks were not planked, but had as the only ship of the three sisters, welded and painted steel decks.
 

Gallery updated 2012

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