DKM Emden
by Joe Krenzer

1/200 DKM Emden (Model Card)

Here are some photos of my just completed 1/200 KMS Emden. Light cruiser, 8 single 5.7" gun mounts. First post war ship built by Germany used mainly in the Baltic due to its obsolescence by WWII.

Model is Model Card, No. 76. The kit is based on the ship in 1943. I'm not sure of the printing or copy right dates, although I would guess mid 90's and kit is not computer generated.

The hull frames and decking have all been laminated to balsa. The model took me about 8 weeks, mostly 1-3 hours per day to complete. The photo etch rails are from Tom's and all of the mast work is from styrene rod. All main gun barrels are rolled from paper, while the secondary and AA are styrene with rolled paper.

The deck on the aft starboard side of the ship was narrow when compared to the port side and the hull bulkheads. so I added a 3/32 x 3/32 balsa stick and sanded to shape. It is hardly noticeable.

The assembly was straight forward and the final model is an impressive and attractive piece.

Even though the Emden did not play much of a roll with the German fleet during the war its unique lines and obscurity make it a great display and conversational piece. Paper models have been an excellent way to find unique subject matter without spending the $'s involved with resin, plus it's more of an accomplishment to build from the keel up. I have the excellent Furataka from BWN but I'm thinking of selling the remainder unbuilt resins I have. As far as plastic how many Iowa's, Yamato's or Bismark's do we need.

Now back to finishing the USS Portland. I laid off of her to further hone my paper skills.

After I finish the Portland I plan to build the Sharnhorst.