As a slight diversion to N gauge I've just ordered a 1:200 scale Trumpeter Bismarck 1941 kit. This little?? beauty is over 4 ft long with and incredible amount of detail.
I haven't been able to do any N gauge kit building because its a bit too small for me and seems to require a lot of fiddling and fettling.
I used to build a lot of the old Airfix 1:24 aircraft and also EM gauge and O gauge brass kits and miss the kit building thing with N gauge.
So... I've bought this giant of a kit which will keep me happy for weeks/months in between the N gauge track laying etc.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B008KK9UA8?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00
Will post some photos as construction proceeds.
Really looking forward to this.

That looks to be a mammoth build keep us posted

Quote from: Ditape on October 10, 2015, 09:52:16 PM
That looks to be a mammoth build keep us posted

I certainly will...

I reckon all those members who've modelled a harbour will be losing sleep when your Bismarck is launched, Bob

Quote from: newportnobby on October 10, 2015, 09:58:11 PM
I reckon all those members who've modelled a harbour will be losing sleep when your Bismarck is launched, Bob

I was just thinking that 1:200 scale is only a bit smaller than N gauge. I wonder if I could fit a small harbour into my layout to incorporate Bismarck?

Or fit in a fjord and pretend it's the Tirpitz  .  IIRC, the only visible difference between Bismark and Tirpitz is that one pair of secondary armament on each side of the former is replaced by a 4-tube torpedo mount.

Quote from: austinbob on October 10, 2015, 10:12:09 PM

Quote from: newportnobby on October 10, 2015, 09:58:11 PM
I reckon all those members who've modelled a harbour will be losing sleep when your Bismarck is launched, Bob

I was just thinking that 1:200 scale is only a bit smaller than N gauge. I wonder if I could fit a small harbour into my layout to incorporate Bismarck?

In the cold light of day I've now realised just how big this monster is!!!
Not sure where I'm gonna put it when its done, or even while I'm building it. I've decided to try and cancel the order for Bismarck and look for a more practical kit to build  :'(
If I can't cancel the order I'll have to build a shed in the garden to put it in

Quote from: austinbob on October 11, 2015, 08:22:47 AM

Quote from: austinbob on October 10, 2015, 10:12:09 PM

Quote from: newportnobby on October 10, 2015, 09:58:11 PM
I reckon all those members who've modelled a harbour will be losing sleep when your Bismarck is launched, Bob

I was just thinking that 1:200 scale is only a bit smaller than N gauge. I wonder if I could fit a small harbour into my layout to incorporate Bismarck?

In the cold light of day I've now realised just how big this monster is!!!
Not sure where I'm gonna put it when its done

Bottom of the Atlantic off the coast of France? 

Nah. Just think of the fun you'll have building it out in the backyard over Christmas 

Quote from: newportnobby on October 10, 2015, 09:58:11 PM
I reckon all those members who've modelled a harbour will be losing sleep when your Bismarck is launched, Bob

I shall just have to install a gun battery at Trepol Bay and return the pil box to working order.

Doesn't it usually rain over Christmas - sometimes 'excessively'? If so, then perhaps a 'real' launching ceremony could be arranged...

I hope you'll forgive me getting very slightly 'off topic' (in that this isn't about DKMS Bismarck but still about ships) have you thought about a USN nuclear powered fleet aircraft carrier kit?
You could build the layout on the flight deck! 

I'll get one of these

http://www.royalnavyhistoricflight.org.uk/aircraft/

Then you can embark on a circular tour...

I have just looked up the etched detailing packs for the Trumpeter Bismark.  Truly amazing stuff at truly amazing prices....

Quote from: Greybeema on October 11, 2015, 10:16:13 AM
I have just looked up the etched detailing packs for the Trumpeter Bismark.  Truly amazing stuff at truly amazing prices....

You can get all sorts of stuff for the Trumpeter kit including wooden decking... But, makes the total price horrendous - way out of my league I'm afraid.
The basic kit is around £200 and you have to buy the paint and glue. There's a LOT of paint needed for this model.