Hachette Agora Models BISMARCK Manual

STAGE 01: INITIAL PARTS OF THE UPPER DECK
STAGE 02: THE FOREMOST 38CM GUN TURRET
STAGE 03: ONBOARD AIRCRAFT
ARADO AR 196
STAGE 04: THE TWO CATAPULTS AND A
MOTOR TEST
STAGE 05: THE ANCHOR CAPSTANS AND
ANCHOR CHAIN OPENINGS
STAGE 06: THE SECOND KEEL SECTION
STAGE 07: GEARBOX FOR THE
BOW ANCHORS I
STAGE 08: A SECTION OF THE HULL AND
DECK DETAILS
Pack 01 |Build Instructions
Your 1:200 scale model of the legendary battleship Bismarck is packed with
intricate details which precisely replicate every aspect of this state-of-the-
art warship. Each piece has been created using premium quality materials to
bring maximum enjoyment during your complete build.
In your first model pack, you will assemble:
© 2020 Hachette Partworks Ltd.
North America Edition by Agora Models

PACK 1
Not suitable for children under the age of 14. This product is not a toy and is not designed for use in play. Keep
the parts out of the reach of small children. Some parts may have sharp edges. Please handle them with care.
Advice from the experts
Spare screws are included with each part. Occasionally, you may
be instructed to keep spare or unused screws for a later stage.
Keep these spares in a safe place and label them correctly.
Please make sure you don’t mix up the screws. They look quite
similar, but the threads do vary slightly. Using the wrong screws
may damage the parts.
When securing parts together using multiple screws, fit each
screw loosely to ensure all the parts are correctly aligned before
gently tightening them firmly, but not overtight, in the order in
which you placed them.
The screwdriver can be magnetised by stroking it with a magnet
(fridge magnet, etc.) enabling it to hold the screws and make
assembly easier.
If a screw is tight going into a metal part, do not force it as you
may shear the head off. Remove it and put a tiny smear of Vaseline,
soap or light oil on the thread. That will lubricate it and make it
easier to drive home.
During the course of this build, you will receive many pieces that
you will assemble immediately – following the instructions in the
corresponding stage – and other pieces that you should store
safely to one side, for use in future assembly stages.
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AGORAMODELS BISMARCK

101
108
106
104
107
109
110
102 103
105
NOTES BEFORE STARTING TO ASSEMBLE
STAGE 01
INITIAL PARTS OF THE UPPER DECK
Note: The official name of the part, which you will find embossed on some of the metal components,
is BS-XXX-YY. BS stands for Bismarck, X for the stage number and Y for the part number. For greater
clarity, we always use the short form in these instructions. For example, BS001-01 becomes 1-01.
COMPONENTS CHECKLIST
1-01: Forward section
of the upper deck
1-02: The warping winch
baseplate
1-03: Two capstan drums
1-04: Capstan head
1-05: Capstan head
lower part
1-06: Two housings
1-07: The bow section
of the hull
1-08: Six bollards
1-09: Small hatch
1-10: Large hatch
We recommend using these
tools to assemble the
Bismarck most effectively:
nCutting mat or card
nCraft knife
nSuperglue
nSmall screwdriver
nTweezers
nToothpicks
nSandpaper
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AGORAMODELS BISMARCK

NOTES BEFORE STARTING WORK
Cut open the packaging carfully,
to avoid damaging any parts. If you
use a craft knife always take care.
Remove the plastic parts from the
frame by carefully cutting through
the sprues that connect them.
Take care that small parts do not
fly off when cutting through the
sprues that connect them. If you can
see any remains of the connecting
sprues still attached to the plastic
parts you have cut out, remove them
using very fine sandpaper.
Always apply the superglue extremely
sparingly! We recommend that you use
superglue gel, which can be applied
with pinpoint accuracy to the relevant
surface using a toothpick.
Quick tips when glueing parts:
• Test-fit the parts before applying glue.
• Keep some cotton buds handy to wipe
away any surplus glue.
4
AGORAMODELS BISMARCK

103
102
102
104
103
105
01. ASSEMBLING THE WARPING WINCH
03
01
02
Take the baseplate of the warping
winch 1-02 and the two capstan
drums 1-03. Test fit the drums in the
winch to see how they fit. Apply a
tiny drop of superglue to the small
end of each of the capstan drums
using a cocktail stick.
Glue the two capstan drums 1-03 to
the base plate 1-02.
Glue the capstan head 1-04 firmly to
the lower part of the capstan head
1-05 by applying a small amount of
superglue to the recessed sides of
the capstan head. The inset shows
the two parts fixed together. Place it
safely on one side, as it will not be
attached to the warping winch until
a later stage.
5
AGORAMODELS BISMARCK

101
102
102
106
108
02. ATTACHING THE BOLLARDS, HOUSINGS AND HATCHES
01
03
02
Apply a little superglue to the
underside of the warping winch 1-02
that you have just assembled and
seat it firmly in the large recess in
the upper deck 1-01.
The photo shows the warping winch
1-02 firmly glued in position. Glue
the two housings 1-06 into the two
rectangular openings a little further
astern on the upper deck with
openings facing the rear of the deck.
Glue the first two bollards 1-08
firmly into position in the large
circular openings on the starboard
(right) edge of the upper deck.
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AGORAMODELS BISMARCK

108
110
109
108
04
05
107
The next two bollards 1-08 are
glued firmly into position at the
same place on the port (left) side of
the upper deck.
Finally, glue the following parts to the
front of the upper deck in the
positions shown: the two remaining
bollards 1-08, the small hatch 1-09
and the large hatch 1-10. NOTE: the
two hatches have hinges on one side.
These should be towards the bow of
the deck (see arrows on part 1–10).
Completed work
The photograph shows your
assembly so far. The bow section of
the hull (1-07) will be needed when
you come to follow the instructions
in Stage 3. Label and store carefully
until then.
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AGORAMODELS BISMARCK

213
205
205
201 213
01. DETAILS FOR THE ARMOURED HOOD
01 02
207
210
201 203 202
204
205
206 208
209
211 212
213
PB
STAGE 02
THE FOREMOST 38CM GUN TURRET
COMPONENTS CHECKLIST
2-01: Revolving turret housing
2-02: Base plate of the turret
2-03: Connector for barrels
2-04: Motor mounting (upper)
2-05: Two ventilators
2-06: Cradle with base plate
2-07: Clutch shaft
2-08: Motor mounting (lower)
2-09: Ring
2-10: Two gun barrels
2-11: Tension spring
2-12: Electric motor
2-13: Two ladders
PB: Eleven 2 x 6 mm screws
Keep any extra
screws as spares.
Due to variations in
lighting during
photography, occasionally
parts may appear a
different colour.
Take the two ladders 2-13. Fix the ladders to either
side of the housing by inserting their feet into the
small holes. If necessary, secure the ladders with
the tiniest drop of superglue. Carefully remove
any surplus glue with a cotton bud or similar.
Place the housing of the gun turret 2-01 on your
worktop. Take the two ventilators 2-05 and, after
testing how they fit, apply a tiny drop of superglue
on the shaped end (see inset). Fix the ventilators in
place on either side of the housing as shown.
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AGORAMODELS BISMARCK

210
210
203
207
211
203
209
206
209
207
206
207
02. THE FRICTION CLUTCH
01 02
03 04
05 06
Take the two gun barrels 2-10 and the
connector 2-03. Apply a little superglue to the
stud at the end of the first barrel and attach it
to the connector.
Repeat this process with the second barrel 2-10.
When gluing the two barrels, make sure that
they are exactly aligned, so they are parallel,
following the line of the barrel connector.
Insert the clutch shaft 2-07 into the opening of
the ring 2-09 as shown.
Fit the ring 2-09 into the rear of connector 2-03.
Have the clutch shaft 2-07 ready. NOTE: do NOT
glue this or any of the following components.
Fit the tension spring 2-11 over the front of the
clutch shaft 2-07as shown. Have the cradle with
base plate 2-06 ready.
Turn the gun barrel assembly over and insert
it into the cradle 2-06 in the direction of the
arrow. Make sure the gun barrels are pushed
in so the clutch shaft is against the vertical
edge of the cradle (circled in red).
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AGORAMODELS BISMARCK

204
204
204
208
206
PB
206
204
PB
212
212
PB
208
204
PB
03. ASSEMBLING THE MOTOR
01 02
03 04
05 06
Fit the upper part of the motor mounting 2-04
on the cradle base plate 2-06. A stud on the
base of the motor mounting fits in a slot in the
base plate.
Turn the assembly over and fix the top of the
motor mounting 2-04 in place with two PB
screws through the cradle base plate 2-06.
This photo shows the motor 2-12 correctly inserted
into the mounting. The edge of the board with the
cables attached is uppermost and the end of the
motor fits in the recess in the clutch shaft (see arrow).
With the gun barrels pushed forwards, fit the motor
2-12 into the top of the motor mounting 2-04. Make
sure the motor is the right way round with the
cables at the upper edge of the green board.
Fix the motor mountings together with two PB
screws so that the motor is held firmly in place.
NOTE: The motor protrudes at the rear of the
assembly and the clutch shaft protrudes slightly
beyond the base plate (circled in red).
Have two PB screws ready. Fit the lower part
of the motor mounting 2-08 over the upper
part 2-04.
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AGORAMODELS BISMARCK

04. SECURING THE GUN BARREL ASSEMBLY IN THE TURRET
201
202
PB
01 02
03 04
Take the turret housing 2-01 and turn it upside
down. Insert the gun barrel assembly into the
revolving housing, as shown.
Make sure the gun barrel assembly is inserted
correctly so that the two pins on the sides of the
cradle fit in the semicircular recesses (see arrows).
Fit the base plate on the housing and secure it
with the six PB screws, as shown. A spare PB
screw is supplied. Save it in a labelled container
in case you need it later.
Have six PB screws ready. Take the base plate of
the turret 2-02 and locate it on the turret
housing, bringing the motor cable through the
large opening, as shown.
Completed work
The foremost 38cm twin turret,
referred to as “Anton”, is taking shape.
Further mechanical components will
be added later.
On German warships, the gun turrets
were named “A”, “B”, “C”, “D” etc.,
going from bow to stern. The German
radio alphabet was used to name the
turrets (“Anton”, “Bruno” or “Berta”,
“Cäsar” and “Dora”).
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AGORAMODELS BISMARCK

307
309
308
310
301 305
302
303
304
306
311
312 313 314
317
315
316
01. STARTING TO ASSEMBLE THE METAL HULL
01 02
107
301 107
301
PM
PM
STAGE 03
ONBOARD AIRCRAFT ARADO AR 196
COMPONENTS CHECKLIST
3-01: Bow section of hull
3-02: Front strut
3-03: Rear strut
3-04: Two side struts
3-05: Aircraft fuselage (upper)
3-06: Aircraft fuselage (lower)
3-07: Wings
3-08: Engine
3-09: Propeller
3-10: Right-hand float
3-11: Left-hand float
3-12: Control lever
3-13: Pilot’s seat
3-14: Machine gun
3-15: Propeller shaft
3-16: Cockpit canopy
3-17: Catapult launch carriage
PM: Three 2 x 4mm screws
Fix the two sections of the hull together using
two PM screws. A spare screw has been
supplied. Keep it safe in a labelled container in
case you need it later.
Take the bow section of the hull 1-07 (from stage
1) and fit it on the lower part of the hull 3-01
supplied with this stage.
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AGORAMODELS BISMARCK

02. THE FUSELAGE, COCKPIT CANOPY AND WINGS OF
THE SHIPBORNE PLANE
01 02
03 04
05 06
306
305
309
308
305
306
308
315 309
305
306
Take the two parts of the fuselage 3-05 and 3-06. Use
a cocktail stick to apply a drop of superglue to the
studs on the inside of the top half of the fuselage.
Gently press the two halves of the fuselage
together to ensure that the fixing points remain
in contact as the glue dries.
Holding the shaft 3-15 in place from behind, test
fit the propeller 3-09 onto the end of the shaft.
Apply a tiny drop of superglue to the end of the
shaft and secure the propeller in place. Be careful
not to apply too much glue as the propeller
should remain free to turn.
Fit the propeller shaft 3-15 by inserting it from the
rear so that it passes through to the front of the
engine 3-08. Do not glue in place as the shaft
should remain free to turn. Have the propeller 3-09
ready for the next step.
Apply a little superglue to the tip of the
fuselage 3-05 / 3-06, as shown.
Attach the engine 3-08 to the front of the
fuselage. Note that the underside of the fuselage
and the engine are a different colour. Make sure
that the parts are aligned where the colour
changes (see step 9).
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AGORAMODELS BISMARCK

03. THE TWO FLOATS AND THE CATAPULT LAUNCH CARRIAGE
07 08
01 02
304
314
313
307
306
304
310
312 316
310
311
307
09 10
Apply superglue to the two studs at the bottom
of the cockpit canopy 3-16 and glue it to the
fuselage as shown.
Fix the wings 3-07 to the fuselage base 3-06.
Make sure the wings are the right way round.
There are two small machine guns on the leading
edge of the wings, indicated by the arrows.
Insert the stud on the other side strut 3-04
into the sockets of the left-hand float 3-11.
Study the next steps to see the difference
between the floats 3-10 and 3-11. Take one of the
side struts 3-04 and fit the ‘feet’ into the
openings of the right-hand float 3-10. They do
not need to be glued.
Apply superglue to the two studs on the top
of the wings 3-07. The arrows indicate the
sockets on the lower side of the fuselage
3-06, where the studs are inserted.
In the cockpit, use a little superglue to stick the
three accessories in place as shown: the control lever
3-12, the pilot’s seat 3-13 and the machine gun 3-14.
14
AGORAMODELS BISMARCK

03 04
05 06
303
302
303
310
311
310
311
317
307
317
07
Align the two floats 3-10 and 3-11 as shown. Apply
superglue to the two ‘feet’ of the rear strut 3-03
(see inset). Glue the feet into the sockets on the
inner sides of the floats beside the side struts.
Apply superglue to the ‘feet’ of the front struts 3-02
and glue them into the sockets at the front of the two
floats. NOTE: The side of 3-02 with the small studs
(indicated by the arrow) must face forwards.
The photo shows the struts glued to the underside
of the wing. Have the catapult launch carriage 3-17
ready. Its three studs fit into the three circled slots.
Check how the ends of the struts on the floats fit
into the six sockets on the underside of the plane
(circled). Apply superglue in the sockets and fix
the struts in place.
Completed work
The first two parts of the bow of the metal
hull have been assembled, and the first
on-board aircraft is complete.
Apply some superglue to the three sockets on
the underside of the wings and the fuselage. Fix
the studs on the catapult launch carriage 3-17
into the slots.
15
AGORAMODELS BISMARCK

01: THE THIRD SECTION FOR THE METAL HULL
STAGE 04
THE TWO CATAPULTS AND
A MOTOR TEST
COMPONENTS CHECKLIST
4-01: Catapult tracks (x2)
4-02: Wheels (x8)
4-03: Catapult supports (x2)
4-04: First port hull section
4-05: Connector
4-06: Circuit board
4-07: Battery box
4-08: Axles (x 4)
PM: Five 2 x 4 mm screws
Take the connector 4-05 and
position it on the hull section 4-04
as shown. Fix in place with a PM
screw and put aside safely with
the bow hull sections.
NOTE:Store the remaining four
PM screws in a labelled container.
They will not be needed until a
future stage.
404
PM
405
405
408
PM
401
403
404
407
406
402
01
You will need
three AA batteries
to test the circuit
board. These are
not supplied.
16
AGORAMODELS BISMARCK

02: ASSEMBLING THE TWO CATAPULTS
01 02
03 04
05 06
408
402
402
402
408
401
402
408
401
402
402
408
402
401
403
Take four of the wheels 4-02 and two of the
axles 4-08. Push-fit the axles into the back of
two of the wheels, so that the ribs on the end of
the axles hold them in place.
Take a catapult track 4-01 and insert one of the
two wheel/axle assemblies 4-02 / 4-08 into the
holes at one end of the track.
At the other end of the catapult track 4-01, fit
the second wheel/axle assembly 4-02 / 4-08 in
the same way as described in steps 2 and 3.
Push-fit a wheel 4-02 on to the free end of the
axle 4-08.If necessary, glue the wheels in place,
but make sure that the wheels can turn.
Take the first track/wheels assembly and turn it
over. Fit the catapult support 4-03 over the track
4-01, sliding it in place. At the right-hand end,
the lips along the sides of the sliding support fit
under the raised parts of the track (see arrows).
The photo shows the sliding catapult support
mounted on the tracks – the catapult rolls and
slides! Repeat steps 1 to 5 with the parts for the
second catapult and put both tracks aside safely.
17
AGORAMODELS BISMARCK

03: TESTING THE MOTOR
01 02
05
03 04
407
406
407
406
Insert three AA batteries into the battery box as
shown. Then replace the lid of the battery box.
Take the gun turret assembled in stage 2.
Insert the end of the cable on the turret into
the port labelled “Motor” on the circuit board
4-06 as shown.
Completed work
You have the next section of the metal hull, the
catapults are assembled and the motor of the
foremost 38cm twin turret has been tested.
If you slide the on / off switch on the battery box
4-07, you will hear a salvo and see the guns
recoil, simulating the gun turret in action.
Plug the cable of the battery box 4-07 into the
larger port marked “Power“ on the circuit
board 4-06.
Place the battery box 4-07 on your worktop.
Remove the screw on the lid of the battery
box and slide it open.
18
AGORAMODELS BISMARCK

01. THE FOURTH SECTION FOR THE METAL HULL
Take the hull section connector 5-02
and position it across the lip of the
hull section 5-01 as shown. Fix in
place with an AM screw.
501
502
AM
506
502
501
503 504 505
507
508
STAGE 05
THE ANCHOR CAPSTANS AND
ANCHOR CHAIN OPENINGS
01
AM
COMPONENTS CHECKLIST
5-01: First hull section,
starboard side
5-02: Hull section connector
5-03: Two covers for the anchor
chain openings
5-04: Two capstan wheels
5-05: Two capstan drums
(red and green)
5-06: Two capstan shafts
5-07: Two capstan supports
5-08: Two anchor chain guides
AM Two 2 x 4 mm screws
19
AGORAMODELS BISMARCK

02. FIT CHAIN GUIDE AND COVERS FOR ANCHOR CHAIN OPENINGS
Take the forward section of the
upper deck 1-01. You will also need
the covers for the anchor chain
openings 5-03 and the two chain
guides 5-08. Test the fit of the first
chain guide around the hole in front
of one of the housings 1-06.
Place the first chain guide 5-08 on
the work surface and apply a drop of
superglue on the two small pegs on
the underside (see inset). Fix in place
on the upper deck. Repeat the
process with the second chain guide
5-08. The main image shows the two
guides fixed in place.
Identify the two anchor chain
openings (circled in the main image
in step 2). Check the fit of the covers
for the anchor chain openings 5-03.
Apply a drop of superglue to the
small pegs on the underside of the
first cover (see inset). Glue in place
as shown, then fix the second cover
in place.
508
106
503
508
508
508
503
503
101
01
02
03
20
AGORAMODELS BISMARCK