History:

In 1926 the idea was born at Norddeutscher Llyod Bremen to design a passenger liner, which could make the distance between Southampton and New York in only 5 days. It was also the first time after the First World War that Germany tried to compete again for the Blue Ribbon. Three years after the idea,  on the 5th July 1929 the ship to fulfill this idea was delivered. On the 16th July the steamer traveled the first time to New York. With an average speed of 27.83 knots the records of the Mauretania of 1909 with 26.06 knots was broken. The Bremen won therefore the Blue Ribbon. The ship had a catapult between the smoke stacks for mail planes. These planes would fly the last distance to New York and delivered the mail in an even shorter period. During the Second World War the ships was refitted as troop transporter and intended to participate in the operation "Sea Lion", the invasion of Great Britain, which never took place. On 16th March 1941 an fire broke out on the Bremen. This was the end of the Bremen and she was wrecked later.

The Model:                            

  The Scale of the model is 1: 250. The kit consist of 44 pages 210 x 300 mm. The model has 4940 parts. The instructions are in diagram form. The ship is  difficult to build and  you have to have experience with ship models and you need a lot of patience. The kit includes also interior of tables, chairs, floors, piano and the wallpaper of two dining rooms. Also available is a photo etch set from HMW with 490 parts is available which I used for this model.

Unfortunately you will not be able to see much of the interior after you finished the model. Below in the picture you can see through the windows into one of the dining rooms. 

This was my first model I build from HMW and I have to say if I could choose now I would not have done this. I recommend to first get some experience with smaller models from HMW to become familiar with their specific way of design. Nevertheless I still was able to finish the model. This model was completed quite some time ago and I have not kept track of the construction of the model, but I think the photos should be interesting for anyone considering to build such a model. I can only recommend it.

The picture below will give you an idea about the model. Please click on the picture to enlarge it.

Conclusion:

I can recommend the model if you are looking for a great  model and have the time and patience to finish it.

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