Review by Christian Schönberger

First of all, I must note that I did not actually assemble these two models. I purchased them for reference purposes, for a future scratch-build project. However, based on my experience with paper models, I am able to give a fairly accurate description of each.

1/250 paper model by Hamburger Modellbaubogen Verlag - Scheuer und Stuver

Contents:

The HMV model consists of 44 European letter sized (A4) sheets, each having a nice hint of satin gloss. The paper itself is a little heavier than regular copy paper, and it has a firm yet flexible feel to it. The sheets are still rather light for a paper model, but this is actually beneficial for parts that need to be bent to tight curves, and it is easier to cut out small parts with a hobby knife. The model comes with a color title leaf (above), showing the finished model in ‘3-D’ computer generated graphics, a short description in German of the original Bremen on the verse and a 16 page instruction with highly detailed computer generated graphics in black and white. The explanations of symbols are in German, with a poor English translation. An example: one symbol has in English just the word: double as an explanation. It should in fact read: reinforce by gluing on another layer of scrap paper. But even in the German text this is not 100% clear for the inexperienced modeler. Hopefully, the non-German speaking modeler will figure it out during construction. Unfortunately, the long list of sub-assemblies (and the respective parts numbers) is not translated into English. The experienced modeler will eventually figure it out, with some effort. A very nice touch is the addition of two kinds of cardstock sheets for reinforcement of certain parts.

A set of photo-etched parts for replacement / refinement, including handrails, is available separately. I do not own this P/E set, and thus cannot comment on it. Judging by the quality of the paper model it is likely to be excellent. The paper model parts that can be replaced with P/E are clearly indicated by the letter ‘F’ in a circle (F as in the German: Fotoaetzteil, or photo etched part).

The title sheet tells us that the model is 115cm (3ft, 9-4/16 in) in length. This is roughly 5mm longer than the exact scale length, but it may represent a rounded measure. In any case it is very close.

Overall Impressions:

A quick overview of the instructions reveals that this is a very complete and accurate model. Many interiors are included, which of course can only be appreciated when the windows are cut out and the glass represented by clear acetate. A great feature are the funnels, which can be depicted both in the low (as built) version, or in the high (as modified in 1930) version, the latter complete with inner bracing of the hollow upper part. The original catapult aircraft Heinkel He 12 is also included, in nice detail.

This is a waterline model. Personally I would have preferred a full hull model, and it certainly is a rather daunting task (but definitely not an impossible one) to add the underwater hull. If one has the 1/400 model as well, this can possibly be used as a template.

This model dates from 1998, and obviously has been created via computer software. The artwork looks great, very detailed and accurate. The shadings of windows and portholes look fine and subtle. The deck planking appears a little too uniform. I would have liked a more ‘random-like’ wooden look, yet this can be achieved by applying some shading (for example with color pencils).

The model presents several options. There are, for example, the optional detail parts for the lifeboat davits and the optional outer hull strakes. The latter is a great feature since it adds most welcome surface detail usually missing from paper models. Even without these additional parts, which will be certainly tricky to apply, the model still contains all details since they are represented by 2-D artwork. The number of parts is 1881 in the least detailed and most impressive 4940 parts in its fully detailed version. Even a full set of flags, the meaning of each one explained (!), as used on the original, for special occasions, is included.

I cannot over-emphasize the attention to detail that went into this paper model. Even the raised (on the original illuminated) BREMEN letters of the restaurant are featured in reinforced cardstock, in a nice warm yellow. It even offers small bracing, vents, roller fairleads; you name it, in as much detail as possibly imaginable for a paper model.

I never found a paper model that had ill-fitting parts. The designers usually have the math all figured out. This highly detailed model certainly is no exception.

I highly recommend fabricating masts and cargo booms from wood (to better hold the rigging and for a smoother, seamless look), and metal anchor chains, the latter for example are available from Bluejacket Shipcrafters.

I highly recommend touching up any ‘open’ paper parts in the appropriate color. For example, the anchor is very highly detailed and should be all black. Of course, the sides of the reinforced parts show the color of the white paper. If blackened with a little enamel paint, or a black marker pen, the result certainly will look most convincing. The same can be said for the ‘inside / outside’ corners of the deck-house assemblies, to eliminate the printed ‘fold line’.

Accuracy:

Comparing the model to plans and photos of the original, I wasn't able to find any major flaws at a first sight, but some minor ones became apparent as I took a closer look:

The low funnels don't have the correct top parts. On the model the top is flush and there is one large round opening. This matches what can be seen on the plans available from the German Maritime Museum, Bremerhaven. But an early photograph of the completed Bremen (low funnels), taken from aircraft, reveals that the funnel tops were in fact lowered inside, and two round smaller tubings protruded, near invisible when viewed from a lower angle. The 1/400 model, reviewed later, has it right. This is a highly recommended fix. The high funnels, as mentioned before, are accurately hollow at the upper half, complete with inner bracing.

The framework on top of the bridge, to hold the sun protecting canvas, is not featured. This can be seen on many photos. Again, the 1/400 has it. Another recommended fix / addition.

Some small details such as roller fairleads, and bulwark bracing, can further be improved on or added. Please refer to photos of the original. However, the general arrangement of overall detail is excellent.

Conclusion:

The HMV kit is certainly the best Bremen model of any construction method available, not only because of its larger scale but also because of the ‘all bells and whistles’ detailing. The resulting model should be very accurate and impressive.

The price for the model (over 40 Euro, over 40 US dollars), is quite steep and the photo-etched set is at over 90 Euro (over 100 US dollars). Certainly no bargain. However, considering the great effort that went into this model, and that we are talking about a relatively small market, the prices should be considered reasonable. This model is certainly intended for the experienced paper modeler.

As no styrene kit of the Bremen has ever been released, any Bremen model is highly welcome, much more such a highly detailed offering. I definitely recommend this kit for the modeler that has some experience with cardboard plus the space for a nearly 5 foot long model, or a modeler who wishes to use this as a template for scratch-building. As mentioned above, the HMV kit is the best of the three Bremen models presently available. The other two are the 1/400 Schreiber full hull paper model (also reviewed here), and the 1/700 waterline resin kit by HP, Germany.

Very highly detailed and accurate.

Various detail options.

Both low and high funnels included.

Professional looking artwork.

Good paper quality.

Photo-etched set, for further enhancement, is available.

This paper model is made by: Scheuer und Stuver, Frickestrasse 57, D-20251 Hamburg.

Tel: (+49) 40 484589. Hobby stores in Germany can place your order.

This model has been around for some time, and it certainly cannot compete with the 1/250 HMV model regarding detail, both because of its smaller scale and because of the obviously older, hence slightly cruder, artwork.

The model consists of 9 folded sheets of strong paper / cardstock. The size is Schreiber model standard, slightly larger than European letter format (A4). The paper is less smooth and has slightly less satin sheen than the 1/250 HMV model, but it is of fine quality with nice artwork. Details such as railings are also printed on the verse. The sheets come with a nice description and history of the 1929 Bremen.

Much appreciated is the photo on the title leaf that shows the actual assembled model. Of note, It looks as if clear foil has been used on the framework above the bridge / wheelhouse. This of course is incorrect. It was meant to hold canvas for sun protection, so please don't use clear foil here.

The title sheet tells us that the length of this model is 72 cm (2ft, 4-11/32 in). As with the 1/250, this is nearly 5mm longer than the exact scale length, and again this may represent a rounded value. In any event, it is certainly very close.

Overall Impressions:

A typical Schreiber paper model, it comes in strong paper / cardstock, and it has the typical clear sharp look of Schreiber artwork most likely made by the traditional pen and ink method. Compared to the more recent 1/250 Bremen paper model, as has been stated before, this version definitely falls back in the detail department, even when considering the smaller scale.

On the positive side: I know from experience that Schreiber paper models are rather easy to work with (except when bending very small parts since the cardstock sometimes can be a bit too heavy for it). The fits are usually excellent, and the classic look of the artwork and well thought out construction method, and symbols, provide much inspiration.

I quite like the hull plating that is represented by white lines on the upper hull, and black lines on the lower anti-fouling red hull.

This is a full hull model and the more intricate parts, such as prop shaft housings and propellers seem to be accurately represented. The parts for the props are printed in a yellow / orange color, and certainly deserve painting with brass / bronze (enamel) paint.

The lower hull has a particularity that I haven't seen before: the parts are not separated by vertical lines, but by stepped interlocking brick-like pattern that follow the hull plating. By looking at the title photo I can see that the fits are not 100% smooth, but nevertheless I like the idea, and some careful work and paint touch up of ill fitting parts that reveal the white paper / cardstock should solve the problem.

Even though it's oversized, I like the artwork representing the deck planking. The color is very convincing. Windows are ‘black’ which is more than acceptable at this scale.

Examining the graphics accompanying the instructions, it is obvious that this model can also be built as waterline, with the locations at each frame station clearly marked. I am not sure if it is easy to trim the parts that cover the hull at the exact waterline. The experienced modeler, on the other hand, should have no problem. This definitely is a great feature.

Instructions solely consist of graphics, the first page explaining standard paper model procedures such as cutting, scibing, folding and gluing. Even the non-German speaking modeler should easily understand them.

Accuracy and Recommended Fixes:

This paper model depicts the Bremen ‘as built’, with low funnels and the nifty catapult aircraft Heinkel He 12.

Of course, due to the rather small scale (for paper models), there are a lot of compromises and omissions to be found.

Looking at the title photo I immediately noticed the lack of detail on the bow: plain white and no anchor chains, simplified roller fairleads represented by 2-D artwork. I highly recommend adding detail here ~ metal anchor chains, for example, available from Bluejacket Shipcrafters. Please refer to photos of the original. Due to the small scale, I recommend using Evergreen (or similar) styrene for scratch-build small parts, bollards and the like.

The masts and cargo booms are represented in white; they should be in orange / yellow, very similar to the funnels, plus the black section of the main mast intended to hide soot from the funnels. I highly recommend fabricating these in wood, for higher stability, closer-to-scale cross section and smoother appearance. The intricate vents just outside #1 funnel are missing as well. Rather crude gray boxes represent the steam whistles ~ I recommend replacing them by finer detail made of wood and / or styrene.

The inside of the funnel tops, as mentioned in the 1/250 HMV Bremen model review is accurate.

Black 2-D letters represents the beautiful illuminated BREMEN, of the upper-deck restaurant. I highly recommend adding letters made from fine Evergreen (or similar) styrene strips, painted soft yellow on the surface and glued on with gel type CA glue. Since generic photo etched sets are available in 1/400 scale, I highly recommend replacing the railings by the much more accurate P/E parts, painted white.

Some of the deck structures, especially aft the docking bridge, differ somewhat from what can be seen on photos. I would say that this could have been done a bit better. Fixes require research and scratch-building small parts, most likely fabricated of styrene.

Conclusion:

This is a very nice Bremen paper model, which can be largely enhanced with superdetailing. Assembly is of course much less time consuming than that of the HMV 1/250 version. I recommend this model in any case.

The price at slightly over 20 Euro is affordable and reasonable. The scale does not take up too much space, and allows for easy display. This paper model is in any case a good choice, and is highly recommended.

This model is available in Germany from hobby stores.

This model is also available at Paper Models International.