During these stages, the focus shifts from internal mechanisms to major structural and functional assemblies. The anchor system is completed and tested, along with further detailing of the aircraft complement. The forward hull is then built up with multiple hull and keel sections, greatly increasing the model’s stability and weight.
Work then progresses to the flight deck, where the wooden deck covering, lighting, and extensive underside detailing are added. Both catapults, one functional and one static, are fully assembled, motorized, tested, and integrated into the deck along with additional equipment. By the end of this phase, the first stages of the forward 15 cm gun turret assembly also begin, marking the transition toward the ship’s main armament.
This step completes the anchor mechanism gearbox.
It begins by closing the gearbox housing, followed by the installation of the electric motor which drives the mechanism. Once the gearbox was lubricated and installed, a successful test with the test board was conducted to confirm proper function.
The anchor mechanism is finalized by installing the end switch for the moving mechanism.
Additionally, another Ju 87 is "build" by adding the landing gear and bombs. Surprisingly - and I do not know why, the propellor of the Ju 87 from step 10 has to be replaced by a different one. I cannot see any difference, so I have no idea why this replacement is required.
Beginning with this stage, several hull sections will be attached to the bow of the Graf Zeppelin. Compared to the earlier construction steps, the upcoming ones may feel a bit more routine and less eventful.
Although attaching the new hull sections to the main structure may seem straightforward, there’s one challenge: the limited working space makes it difficult to tighten the screws using the provided tools. As a result, installing each new hull segment can take longer than expected.
The next starboard hull segment is installed, completing the assembly of the forward hull section.
A large keel section is installed, completing the forward hull assembly. While the hull had been somewhat unstable up to this point, the keel adds significant rigidity to the bow area.
The two openings in the keel will later accommodate the model’s display stand.
The hull now weighs approximately 1.5 kg.
This stage begins with the assembly of the flight deck. It includes the plastic flight deck base, a wooden deck covering, several small detail parts, and photo-etched components.
Although the wooden deck covering features a self-adhesive backing, it is advisable to reinforce it with additional adhesive, such as superglue or wood glue, to ensure a secure fit.
Additional small parts are attached to both the upper and lower surfaces of the flight deck, and the movable catapult constructed in Step 3 is integrated into the deck structure at this stage.
Several small details are fitted to both the top and underside of the flight deck, with particular attention paid to the air-pressure containers mounted beneath the deck.
A first LED is also installed at this stage; it will later illuminate the lower deck.
Additional details are added to both the upper and lower surfaces of the flight deck.
A second LED is installed at this stage, intended to serve as signal lighting on the flight deck in the later assembly.
In this stage, work continues on the catapult mechanism.
The electric motor for the extendable catapult is installed and tested for proper operation. Additional components for the system will be assembled in the following steps.
The final gearbox cover for the catapult mechanism is installed.
Finding the right balance when tightening the screws is crucial—too loose and the cover won’t sit properly, too tight and the mechanism will bind and won’t move as intended.
In addition, several larger photo-etched parts are fitted to the underside of the flight deck, completing the detailing work on this section of the model.
Once the movable catapult assembly is finished, the second, non-functional catapult can be mounted on the flight deck. A matching catapult sled is also provided for this unit.
Along the edges of the flight deck, additional equipment boxes are installed to complete the detailing in this area.
In this step, the remaining components of the second catapult are installed, completing the assembly of both catapults.
An optional removable cover can be fitted to protect the second catapult.
Additionally, the fourth Ju 87 is assembled and made ready.
Step 28 begins the construction of the forward 15 cm gun turrets, a process that will continue over the next steps.
It starts with assembling the deck structure that will later carry the guns, including the installation of the basic components for the gun movement mechanism. For testing, the completed assembly is temporarily placed on the hull.
