I agree totally and here is more food for thought...........
What seems to be the case is that this Bismarck was originally intended as a static display model only and the option for an RC version was thrown in at the very last minute, this decision must have come as an after thought after issue 1 had been printed, tell you for why.....
From issue 1 to present there is not one mention of the RC option in any of the mags hence why the use of waterproof glue does not appear into the info either, each mag will be printed something like 2-3 weeks in advance of when they are due for circulation.
If you look on Hachette's web site strangely enough there is no mention of an RC version, if you wanted to promote something then surely you would sing all its spec as an RC option is a good selling point is it not?
The only mention and a brief note of the RC version was on the backing boards that came with issues 1, 2 and I think 3 as well as the additional pull out leaflet, this info came over to me as somehow being low key, very brief and looked as though it had been squeezed in as an afterthought.
A concern I do have but am not a 100% sure, have Amati ever produced an RC ship kit?
From what I can make out on there web site there stuff seems to be all build-up static display models and not RC , if this is the case then it seems we have the marriage of Amati who have never done an RC ship and Thunder Tiger (who are to supply the RC system) who have never produced an RC wooden build-up ship, so it appears we have a static display model in which Thunder Tiger are to make the RC transformation which as a result could well be a 'Hatchet Job'
Dont get me wrong, no doubt the RC installation info will follow in the mags at the appropriate time which has worked out quite nicely for them as it comes well down the line, though may be a little awkward to install if its left too late.
One thing for sure, if they do provide any weighting or trim info then it will be in relation to the RC gear they are to supply, so it is likely to be a steep learning curve for the novice that steps outside what is on offer, I say on offer as the RC system including motors & esc (though I see no cell pack or charger) costs 169 Euro in Germany, so I suppose around £115 when it lands here, it is likely to be quite basic but it works, i can already see some differences as the motors in Germany are Graupner Speed's yet the ones shown for the UK are unbranded and look cheapies, even the running gear looks very different, this has always been a problem with partworks in that quite often the items they show are not quite what you get, but they have a get-out clause stating 'goods maybe not as shown' which stinks in my view, when I buy something I expect to get what I see >:(
Cant say I have heard of Lassek but seem well known in Germany, who has actually tested this stuff on this Bismarck?...Even Germany are only at issue 40 so no Bis's complete yet to be 100% sure of the run factor, I see they are opting for different rudders to the ones supplied with the RC system, maybe the RC system on offer is naff and why all this is coming about?
It seems a situation of trying to out do each other re what is best, however it does appear that the german guy is very knowledgeable about what he is doing so all credit to him, i just hope the end result turns out ok as those who have bought into his stuff on offer will be on the warpath if it all goes belly-up.
I love the comment about BB use for the guns, this is what i was saying about a wish list than can run away with you, as for copyright, that guy could well end up with a hefty bill on his hands for copyright breach, am surprised the webmeister has not picked that one up.
It was one of the members who posted a copy the issue 4 letter and brought it to light, the webmeister seems then to have contacted Hachette for confirmation or explanation, but why would he post there offical reply and appear supportive of it?
I notice one thing that was side stepped, the query about the series being on test in the UK and how the issue 4 cancelation letter came about, Hachette in there own words say the series was on test in the UK, in that case how come there is no evidence of any Bismarck 'test' customers?....Someone is telling porkies as there appears to be no proof to substantiaite this and if there was a new ship model on the market 'am sure it would have surfaced on a forum such as this first (pardon the pun), in that case was the letter a big mistake ?.....if it was then one hell of a mistake as they have had to post appologies all over the place to prevent customers returning boxes of bits asking for a refund....suppose we will never know.
All good stuff...........