GRAUPNER BISMARCK Operating Instructions Manual

GRAUPNER GmbH & Co. KG D-73230 KIRCHHEIM/TECK GERMANY

No liability for printing errors. We reserve the right to introduce modifications. #00596367 12/2009

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Operating Instructions for the BISMARCK model ship, Order No.: 2089 / 2089.G
History of the full-size vessel

• Accurate scale model of the famous former German War Navy’s battleship of 1939.

• The Treaty of Versailles placed a limit of 10,000 tonnes on new warships built by Germany, and

this restricted such vessels to the Deutschland class of armoured ships such as the Graf Spee. It
was not until the signing of the Anglo-German Naval Agreement of June 1935 that Germany
officially gained the right to build battleships with a standard displacement of up to 35,000 t.
However, these limitations were ignored, with the result that the Bismarck’s eventual
displacement in fighting trim was around 42,000 t. When commissioned in August 1940 the
vessel was the world’s largest and most powerful battleship.

• The Bismarck gained notoriety by playing a part in Operation ‘Reinübung’ in conjunction with the
Prinz Eugen. During this mission HMS Hood was sunk by a salvo from the Bismarck. During the
battle the Bismarck was also damaged, so Admiral Lütjens decided to steam back to Brest for
repairs. However, the ship was attacked during this voyage by Swordfish torpedo bombers,
suffering rudder damage as a result, and this made it impossible to escape from the British ships
chasing her. On 27 May she was finally hunted down by two battleships and two heavy cruisers in
the North Atlantic, and went to the bottom about 550 nautical miles from Brest.

• Order No. 2089: model of the Bismarck at the time of Operation ‘Reinübung’ whilst lying at
Bergen.

• Order No. 2089.G: model of the Bismarck at the time of her sinking (with decals) and at the time
of commissioning (without decals).

The model

This boat is a member of the GRAUPNER PREMIUM line, a series of particularly high-quality ready­made models with an unprecedented level of detailing.
The core of this high-quality model is the robust moulded GRP hull, complemented by the
superstructure and deck which are constructed from laser-cut ABS parts. Many of the small items are
of metal, and almost everything is factory-assembled. The hull, parts of the superstructur e, the masts
and fittings are spray-finished using semi-matt paints, and the decals are already applied. The many
details and scale fittings give the boat an impressive scale appearance.
The ample deck openings make it a simple matter to install the RC components, and the procedure is
quickly completed. To prepare the boat for running all you have to do is install the RC components and
the drive battery, carry out a little soldering, and the model is ready for the water.

Specification

Overall length approx. 1670 mm
Beam approx. 240 mm
Overall height approx. 414 mm
All-up weight 14 kg
Scale approx. 1 : 150

Manufacturer’s declaration from Graupner GmbH & Co KG

Contents of the manufacturer’s declaration:

If material defects or manufacturing faults should arise in a product distributed by us in the Federal
Republic of Germany and purchased by a consumer (§ 13 BGB), we, Graupner GmbH & Co. KG, D­73230 Kirchheim/Teck, Germany, acknowledge the obligation to correct those defects within the
limitations described below.
The consumer is not entitled to exploit this manufacturer’s declaration if the failure in the usability of
the product is due to natural wear, use under competition conditions, incompetent or improper use
(including incorrect installation) or external influences.
This manufacturer’s declaration does not affect the consumer’s legal or contractual rights regarding
defects arising from the purchase contract between the consumer and the vendor (dealer).

Extent of the guarantee

If a claim is made under guarantee, we undertake at our discretion to repair or replace the defective
goods. We will not consider supplementary claims, especially for reimbursement of costs relating to
the defect (e.g. installation / removal costs) and compensation for consequent damages unless they

GRAUPNER GmbH & Co. KG D-73230 KIRCHHEIM/TECK GERMANY

No liability for printing errors. We reserve the right to introduce modifications. #00596367 12/2009

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are allowed by statute. This does not affect claims based on legal regulations, especially according to
product liability law.

Guarantee requirements

The purchaser is required to make the guarantee claim in writing, and must enclose original proof of
purchase (e.g. invoice, receipt, delivery note) and this guarantee card. He must send the defective
goods to us at his own cost, using the following address:

Gliders

Brunel Drive, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG242EG

The purchaser should state the material defect or manufacturing fault, or the symptoms of the fault, in
as accurate a manner as possible, so that we can check if our guarantee obligation is applicable.
The goods are transported from the consumer to us and from us to the consumer at the risk of the
consumer.

Duration of validity

This declaration only applies to claims made to us during the claim period as stated in this declaration.
The claim period is 24 months from the date of purchase of the product by the consumer from a dealer
in the Federal Republic of Germany (date of purchase). If a defect arises after the end of the claim
period, or if the evidence or documents required according to this declaration in order to make the
claim valid are not presented until after this period, then the consumer forfeits any rights or claims from
this declaration.

Limitation by lapse of time

If we do not acknowledge the validity of a claim based on this declaration within the claim period, all
claims based on this declaration are barred by the statute of limitations after six months from the time
of implementation; however, this cannot occur before the end of the claim period.

Applicable law

This declaration, and the claims, rights and obligations arising from it, are based exclusively on the
pertinent German Law, without the norms of international private law, and excluding UN retail law.

Important safety notes

You have acquired a kit which can be assembled into a fully working RC model when fitted out with
suitable accessories. However, we as manufacturers have no control over the way you build and
operate your RC model boat, nor how you install, operate and maintain the associated components,
and for this reason we are obliged to deny all liability for loss, damage or costs which are incurred due
to the incompetent or incorrect use and operation of our products, or which are connected with s uch
operation in any way. Unless otherwise prescribed by binding law, the obligation of the GRAUPNER
company to pay compensation, regardless of the legal argument employed, is excluded. This includes
personal injury, death, damage to buildings, damage due to loss of business or turnover, interruption
of business or other direct or indirect consequent damage whose root cause was the operation of the
model.
The total liability in all cases is limited to the amount of money which you actually paid for this model.

This model boat is built and operated at the sole and express responsibility of the operator.
The only way to avoid injury to persons and damage to property is to handle and operate the
model with the greatest care and consideration at all times.

Before you run the model for the first time please check that your private third-party insurance covers
the operation of model boats of this kind. If in doubt, take out a special insurance policy designed to
cover modelling risks.
These safety notes should be kept in a safe place. If you ever dispose of the model, be sure to pass
them on to the new owner.

The following points are important and must be observed at all times:

• This model is not suitable for young persons under fourteen years of age.

• The projecting parts of the model may be sharp, and the aerials and masts could cause eye

injuries.

• Bear in mind that tools can be dangerous; always be careful when handling them.

GRAUPNER GmbH & Co. KG D-73230 KIRCHHEIM/TECK GERMANY

No liability for printing errors. We reserve the right to introduce modifications. #00596367 12/2009

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• Never operate the model when there are persons or animals in the water, as its high speed

constitutes a considerable injury hazard.

• Do not run your model in protected sites, animal or plant sanctuaries or sites of special scientific

interest (SSSIs). Check with your local authority that the stretch of water you wish to use is
suitable for model boats.

• Never run the boat in salt water.

• Never run the boat in adverse conditions, e.g. rain, storm, strong wind, choppy water or strong

currents.

• Read the instructions provided with your radio control system and accessories, and observe the

recommendations.

• Before you run the model check that the radio control system is working reliably, and that all

connections are secure.

• Dry batteries must never be recharged. Only batteries marked as “rechargeable” are safe to

recharge.

• Check the range of the radio control system before each session: ask a friend to walk about 100 m

away from the model carrying the transmitter. Your friend will be able to tell you whether all the
working functions operate correctly at this range.

• Ensure that the frequency you intend to use is not already in use by other modellers. Never run

your boat if you are not certain that your channel is free.

• Bear in mind that other radio equipment and transmitting stations can cause serious interference

to the model. Ensure that no equipment of this type is being used in the vicinity while you are
operating the model.

• Do not carry out any work on the drive train unless you have disconnected and removed the

battery.

• When the drive batteries are connected, keep well clear of the area around the propellers, and

make sure any spectators do the same.

• Do not be tempted to exceed the recommended operating voltage. Higher voltages may cause the

motors or speed controller to overheat, and the electrical cables may even melt. If this should
happen, the model could easily be ruined.

• Check that all the drive train components work smoothly and freely. This applies in particular when

the boat is running, as leaves and other debris may get caught in the power system components.
The motors and speed controller could then be ruined by overloading.

• Dry cells and rechargeable batteries must never be short-circuited. Do not allow them to come into

direct contact with water.

• Remove the rechargeable batteries and the dry cells in the transmitter and receiver pack if the

model is to be transported, or will not be used for a long period.

• Do not subject the model boat to high levels of humidity, heat, cold or dirt.

• Do not subject the model to strong, protracted sunshine, or to radiated heat from hot lamps: the

hull and deck are made of different materials which expand at different rates, and this could cause
cracking.

• Secure the model and your RC equipment carefully when transporting them. They may be

seriously damaged if they are free to slide about.

• Never operate the boat in moving water (e.g. a river), as its low speed may result in the model

drifting off downstream.

• If you have to salvage the model, take care

not to risk your own life or that of others.

• Take particular care to ensure that the boat is completely watertight, as it will sink if too much

water enters the hull. Check the model for damage before every run, and ensure that water cannot
penetrate through the shaft or rudder bearings.

• Allow the boat to dry out thoroughly after each session.

• Be sure to check repeatedly during the first run that the shaft system is watertight. If water enters

the hull through the shaft tubes, remove the shafts and lubricate the tubes with plenty of grease,
Order No. 570.

• NOTE: it is important not to dispose of the electric motors installed in the model in the ordinary

household waste. They must be removed from the boat and taken to the appropriate collection
point for electrical waste.

• NOTE: if you install two drive batteries and wire them in parallel, they should only be connected

while you are operating the boat, as inter-actions can occur between the two batteries under no­load conditions, and may cause damage to the packs. It is always best to connect the batteries
just before running the model, and then disconnect them immediately afterwards. On no account
store the boat with the batteries connected using the parallel lead.