Since then, Tamiya has been striving to offer merchandise that can truly be called’First in Quality Around the World. Now Tamiya is offering more than 300 different products, both in the fields of precision static models and high performance radio control vehicles. The standard of excellence achieved by Tamiya is regarded as among the very finest in the world of model hobbies. Tirpitz was the second of two Bismarck-class battleships built for Nazi Germany’s Kriegsmarine (navy) during World War II. Work was completed in February 1941, when she was commissioned into the German fleet. After a series of wartime modifications she was 2,000 tonnes (2,000 long tons) heavier than Bismarck, making her the heaviest battleship ever built by a European navy. After completing sea trials in early 1941, Tirpitz briefly served as the centrepiece of the Baltic Fleet, which was intended to prevent a possible break-out attempt by the Soviet Baltic Fleet. While stationed in Norway, Tirpitz was also intended to be used to intercept Allied convoys to the Soviet Union, and two such missions were attempted in 1942. This was the only feasible role for her, since the St Nazaire Raid had made operations against the Atlantic convoy lanes too risky. Tirpitz acted as a fleet in being, forcing the British Royal Navy to retain significant naval forces in the area to contain the battleship. A deck fire spread to the ammunition magazine for one of the main battery turrets, which caused a large explosion. This finely detailed plastic model kit requires assembly and painting.