This is my second German kit.  The other is a Graupner Wiesel (also on this site) that had similar problems with not conforming to the real boat.

The Boat as Received

     Below are some photos of the Dusseldorf 2 model  as received (not including the box of spare parts, drawings, and instructions) :

Why the Model Kit is Different from the Real Dusseldorf 2

     The most obvious difference is the overall length of the boat which is revealed in the long forward deck.  The real Dusseldorf 2 is 33,89m (111.2 feet) long.  The marking on the box and in the instructions says the real boat is 29,3m (96 feet) long.  (The other measurements seem to be close.)  This means the difference between the current real boat and the kit's (mis-)information is 4,59m (15.2 feet).  That means at 1/25 scale, the kit's model is 93mm (7.6 inches too short).  That is a big, noticeable difference.

     In 1979, the real Dusseldorf 2 fire boat was lengthened byover 5 meters (~15 feet).

     It is quite remarkable that the model of this boat has been in production for about 40 years.  Probably many of the owners of the Dusseldorf 2 model do not realize that this is not a true or reasonably true facimallie of the current real fire boat, but that of the pre-1979 modification.  Obviously a lot of work went into the production of the kit as well as the model builders.

Are there any differences between the model and the kit not caused by the shortening of the deck?

     Yes.  To the best of my knowledge, the real Dusseldorf 2 was built in the mid-1960's.  Along the same reasoning, the kit seems to have started production in the 1980's.  Maintenance and technology upgrades were very probably made.  Electronics (radar, antenna, devices, etc.) as well as mechanical replacements looklike they were completed as well.

     It is better to compare photos of the real updated Dusseldorf 2 to the model and check for yourself.  Key areas I noticed is that the fire monitors are now remotel controlled rather that the manual ones on the model.  There are now two fire monitor rather than three (the aft monitor on the superstructure has been removed).  There seems to be more plumbing near the stern.  There is some sort of radar/communications on the platfor where the third fire monitor was mounted.  A telescoping light tower is on the aft deck.  (Too much more to list here.)

Lets Look at What we are Trying to Achieve

    Using the photo at the right, the model is on the top and the real Duseldorf 2 is  on the bottom.  The hull will be seperated and moved apart the desired amount (more later).  This will be done directly midshps, not the actual middel but where the hull at the deck level is the widest.  The cut up the sides will be perpendicular to the keel, (the very bottom of the boat) which is to remain straight and even.

     This is about the same technique used in ship and airplane modifications (and I guess converting automobiles to limos).

     A "plug" that matches the hull shape will fitted into the gap and strengthened.  This plug is not solid but will replicate the thickness of the hull with some strengthening and overlapping pieces for strength.

     The decks and supersructure (forward bottom) will need to be modified or replaced.

     The good part about this is that the boat will not only look better but willl allow more space internally for all of the gear that goes in there!
    

Credit for Information on Converting the Dusseldorf 2 model to the Correct Length and Imporvements

      Upon noticing the difference between the model and the real fire boat I did some web searching on other builder of the model to see if anyone else made the modifications.  (I am guessing that thousands of this model kit have been manufactured, sold, and built around the world.)  So far I have found only two, possibly three upgraded, and that is Christian Dahmen in Germany.

     I contacted Mr. Dahmen and he sent me his web site domain name and upon perusing it I found a lot of information, includings drawings and many photographs.  I encourage anyone wanting to make this model upgrade to the model to view this site: dahmen.de as it is very helpful.

     Did you already build your model?  Well, Mr. Dahmen did and you can see photos (one of many is at the right) where he had cut the hull to lengthen it, even with many components inside.  I am much luckieer as the previous owner had not cemented the deck down so I was able to remove almost everything.

     Thank you Mr. Dahmen for documenting and sharing your experience in odifying your Dusseldorf 2 fire boat model!

Before You Start

     A little warning here... as you can imagine this modification will need some advanced skills in model building.  You will be cutting the hull and replacing the center section wich in the end will require strength and rigidness as well as stright alignment.  Disclaimer:  Any work done by the modeler is their own responsibility.  I have done my best to provide the information I used to make this modification.  Your model, skills, tools, materials, adhesives, etc., and instance may vary from the way I modified this model.

Step 1: Preparing the model

     To start, it is best to remove as much as possible from the model.  This will make the model lighter and easier to handle and reduce potential damage to the electronics and parts.  This is a good opportunity to remove and parts that will be eventually removed or relocated.  If you wish to put in a bow thruster, once the hull is cut you can get itn to forward lowere area to do so.

     Before cutting the model locate where you want to cut it.  I recommend marking the top outer sides of the hull by measuring (D i m s    h e r e ) back from the outside of the transome (rear of the boat).  Then add support strips that will maintain the prfile of the hull shape after it is cut.   Then trace the profile on to a piece of card stock paper which will be ysed to make the former for the new section.

     I recommend a good flat surface to set the boat on.  You can add shims and hot glue or tape them in place at various points along the hull's forward part, then evenly slide the hull back the length of the new section to be added and do the same for the rear part of the hull.

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Info

more to come .......