New Bow Sponsons Now that the stern Sponsons were accurate, the bow ones looked awful, so they were completely reworked by layering with styrene plastic like the stern ones. Here is the first top strip going on. Click Once To Enlarge

The Bugzier On the Deutschland class ships, there was a large elaborate wooden bow decoration called the Bugzier (bow ornament) mounted to the top of the bow surrounded by a metal cage to protect it. It was carved from large wooden panels and painted. Click Once To Enlarge

Although the SMS Pommern is a war grave for 839 men, this did not prevent her from being reportedly salvaged for the armour and non-ferrous metals in the 1950s, although it is not clear to what extent this occurred. Displayed in the front hall of Das Marine-Ehrenmal in Laboe (the German Marine memorial in Laboe Germany), is the Bugzier (bow decoration) removed from the SMS Pommern. For your interest, here are some photos I took of the actual Bugzier removed from Pommern on display at the German Naval Memorial, Laboe. The photos do not give an indication of size, but it is huge, intricate, and amazingly beautiful. I admit that it was a thrill, but at the same time very sad to see this part of the actual Pommern and know that the crew was still at sea. Click Once To Enlarge Click Once To Enlarge

Back to the Pommern Index Page

Completing the Hull Intro / New Rudder / Fixing the Casemates / Booms / Stairs / New Sponsons / Bugzier/ Portholes / Deck Fittings / Railings / Decals / Final Product