Ship Review:
SMS Baden


The Baden and Bayern were the final German battleships of World War I, and the only ones to mount 15" guns. Their power and toughness was only matched by the very best that the Allied navies had to offer. It's a pity that neither were finished in time for Jutland.


Firepower: A

The Baden was the most powerful German battleship of the war, and in the hobby, is the only one to get 5.5 units. As such, with the four turret centerline arrangement, she can mount twin stern guns (very close to the water), an excellent 75 round haymaker and a nice bow sidemount.

Other options are available, such as the two haymaker "Death Y" setup with two pumps.

For the dreadnought type battleships, it pretty much doesn't get any better than this.


Speed: D

Again, Baden is still a 28 second ship, and with the same three shaft arrangement will have less acceleration compared to a four shaft ship. Given her heavier displacement, this does start to show against four shafted ships like the QE or Iron Duke.


Manuverability: B

And again, the same triple shaft and twin rudder arrangment will also result in excellent maneuverability. This is where Baden owns QE and Iron Duke, in maneuverability.


Target Factor: A

The Baden is one of the longest 28 second ships, and while this makes her somewhat of a target, it is very much mitigated by her very low freeboard and generous casemate area. She's no easy hit, nor is she an easy kill.


Skill Floor/Ceiling: Moderate/High

Baden is a bit of an odd duck, because much like the Konig, she's a bit more complex and harder to build than Nassau, but the extra room and weight is nice, and her handling is still excellent. You do have to be more careful and protect her sides, though as she's large enough to take plenty of damage. In the hands of a skilled battler, she can be very tough and thuggish, and would make an excellent centerpiece of the battle line.


Conclusion:

Speaking as someone who's owned and battled a Baden, she's a great, rough and tumble battleship who can put the hurt on anyone. Speed issues aside, Baden is tougn and mean, and a joy to battle. She's good looking too. The Strike kit has an excellent hull that makes for an great handling ship. Her only downside is that 28 second speed.


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