Black Cat Models Review

Reviewed by Martin J Quinn
January 2019

A new player has arrived on the scale modeling scene. Black Cat Models from France bills themselves as "...specialists of CAD design, we use the best available softwares and printers to produce a complete range of kits and accessories of unequaled precision and quality at the present day."

Another of their new releases are a set 3D printed 40mm twin Bofors in 1/350, set AC350005, "40mm Bofors twin Mk.1". 40mm Bofors guns - both twin and quad versions - were widely used by the US Navy in World War II. This set from Black Cat Models will allow you to upgrade the kit 40mm twin Bofors found on your model ships.

Click to enlarge images

THE 20mm GUNS

The packaging is a plastic clamshell container, with three 3D printed runners containing the 40mm twin Bofors and Mk. 51 directors, all secured to the bottom of the packaging with thick double sided tape. This prevents the runner from moving during shipping. I did find that the runner is so well secured to the tape, that I had difficulty removing it from the package. As to avoid breakage while taking photographs, I left them affixed to the tape.

There are four guns in the package, spread across two runners. One runner contains the bases, the other contains the guns and gun sights. The third runner has four Mk. 51 directors. The detail is simply terrific. The tread plating on the gun bases looks heavy in the close up photos, but better to the Mk 1 eyeball, even with an Optivisor on. What really stands out are the handrails around the back of the base. They are delicately printed, and look much better than photo-etch. The gun barrels and gun sights are printed as one part, and these - especially the gun sights - are really nice. Finally, there are the four Mk. 51 gun directors. Not only is it a bonus that they are included with the guns, the quality is superb.

Part of what is so impressive is how the 3D printed supports connect to the model. The supports actually change in size and get thinner in diameter as they connect to the model, which will make them easier to remove and leave little or no nub on the part.

Close ups of some of the parts details.

INSTRUCTIONS

There are no instructions in the box, but the packing directs you to the Black Cat Models website. There, on a data page for the particular item, you will find instructions on how to remove the printed supports that are part of the 3D printing process.

CONCLUSIONS

These 3D printed 40mm twin Bofors are outstanding. The print quality is first rate, and the details are excellent. I'm especially impressed with the railing around the back of the guns base and the gun sights. I wish these had been available when I built my last 1/350 Fletcher-class destroyer.

This is Black Cat Models set AC350005, 40mm Mk1 twin They retail for about $12.50 USD, and are available directly from Black Cat Models. Highly recommended.