Black Cat Models Review

Black Cat Models
1/350 USN 36" Seachlights

Reviewed by Martin J Quinn
June 2019

Black Cat Models from France continues to build up their portfolio of new 3D printed accessories. Among the latest releases is a pair of 36 inch searchlights for US Navy ships. You can find these searchlights on many US ships.

Photo of actual USN 36" searchlight

THE 20mm GUNS

The packaging is Black Cat's typical plastic clamshell container. The 3D printed runner containing the searchlights is secured to the bottom of the packaging with thick double sided tape, which prevents the runner from moving during shipping. As with earlier reviews of Black Cat products, to avoid breakage while taking photographs, I left the parts affixed to the tape.

There are four searchlights included in the package. The detail is really terrific. What really jumps out are the grab handles and the bracing inside the body of the searchlight.

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 searchlights are very well done. The print quality is very good, the details are outstanding. I'm especially impressed with the grab handles and the interior brace. These will certainly add an extra level of detail to the US Navy ships in your scale model fleet. Highly recommended.

This is Black Cat Models set AC350022, 36" searchlight. The set retails for about $5.60 USD, and is available directly from Black Cat Models. Highly recommended.