Black Cat Models Accessory Review

Black Cat Models
1/350 IJN 120mm/45 single mounts

Reviewed by Martin J Quinn
November 2020

Black Cat Models from France is "turning Japanese". At least, they are turning their attention to Imperial Japanese Navy accessories in 1/350 scale. The latest to arrive is set AC350060, IJN 120mm/45 single mount under protective shield (x2).

The BlackCat website say that "This model of AA gun was found on almost all Imperial Japanese Navy destroyers and escorts during the Pacific War".

According to NavWeapons, "This was an AAA weapon derived from the single-purpose 12 cm/45 (4.7") 3rd Year Type. Most cruisers built in the 1920s and early 1930s were armed with this gun for their secondary batteries. During World War II it was used in coastal batteries and still used afloat on unreconstructed cruisers and on many escort and auxiliary ships as well as the carrier Akagi. Considered to be very reliable weapons." This website also says that these were carried on "Furtaka, Aoba, Myôkô classes, and on Chokai, Maya and Yubari, as well as many smaller escort and auxiliary vessels".

For more information on the weapon, check out the NavWeapon page here.

Click to enlarge images

THE 20mm GUNS

The packaging is the now familiar plastic clamshell container, with the 3D printed runner containing the two twin mounts secured to the bottom of the packaging with thick double sided tape. This prevents the runner from moving during shipping.

There are enough parts to make two 120mm shield guns in the package. Each mount is three parts: the base, the barrel and the shield. The details what we've come to expect from Black Cat - very sharp, well defined and delicate. The mounts have seats and handwheels, the guns have nice printed details on the topside of the weapon, but it's the shields that really stand out, with subtle surface texture and ladders that stand proud of the surface.

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 a PDF on how to remove the printed supports that are part of the 3D printing process.

CONCLUSIONS

Another terrific accessory from Black Cat, this as part of their new line of Imperial Japanese Navy products. These will certainly dress up any of the current crop of 1/350 IJN cruisers or escorts mentioned above.

This is Black Cat Models set AC350060, IJN 120mm/45 single mount under protective shield (x2). They retail for about $10.75 USD, and are available directly from Black Cat Models, who I'd like to thank for this review sample, or from some of our other fine sponsors. Highly recommended.