Black Cat Models
1/350 3in/23 gun


 

Reviewed by Martin J Quinn
August 2022
Black Cat Models from France has sent us some more of their latest products. One of those to arrive is set AC350105, 3in/23 gun (x6). 

According to the NavWeaps website, these guns were "A series of low powered weapons originally designed as boat and landing guns. Mark 4 was a Bethlehem Steel design with a side-swing carrier breech block", and that the "The Mark 14 was a boat gun adapted by the Poole Engineering and Machine Company during World War I as an AA gun for destroyers."  Being that this accessory is an offshoot from Black Cat's USS Ward kit, I'm going to assume this is meant to represent the Mk14 version of this weapon. 

 
Click to enlarge images
THE 3in/23 GUNS
The packaging is the usual plastic clamshell container, with one print raft containing the 3D printed parts attached to the bottom of the packaging with double sided tape.  

There are six 3in/23 guns in the package, all on the single print raft.   These are very finely detailed, with thin barrels and handwheels among the details that stand out.   

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.  As these are printed as one piece, there is no assembly. 

CONCLUSIONS
A very useful accessory from Black Cat Models, especially for those of you who have other manufacturers (older) releases of four stacker destroyers in the stash.  These are very well detailed, and will be a nice upgrade to the original parts in those kits.  I wish I had these when I built my USS Haraden some years back.

This is Black Cat Models set AC350105, 3in/23 gun (x6). The set retails for about $5.25 USD, and are available directly from Black Cat Models, who kindly provided this review sample, or from some of our other fine sponsors.   Highly recommended.


 
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