The Type 0 proved to be very versatile, and was used in a variety of roles beyond gunnery observation and reconnaissance, including convoy escort, bomber, anti-submarine patrol, maritime patrol, sea rescue, transport, anti-shipping strikes, and as an area-defense fighter. It served aboard a variety of vessels, including battleships, heavy cruisers, and seaplane tenders. It also saw considerable use by shore facilities and advance seaplane bases. A small number were given to the Royal Thai Navy for use in coastal patrols. Postwar, it briefly saw action in the service of Indonesia in its revolution against the Dutch. 

The raft contains several items. One is a nearly complete aircraft that includes floats, float support struts and wire bracing between the wings. Thoughtfully, three propellers have been provided for, as a hedge against breakage. In the same manner multiple copies of the pilot and observer have been included. A standing figure is also included, which is a nice touch for a staged display.

Overall, the printing of the aircraft is excellent without any obvious print lines, though there are some very fine lines on the underside surfaces. Paint will cover these without issue. The aircraft looks correct in silhouette and is dimensionally correct for wingspan, overall length, and height. Aside from the struts and wire bracing, there are some other fine details. Though an open biplane, both pilot and observer had semi-enclosed windshields, and Black Cat Black has replicated those canopy frames wonderfully. The engine cowling has a recess surrounding the prop mount that highlights the spokes of the radial engine, and cooling flaps surround the base of the cowling. 

If I were to ding this item for anything, I’d point out that there are minimal lines for the control surfaces, which might be obscured by paint. Nor are there any panel lines.

Considerable care and patience is advised when removing the raft from the clamshell (I used a razor blade inserted between the two), and again when separating the print raft attachment points from the aircraft and components. The aircraft is printed in a nose-down position to allow room for both the main float below and the top of the stabilizer above, so raft movement must be limited. I would urge a careful review of the instructions and a visual once-over of the parts before starting to separate the attachment points. It would be easy to mistake some of the print attachments for struts. 

There are no color schemes provided for, so the modeler will have to research the specifics for their aircraft, which is easy to do online these days. The same is true for decals, as none are provided. Fortunately, 1/350 IJN aircraft decals are available from various makers. 

Highly recommended.

Squadron is the US distributor for Black Cat Models. However, this item is so new that it has yet to appear on the Squadron website. So, if you must have it now, it can be ordered on Black Cat’s own website. This is set # AC350159a. There is also a version with folded wings, set # 159b (great for shipboard storage in aircraft wells). At retail, both are €9.13, which equates to US$9.87 each without shipping, as of this writing. 

Review sample courtesy of Black Cat Models.