Hedgehog Mark 15
Ahead-Throwing ASW Weapon 

AC350151

Black Cat Models, 1/350 Scale, Printed Resin

Reviewed by Devin Poore, August 2024
 
PARTS
The "Hedgehog" system grew out of a mortar concept. It fired contact-fuzed rounds forward of the ship, instead of the depth charge method of a set-depth detonation weapon dropped from the stern or fired over the side of the ship. Able to fire up to 24 mortars at a time, the weapon could carpet an area forward of the attacking ship, the only direction WWII sonar could "hear". The rounds sank faster than a depth charge, and since they only exploded if they hit something, there was less disturbance of sonar during an attack. Highly effective -- nearly twelve times more so than standard depth charges -- the system saw widespread use later in the war. The Mark 15 mount, the subject of this Black Cat set, utilized the same concept as the Mark 11 system, but was affixed to a quad 40mm mount base, allowing the launcher to be aimed more precisely. It could also be fired remotely from inside the ship.

Packaged in a clear blister pack, both mounts are 3D printed, attached to a single printing raft, which is affixed with double-sided tape to the inside of the blister. The mounts are cleanly printed; the only layer lines I could find are on the fine guard rails that border each mount, and those are only visible under the magnification of a macro lens. My example does exhibit some deformation, looking as it they are "short shot" (to use injection molding terminology) along the bottom of the control boxes on the starboard side. There are no supports under the lower corners and instead of being square the boxes show a definite curve. I contacted Black Cat directly about this issue. They were unaware of it, and will correct it for all future products. As both mounts are still attached to the printing raft, right out of the 3D printer, supports will need to be snipped clear. Based on previous experience with Black Cat components, removal from the print raft and support structures should be easily accomplished, using a sharp pair of cutters/nippers. 

There are no instructions included in the set, but an illustrated single-sheet can be downloaded from the company's website, located HERE. The diagram is very useful in identifying the printing supports which need to be removed.
A MK 15 mount is pictured aft of a dual 5" gun turret. Further aft is a fixed MK11 mount. 
CONCLUSIONS
As with all of Black Cat's 1/350th scale accessories, these are a well designed, highly detailed, and an easy upgrade to existing plastic and resin model kits. Their one-piece nature eliminates the need for adding fine photo-etched details to make an accurate replica. Even though there was a defect in this review sample, I'm very impressed with Black Cat's quick response to my reporting of it and their ability to rectify it so rapidly.

Highly recommended. Thank you to Black Cat Models for the review sample. 


© ModelWarships.com