North Star Models
1/350 IJN Searchlights


 
 Reviewed by Martin J Quinn
February 2015

North Star Models has released several sets of IJN searchlight upgrade sets in 1/350 scale. 
Each set includes one type of searchlight:
     
  • IJN 30cm searchlights (NSA 350058)
  • IJN 60cm searchlights (NSA 350052)
  • IJN 110cm searchlights (NSA 350034)
  • IJN 150cm searchlights (NSA 350035)
According to IJN expert Dan Kaplan, the searchlights and types of ships they were mounted on are as follows:
  • 30cm searchlights - signal lights on all types of ships
  • 60cm searchlights - secondary searchlights on most ships
  • 110cm searchlights - main searchlights on Battleships, Carriers, and both Heavy and Light Cruisers
  • 150cm searchlights - searchlights on the Yamato Class
Each set of searchlights comes in a plastic bag with a cardboard insert that acts as label and stiffener.  The parts are in a separate, smaller, zip-lock bag, with a small set of instructions folded inside the larger bag. 

 

 click images to enlarge
150cm Searchlights
These searchlights are for the Yamato class battleships.   The set has five searchlights.  Assembly consist of two resin parts, three photo-etch parts and one clear disk for the lens.  The detail on the resin parts is very well done - you can even see the carbon rod inside.  There is relief etching on the photo-etch mounting plate.   Directions are simple, but adequate. 
110cm Searchlights
These are the primary searchlights on Japanese Carriers, Battleships and Cruisers.  The set has ten searchlights.  Assembly consist of two resin parts, three photo-etch parts and one clear disk for the lens.  The resin parts are nicely done, though they aren't as detailed as the larger 150cm lights.   A small photo-etch set is included.  The small instruction sheet is easy enough to follow. 
60cm Searchlights
These searchlights were considered secondary lights on most larger ships.   The set has ten searchlights.  Assembly consist of two resin parts and three photo-etch parts.  Again, the resin parts are nicely done.   There is relief etching on the photo-etch mounting plate.   The instructions are a small double sided piece of paper as before, and sufficient enough. 
30cm Searchlights
These are wee little things.  The set has ten searchlights.  They are TINY, and easily broken off the casting block.  There are only resin parts included with this set - no photo-etch and no instructions. 
 
Conclusions:

These are really nice upgrades for the ships in your Imperial Japanese Navy squadron.  The resin casting is well done - it's especially crisp on the 150cm searchlights - and the photo-etch is nicely done.  The clear plastic lenses in the 150cm and 110cm sets is a great touch.   Most modelers should find these easy enough to assemble.   Highly Recommended.  Thanks to North Star Models for the review sample. 
 

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