Black Cat Models Accessory Review - Various IJN Aircraft

Black Cat Models
3-D Printed IJN Early War aircraft sets
(assorted models of A6M2 Zero, D3A1 Val, B5N2 Kate)

Reviewed July 2025
by Dan Kaplan

Black Cat continues to add to its various lines of 1/350 naval accessories. The three types of aircraft covered in this review comprised the air groups of all the Imperial Japanese Navy’s front-line aircraft carriers in the 1941 to late 1942 timeframe. Though there are several offerings of these aircraft on a 1/350 scale in both injected styrene as well as 3D printed form; Black Cat has now broadened its product line with its own versions of these aircraft. Note that Black Cat offers two configurations of each of these types, that of folded and unfolded wings. (A late war A6M5 Zero is offered with unfolded wings only). (NOTE: This is a combined review of three different subject sets that are each sold separately.)

THE REVIEW SETS

The configurations here include unfolded wing versions of the Zero and Kate, while the Val has folded wingtips. All came packed in the standard Black Cat clamshell with each containing one aircraft. Each aircraft is fully formed and printed, excepting its propeller and weapons load out, which are included separately on the raft. Everything is superbly rendered. For the most part, the print lines are invisible to the Mk.1 eyeball except under a magnifier or by using a digital camera. A coat of paint will cover any superficial marring.

All the aircraft are dimensionally correct, with the proper silhouettes and overhead shapes. Each radial engine’s cylinders are partially visible in between the cowling and the prop hub. All aircraft come with their landing gear attached and in the down position. Wheel wells are visible on both the Zero and Kate, while the Val has its dive brakes mounted and the Zero comes with its wing guns mounted. Two propellers (one spare) are attached to each print raft.

A truly nice set of features is that each aircraft is printed with an open cockpit, seat(s), control stick, and open canopy frame. This makes for a more realistic depiction of an aircraft parked aboard an aircraft carrier. Cockpits were generally left open below decks, in some deck parks, when pre-positioned for launch and during most actual aircraft launches.

Each aircraft also comes with a printed pilot and aircrew. Two seated and two standing pilot figures (one spare) are included with the Zero, while both the Kate and the Val come with standing figures in addition to the seated aircrews. I imagine these are meant to show air crew prior to boarding their aircraft, though I supposed they could be used as aircraft handlers as well.

As far as the loadouts go, the Zero comes with a beautifully formed drop tank and two 250kg bombs, which would be appropriate if the A6M2 is used as a late war fighter-bomber. The B5N2 Kate comes with four bombs (probably 250kg type) and four Type 91 aerial torpedoes. The ordinance is beautifully done. The D4Y1 Val also comes with four 250kg bombs.

As always, extreme 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. In my case, given the high degree of handling for the photoshoots, several small components separated from the raft, though fully intact. However, one of the Zero’s wing guns did snap off when I handled it incorrectly. Unhappily.

A6M2 ZERO

Nakajima B5N2

Aichi D3Y1

INSTRUCTIONS

Black Cat usually offers specific instructions and/or guidelines on its website through links on each product page. Interestingly, there are no specific instructions for any of these aircraft, probably because these aircraft are molded as significantly complete, less propellers and weapons loadouts. However, there are multiple views on each product page that can easily guide one to the final configuration.

Elsewhere on their website, there are also recommendations about how to best prepare the pieces for painting. For assembly, CA glue or PVA is recommended, as is airbrushing with acrylic paint, so as not to obscure details.

There is 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.

FINAL THOUGHTS

These are among the most impressive 1/350 3D printed aircraft that I’ve seen to date. Some will think that, like many 3D printed aircraft and accessories, they are perhaps a little on the pricey side given the lack of decals. Yet, I think that they also offer a little more than the typical 3D printed aircraft, given how complete they are. There’s no doubting their quality, though. The individual modeler will need to decide for themselves the value of these pieces.

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.

Zero A6M2 with unfolded wing is set # AC350194a Retail cost is €8.95, which equates to US$10.47*
Zero A6M2 with folded wing is set # AC350194b same
Zero A6M2 with unfolded wing is set # AC350194c same

Nakajima B5N2 with unfolded wing is set # AC350195a Retail cost is €9.45, which equates to US$11.05
Nakajima B5N2 with folded wing is set # AC350195b same

Aichi D3Y1 with unfolded wing is set # AC350196a Retail cost is €9.45, which equates to US$11.05
Aichi D3Y1 with folded wing is set # AC350196b same

All pricing is based on the exchange rate as of this writing and is without shipping costs. Review samples courtesy of Black Cat Models.

*Possibility of group purchase (x3, x6, x12) with decreasing price, per Black Cat website.