Black Cat Models

1/350 IJN Type 93 torpedo tubes - twin mount

 

Reviewed by Martin J Quinn
October 2020
Black Cat Models from France is "turning Japanese".   At least, they are turning their attention to Imperial Japanese Navy accessories in 1/350 scale.   The latest to arrive is set AC350063a, IJN type 93 torpedo tubes twin mount (x2)

According to Wikipedia, The Type 93, (designated for Imperial Japanese calendar year 2593) was a 610 mm (24 in)-diameter torpedo of the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN), launched from surface ships. It is commonly referred to as the Long Lance by most modern English-language naval historians, a nickname given to it after the war by Samuel Eliot Morison, the chief historian of the U.S. Navy, who spent much of the war in the Pacific Theater. In Japanese references, the term Sanso gyorai ("oxygen torpedo") is also used, in reference to its propulsion system. It was the most advanced naval torpedo in the world at the time.  For more information on the weapon, check out the Wikipedia page here.   Lacroix and Wells describe these mounts as the "Type 89 (1929) twin torpedo tube".   This mount was carried by all four of the Takao class cruisers, as built.  Chokai carried hers for entire career, until sunk off Samar in October, 1944.  Similar, but shorter mounts, for Type 90 torpedoes, were carried by many of the 5500 ton class cruisers.  As Dan Kaplan - the walking IJN wiki -  noted that, in 1/350, you probably wouldn't notice the difference in size. 


Click to enlarge images
THE 20mm GUNS
The packaging is the now familiar plastic clamshell container, with the 3D printed runner containing the two twin mounts secured to the bottom of the packaging with thick double sided tape.   This prevents the runner from moving during shipping. 

There are two twin torpedo mounts in the package.   Each twin mount is one part.  The details on these torpedo mounts are very good.   The seats and hand wheels for the mounts operators are very small, delicate and well printed.   The hand wheels are especially impressive. 

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. 
CONCLUSIONS
Another terrific accessory from Black Cat, this as part of their new line of Imperial Japanese Navy products.   These will certainly dress up your Takao class cruisers. 

This is Black Cat Models set AC350063a, IJN type 93 torpedo tubes twin mount (x2). They retail for about $10.50 USD, and are available directly from Black Cat Models, who I'd like to thank for this review sample, or from some of our other fine sponsors.   Highly recommended.


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