Black Cat Models Accessory Review

Black Cat Models
1/350 US Navy SC-4 Radar

Reviewed by Martin J Quinn
October 2021

Black Cat Models from France has sent us some of their latest products. One of those to arrive is a set AC350091c, US Navy SC-4 radar (x2) .

According to various internet sources, by 1939, radar had evolved to the point where is was practicable to use it in combat. The British had given a great deal of thought as to how radar could be used effectively, and this research proved extremely valuable during the Battle of Britain. Meanwhile, the Americans were pursuing their own, independent, research into radar. From 1930 to 1940, the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory explored the use of radio for ranging and detection, and in 1935, the Committee on Naval Appropriations of the U.S. House of Representatives provided $100,000 to the Naval Research Laboratory for the development of radar. The research led to the first U.S. radar, the XAF, which was permanently installed on USS New York (BB-34) in 1939. By the time the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941, 20 radar units had been installed on selected ships.*

SC was a surveillance radar used in World War II, predominantly in the Pacific theater of war. It was installed on destroyers and larger ships to search for planes and surface vessels and for control of interception.

The SC radar was fitted with an antenna with four rows of each 3 dipoles mounted in front of a common grating reflector (2.6 × 2.1 m). The SC-2 radar used an antenna with two rows of each 6 dipoles mounted in front of a common grating reflector (4.6 × 1.4 m). The SC radar was capable of detecting a medium bomber at 1 000 feet and 30 nautical miles. The SC-1's range is extended to 75 miles – the same as that of SC-2 and SC-3.+

*Partially sourced from Naval Heritage and History Command website.
+Partially sourced from the radartutorial.eu website.

Click to enlarge images

THE 2cm FLAK

The packaging is the usual plastic clamshell container, with a single print raft attached to the bottom of the packaging with double sided tape.

There are two SC-4 radar antennas (with mount) included. The radar and supports are an intricate and complex piece of printing, with fine detail and dipoles that stand proud of the radar screen. The whole assembly looks very fragile, so use caution when removing it from the print raft.

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

This SC-4 radar is another terrific accessory from Black Cat. As mentioned with the previous SK radar review, I've assembled more than a few photo-etch SC radars, and it's always a challenge to get the brace onto the PE screen, without clogging the latter with glue. This 3D printed version eliminates that step, will look much more realistic, plus it already has the base included, which will make it easier to handle and attach to your model.

This is Black Cat Models set AC350091c, US Navy SC-4 radar (x2). It retails for about $6.80 USD, and is 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!