Black Cat Models Review - Mark 34 Gun Director

Reviewed by Martin J Quinn
April 2024

Black Cat Models has sent some of their newer accessories for review. Among the latest releases is a US Navy gun director in 1/350, Mark 34 Gun Director (x1), set AC350154. The Mark 34 gun director was used to control the main batteries of large gun ships. Among the ships that carried this director were the Alaska & Guam, Wichita, along with numerous units of the Baltimore, Brooklyn and Cleveland Class. Several of the Northampton and Portland class ships also got these directors. The director was topped by a Mk 8 radar, and later, a Mk 13 radar.

Click to enlarge images

The packaging is Black Cat's typical plastic clamshell container. There are two 3D printed runners included, secured to the bottom of the packaging with thick double sided tape.

The larger of the two contains the Mk 34 director itself. The second, smaller, print raft contains two types of radar antennas - the Mk 8 and the Mk 13 Mod 0.

The detail on the director is superb. The director has railings, rails, hatches, ladder rungs and the support for the radar antenna. The only negative comment is that, on the backside of the director, there are visible print lines.

The Mk 8 radar antenna is outstanding. The individual antennas are very well done and finely printed. These are a vast improvement on photo-etch. The later, enclosed, Mk 13 version has some nice surface detail.

Close ups of some of the parts details.


INSTRUCTIONS
If you got to the Black Cat website, and navigate to the page for this part, you will find downloadable directions, which show you how to remove the parts from the print raft.

CONCLUSIONS

I'm really impressed with the finely printed parts on this director set. The rails and ladder rungs on the director are really well done, and the antennas on the Mk8 radar really stand out. Again, the only negative comment I could make is about the visible print lines on the back of the Mk34 director. Still, I think these would be an upgrade to the kit parts, especially kit supplied versions.

This is Black Cat Models Mark 34 Gun Director (x1), set AC350154. The set retails for $8.90 USD, and is available directly from Black Cat Models - who I'd like to thank for this review sample - or from some of our fine sponsors. Recommended!