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June 2025 |
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| HISTORY | |||||||||
| Barges were a fairly efficient means of transporting bulk cargo to shipyards. They were inexpensive to build, operate, and move. Barges were generally non-self-propelled (designated YFN), so there were moved into position by a tugboat which could then be used for other tasks once the barge was delivered. The barges typically measured 110 feet long and 32 feet wide with an 8-foot draft and could carry a load of 550 long tons. | |||||||||
| Black Cat Models YF/YFN Covered Lighter | |||||||||
| Black Cat Models, as part of their expanding line
of diorama accessories, has recently released a series of different barges.
The bulk cargo barge, Product Number DD350001a, is the version with a recessed
cargo hold. The parts are fully 3D printed and include the barge and a
small raft with bitts, cleats and chocks. The parts come packaged in a
zip lock bag.
The barge is nicely done with side strakes, flat bottom and shallow outlined location markers for the various parts that are to be fitted. In 1:350 scale, the barge should measure 3.77 inches and the model barge approximately that. The scale width should be 1.10 inches but the model barge is a wee bit more at about 1.18 inches, but that is a minor discrepancy in my opinion. The small raft of 3D printed parts includes mooring bitts, cleats and chocks and are well done and have tiny attachment points for easy removal. Closeup in the photos you can see some print lines, but in actual size and painted, they will not be visible. One extra of each part is provided in case of loss or damage. |
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| INSTRUCTIONS | |||||||||
| A single sheet of instructions is available for download from a link on the product page. The assembly illustration shows the locations of the various deck fittings. | |||||||||
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| CONCLUSIONS | |||||||||
| The Black Cat Models bulk cargo barge, is a useful accessory to help populate a busy shipyard or harbor vignette. The quality of the parts is up to par with what we have come to expect from Black Cat Models. This accessory is highly recommended. My thanks to Black Cat Models for the review sample. |
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